The Episcopal Church Believes...
In The Holy Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments. We believe God spoke to his people as it is recorded therein. We believe The Bible contains all doctrines necessary for salvation and the Good News of Jesus Christ, his Son, who gave his life for our sins.

In the Creeds: The Apostles Creed, and the Nicene Creed. These ancient summaries of our faith contain the elements of what Episcopalians (and Anglicans worldwide) believe.

The Statements of Faith as Found in its Catechism: Throughout history the church has used a catechism to help teach its faithful about belief and practice in the world.

In tradition: It draws on the Good News of Jesus as proclaimed and lived by his followers throughout the ages.

In reason: It believes in teaching, scholarship, and learning.

The Book of Common Prayer...
Originally prepared in England in 1789, it contains worship services for morning, evening, the Holy Communion (also called Holy Eucharist), the Great Sacraments of life (baptism, marriage, communion, etc.), the Psalms, and prayers for “all sorts and conditions of men.” It is used worldwide wherever Anglicans worship although it may have national variations. The prayers and worship services contained therein not only come from Scripture and the Liturgy (the work of the people: worship) of the early church, but they are revised periodically. It is also an outstanding guide for personal worship and devotion.

The Worship Services
Eucharist: The central act of worship for Episcopalians and Anglicans is The Holy Communion, also called The Holy Eucharist. It was instituted by Jesus on the night before he died. He took ordinary table bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to his disciples, telling them that it was his body. With the wine, he blessed it, gave it to them, and told them it was his blood. Episcopalians relive this act every time the take Communion.

Holy Baptism: The service of incorporation into the followers of Jesus, Christians. In the New Testament Jesus allowed himself to be baptized by John the Baptist. This was the beginning of his ministry. Whether a person is baptized as a child or adult is less important than the very act of Baptism itself.

Other Worship Services are provided for in the Book of Common Prayer. Some are for certain times such as morning, noon, evening, daily devotions, seasons, and special days of the year. Others are for events such as Confirmation, Marriage, Thanksgiving for a Birth, Ministration to the Sick, and Death.

Special Symbols, Words, Appearances, and Actions. The Episcopal Church uses many of these in part because they are an aspect of worshipping an Almighty God, who cannot be defined by every-day words and actions. They are not meant to confuse; they often serve as a link to legacies of the past even as worshipers are empowered to move into the future.

The Ordained Clergy are individuals who have felt the call of God to serve as ministers to the people. From the New Testament and early church evolved deacons, priests, and bishops. They have received training at our seminaries. Deacons emphasize service in specific ways. Priests generally minister to congregations, and bishops are elected and consecrated to preside over dioceses. The Episcopal Church does have monastic orders; and therefore, it also has brothers and nuns.

For specific questions or to ask for prayer, please use the information posted at the bottom of this page.

We invite you to consider joining this church. Because every person is unique and circumstances vary, we ask that you contact us for a conversation. Your concerns and requests will be kept confidential.

His Peace+
Father Peter