The Episcopal Church is a modern faith with ancient roots that go back to the original church founded by Jesus Christ. In its modern expression it encompasses many traditions - Protestant, Catholic, liberal, conservative, etc. Descending from the Church of England, it is part of the Anglican Communion, a worldwide Christian Community.
Episcopal means "bishop." Our clergy - bishops, priests, and deacons - are ordained in an apostolic order that reaches back to the time of the Apostles themselves.
Worship and spiritual life in the Episcopal Church are centered in the Book of Common Prayer, first published in England in 1549. The first American Book was published in 1789, and most recently revised in 1979. The Prayer Book along with the Bible, and the authorized hymnal provide the foundations of our life, worship, and teaching. Also our unity.
The Episcopal Church is a liturgical church. At St. Andrew's the principal service is always the Holy Eucharist (communion). We are mostly a traditional parish, now wrestling with incorporating more contemporary expressions of worship into our liturgy.
For many the Episcopal Church is a bridge between Roman Catholicism with its rigid authority, and Protestant churches in their various expressions from liberal to fundamental to literalistic. In the Episcopal Church you don't have to stop thinking when you walk through the door. We like to say, "Christ came to take away your sins, not your mind." We are a Church that is deeply loyal to the Prayer Book and our spiritual beliefs, but flexible in practicing the faith.
The Episcopal Church often speaks to seekers and those who do not claim to have all the answers, but would like to join others in the journey of searching for truth. Faith and thought, even doubt and uncertainty coexist in this Church. Whether you were born once or twice or never (in the spiritual sense), you can find a home here. We believe in a loving, forgiving, merciful, graceful God, and everything we do reflects this basic conviction.
If you'd like to find out more, or if you're interested in seeing a Prayer Book, feel free to call 763-7636.