Our Worship and Beliefs

Our Worship

Our worship style is historical and liturgical. When you enter the church you will immediately observe that the atmosphere is one of reverence, with people quietly praying and listening to the organ prelude.

During a worship service we sing hymns, listen to scripture readings, pray together, and gather as one at the Lord’s Table to receive the holy bread and wine. All baptized Christians are welcome to participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Episcopalians do not ascribe to any special beliefs other than those believed by ALL Christians set out in the historical Apostle’s Creed, and expanded on in the Nicene Creed.

We know we are not perfect and do not claim to be the “only true church,” but we are a church that accepts and loves all manner of people – recognizing the dignity of every human being, as we seek to proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.

We worship God, love Jesus Christ, and seek to serve our community in the power of the Holy Spirit.

What We Believe

As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.  

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.   

The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and sexual orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.

  • “It is a most invaluable part of that blessed ‘liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,’ that in his worship different forms and usages may without offense be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 9). 

    The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer. 

  • “Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 236).  

    The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible. 

  • “Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292). 

    A mini-catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the baptismal covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.  

  • Offered in a question-and-answer format, the catechism found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845-862) helps teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith. 

  • “The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 851). 

    In the two foundational statements of faith—the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at communion—we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us. 

  • “Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857). 

    Besides baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith.  

    Found in the Book of Common Prayer, these include: 

    • Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419  

    • Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452 

    • Matrimony (Christian marriage), pp. 422-438 

    • Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555 

    • Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467