What Should I Expect When I Visit an Episcopal Church?

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/visitors_17059_ENG_HTM.htm

Can I take Communion at St. Philip’s?

All baptized Christians—no matter age or denomination—are welcome to “receive communion.” Episcopalians invite all baptized people to receive, not because we take the Eucharist lightly, but because we take our baptism so seriously. 

Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during the Communion to receive a blessing from the priest.

Upon what are the beliefs of the Episcopal Church based?
Scripture, (the Bible) which we considered inspired by God and through which we hear of:

1) God’s work in nature and history;

2) the life and teachings of Jesus Christ; and 3) the Good News of God’s Kingdom.

Reason, which is one of the capacities that God created within us. Reason is more than logical analysis. It includes the intuitive way of thinking and knowing and is therefore prayerful, contemplative reflection on contemporary human experience and knowledge in the light of the Scriptures and tradition.

 Tradition, refers to the experiences, customs and practices of the historic Christian community of faith. It encompasses Scripture, elements of worship, pastoral letters from bishops, actions of various councils of the church, and historic documents such as the “Articles of Religion” and catechisms. 

If I was a member of another church, how do I become a member of
St. Philip’s?

If the parish you are transferring from was an Episcopal one, a Letter of Transfer is required from that parish. This is necessary to remove your name from the register of members of the former parish. If the former congregation was not an Episcopal one, a Letter of Transfer isn’t necessary. As a matter of courtesy however, the appropriate thing to do is to notify the former church so they can remove your name from their records. We will need information regarding the exact date and place of your Baptism to register you as a baptized communicant of St. Philip’s. 

How do I maintain my membership at St. Philip’s?

All baptized persons including children are members of St. Philip’s, however, in order to vote at the annual parish meeting, you must be at least 16 or older and be regular in your attendance at Sunday services, contribute financially to the support of the parish and receive Holy Communion at least three times per year.

What is St. Philip’s stance on Christian stewardship and charitable giving?

We believe it is the duty of all Christians to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God. This means we: 1) cultivate a reverence for the creation and the right use of God’s gifts; 2) generously and consistently offer our time, talent, and treasure for the mission and ministry of the Church at home and abroad; 3) encourage adoption of the biblical standard of the tithe (10%) for charitable giving; and, 4) foster prudent provision for the well-being of ourselves and our families by making wills that arrange for the disposal of temporal goods, not neglecting to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses

How do I make arrangements to be married at St. Philip’s?

Wedding Guidelines