What is an Episcopal Church Service like?

Question

I have been away from the church for a couple of years (long story).

But I'm pondering going back, and feel a certain afinity with the Episcopal church. I'd love to go check out a service, but I'm a little nervous about going to a service that is so different from what I grew up with.

Can anyone fill me in on what I should expect (and what I should know in advance) so I don't look completely stupid?

Thanks!

Thanks to those who have taken the time to give long answers. To answer the questions some folks have had, I think the reason I'm drawn to the Episcopal chuch is because (based what I've seen on the news) they are not afraid to think and wrestle with questions. (Which is nice because I'm ALWAYS struggling with questions!)

I know some folks are completely turned off by their acceptance of alternate lifestyles (and/or women in leadership). But I think they're missing the larger point. (Not that I know what the larger point is, but that's my point!)

Answer 1

It's very much like a Catholic service, with a few Anglican tweaks here and there.
It usually starts out with a song, as the priest and some church people follow him into the church towards the front. Then there's an opening prayer.
After that, the first lesson is read, which is usually from the Old Testament.
A Psalm is sung or read.
The second lesson is read.
The priest reads a section from a gospel. After that, he gives a sermon based on the read gospel.
The Nicene Creed (The Nicene Creed http://www.creeds.net/ancient/nicene.htm) is said by everyone.
After that is a time of peace-offering, where people in the congregation shake hands and say, "Peace be with you."
Then there's a collection of people's financial offerings to the church.
A hymn is sung.
The priest reads of how the bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ and blesses them.
The "Our Father" is said by everyone.
Communion is done. Everyone is allowed to participate, or sit it out. Communion is done by going to the front of the church and the priest hands you a piece of bread (or communion wafer.) Then someone else offers a sip of wine to you. Some people eat their bread right away and sip from the cup. Others keep the bread in their heads in front of them for the person with the wine to take, dip it in the wine, and then place it on the person's tongue. Some people want to be a part of communion but don't want to receive the bread and wine, they mutely ask for a blessing by crossing their hands over their hearts.
Another hymn is sung.
Final prayers are said.
A hymn is sung as the priest walk back to the back of the church to greet everyone leaving the church.


Don't worry about looking out of place. The Episcopal church is used to refugees from other churches who don't know the routines.
There's some standing, sitting, and kneeling, but if you're uncomfortable with standing or kneeling, you will not get weird looks.

I hope yours is a good experience.

Answer 2

First of all, don't worry. You will most likely be welcomed with open arms. Most Episcopal churches have bulletins now that tell you what page of the prayer book you should be on. Do whatever you are comfortable with and watch people around you. There is not really anytime you have to kneel but do stand for the Gospel reading. You are welcome to take communion, but don't if it makes you uncomfortable in anyway. The service will open with a hymn. Next will be some opening acclamations and the Gloria. (It's all in order in the prayer book which is red) Next will come the collect, the Old Testament reading, the Psalm, the New Testament or Epistle reading, and then the Gospel. Next there will be the sermon or homily. After that we have the Nicene Creed and the Prayers of the People. Next, we pass the peace. Usually, you just shake hands with those around you and say "Peace of the Lord be with you". Then there will be another hymn and the offertory while the priest prepares for communion. Now, there is the blessing of the bread and wine. Next is communion. After that, there is a final prayer. Then the priest gives a blessing and there is a final hymn followed by the dismissal. This is how it is at my church but most Episcopal churches are like this. I hope you enjoy the service.

Answer 3

The Episcopal church in the US is a little more liberal. The service is a little more catholic but with less smells and bells. Biship Spong is one of the more liberal leaders and is a prolific writer on the subject of Christianity. If you feel nervous, it's the churches fault, not yours.

Answer 4

Ah, the Catholic tinfoil hat brigade is out in tension, I see. look, no offense to Catholics. Heck, my spouse is from a Catholic kinfolk. yet this agency of what's "actual" and "no longer actual" and "valid" and "no longer valid" is a team of malarkey. Transubstantiation isn't stated in scripture. Paul himself no longer purely stated the clergymen would desire to be married, yet even appointed 2 diverse women human beings to function clergymen, one among whom exchange into sent to Rome to serve over the persons of the international's maximum severe city of the time. The Anglican church broke off with Catholicism by using fact the Pope does not grant Henry a divorce (which exchange into difficulty-loose prepare on the time in royal marriages without male difficulty) by using fact the Pope exchange into attempting to style a Hapsburg alliance against the French. This of direction got here on the heels of the Protestant Reformation, the reaction against the church's wholesale corruption. ok, have we dealt with the pat denunciations of the Episcopal faith? Now, all that being reported, there are distinctive similarities between the two church homes. although, there are significant theological adjustments.

Answer 5

I had some wine and bread once( all I remember). Lots of White people too.

Answer 6

Openly lesbian and gays on display, and anything goes. They teach no different than what you would find being taught by a pimp in an urban ghetto.

Why not try joining the original and true Church, the Catholic Church?

Here's a link to a good Catholic website if you would be interested:
http://www.catholic.com/
.

Answer 7

why do you feel "afinity" with Episcopal? You like calling sin "ok" too?

Its like Catholic, only 1% less BORING

Answer 8

it is Roman Catholic Service light

All the kneeling and half the guilt

I don't know but that was what I was told.

Answer 9

Go and see.