The Episcopal
Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with 70
million members in 163 countries. We are a community of Christians
bound together by our belief that Holy Scripture contains the very
core of all Christian faith. Through the many ancient, as well as
modern, stories that connect us to Jesus and his teachings, we discover
daily God's hope and call to us in our life together.
We live out these core beliefs through:
- Worship and church programs
- Reaching out to the community
- Sharing our story with others
- Seeking God's love together in study and prayer
- Giving of our means and talents to the greater purpose of
God's work
The Book of Common Prayer
The Book of Common Prayer is our guide to worship and devotion.
The Book of Common Prayer can be complicated even for lifelong
Episcopalians and seem even more bewildering for visitors and
newcomers. Although this is brief, we hope to answer some of the
questions you may have and make worship easier for you.
Our current Book of Common Prayer, revised in 1979, was originially
compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Crammer, in 1549.
There are more than 70 million Anglicans (Episcopalians) in 163
countries throughout the world, using a Book of Common Prayer
in their own language, reflecting our diversity and ethnic backgrounds.
The Book of Common Prayer is a collection of ancient and modern
prayers and worship services for occasions when the community gathers
and for individual use as well. It allows everyone to participate,
reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship
experience, whether the service is a celebration or a solemn occasion.
It is a guidebook for daily Christian living.
The Book of Common Prayer has been a source of comfort, joy and
inspiration, a unique treasure in the Christian worship for more
than 400 years. For more information about the Book of Common
Prayers please visit the Episcopal
Church website.
The Sacraments
In the Episcopal Church we take part in certain regular acts
of worship. These are called sacraments or reenactments of Christ's
ministries on earth. The two primary sacraments are Baptism and
Holy Communion.
We believe that God is actively present in the world and in us.
In the sacraments we realize his presene and his favor towards
us. Through the sacraments, which are freely given to us by God,
our sins are forgiven, our minds are enlightened, our hearts stirred
and our wills strengthened.
These sacraments are contained in the worship services found
in the Book of Common Prayer, a book used for worship and as a
guide for Christian life. A complete outline of the Episcopal
faith can be found on pages 845-862 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Join us this Sunday and experience
for yourself the love and the presence of God in an Episcopal
Church.