An
overview of the Episcopal
Church
Belief
Episcopalians
believe in a Trinitarian God, which means a God of
creation, redemption, and constant presence and love.
This belief is stated in forms called Creeds that are
said together at worship services.
We
believe that the church is Christ living and visible in the
world. This does not mean that any group is perfect. In fact,
belonging to a church is an exercise in patience, forbearance,
and love. But, at every baptism, all the people are asked again
to renew their own baptismal covenant. One of the questions
is "Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread and in the prayers?" We believe
that we are called to continue practices that date back to Jesus.
Tthe Reverend Ben Brockman, Rector, The Reverend Mary Anne Osborn, Associate Rector, and The Right Reverend Andrew Smith, Bishop of Connecticut with a
St. Paul's Confirmand. May, 2005
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Seasons: Lent
In the early Christian church Lent--which is an Anglo-Saxon word that refers to the lengthening of the daylight hours--was a penitential period of fasting in the weeks before Easter, probably originating in the fasting of candidates for baptism. Although different churches reckoned the period of time in different ways, a forty day period was relatively common, the number forty being suggested by the fasts of Moses, Elijah, and our Lord himself. In the first centuries the fast was strictly observed, only one evening meal a day being permitted, and no meat, fish, eggs or milk products allowed event at those. By the Middle Ages, the fast had relaxed enough to allow even the religious to eat a meal by noon, and fish was added to the list of permissible foods. Our church and the Roman Catholic church sill call for fasting on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and the Eastern Orthodox churches forbid meat, fish, eggs, and milk products even today.
In the Episcopal Church Lent is generally observed as a period of penance marked both by special almsgiving and by increased devotional and study time, while decisions to fast or abstain from other activities are generally left up to the choice of the individual. The Book ofCommon Prayer, commends us to observe a holy Lent, “by self-examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God’s holy word” (BCP, p. 265).
Many Episcopalians make use of the Rite of Reconciliation (BCP, pp. 447 ff.) as a form of special self-examination and penitence during this season. The clergy of this parish are available for this purpose, as are clergy of other parishes, as well as monastic or retired clergy. This rite emphasizes, as does the Lenten liturgy, that our God is a gracious God “who desires not the death of a sinner,” but lovingly embraces all who turn to God in faith and hope (Ezekiel 33:11).
During Lent, the liturgical color is purple, the color associated with penitence. Pewter communion vessels and simple wooden crosses replace the customary silver ones, and the service begins with the penitential office. Greenery rather than flowers adorn the altar. We return to Eucharistic Prayer A during Rite II services. The Gloria in Excelsis, the Doxology, and the Alleluia are omitted. A Solemn Prayer and dismissal conclude the service.
Liturgy
Episcopalians are "liturgical," meaning we worship using a set of
texts, which are found in the Book of Common Prayer. Not only will
you know pretty much what to expect when you go to any Episcopal service, the
words for that service are in the hands of the people.
These
services tell a story and act it out. For instance,
at every Eucharist celebration the people act out
the Gospel story of the Last Supper, eating a piece
of bread and taking a sip of wine because Jesus told
us to do so, in remembrance of him. Similarly, the
baptism of Jesus began for Christians a rite of acceptance
that makes use of the symbolism of water.
Because
the liturgy draws into the story through the use
of all senses, services are beautiful, dignified,
and yet, invariably human. Do not be afraid of "making
a mistake." The Prayer Book provides the words
you will need and the small print gives instructions
about standing and kneeling. But even these customs
vary in different congregations. You will notice
that there are different practices even in the same
church.
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Alternatively,
you can find out more through the sites listed
below and we welcome you to E-mail the Reverend
Ben Brockman with questions @ stpaulsffld@juno.com.
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Instructed Eucharist, RITE II (Part 1 of 2)
The Liturgy of the Word
