The Episcopal Church
2025 Advent and Christmas Resources
In Luke’s telling of the Christmas story, startled shepherds are the first to hear that good news of great joy given to all people. Since then, through generations and generations, across the world, we keep sharing this Good News, receiving signs from God that, in the coming of Jesus Christ, we have received the greatest […]
Changes to Sermon That Work
Leer en español Dear Sermons That Work readers: As we begin looking toward the beauty and wonder of Advent and Christmas, we wanted to share some changes we’re making to our resources, just in time for the new liturgical year. The Episcopal Church and Forward Movement, an outstanding Episcopal ministry with a mission to “inspire […]
Frequently Asked Questions about Prayer and Worship
The Lord’s Prayer (Contemporary) Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name, your kingdom come, you will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial, and deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power […]
What to Expect When You Visit
Worship in the Episcopal Church Sunday is traditionally when Episcopalians gather for worship. The principal weekly worship service is the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, or Mass. In most Episcopal churches, worship is accompanied by the singing of liturgical, meaning that the congregation follows service forms and prays from texts that don’t change greatly from […]
Who is Jesus to You?
We asked you on a survey to answer the question: Who is Jesus to you? Below are some of your responses. Christ I see Christ in every person I meet. This makes me think that Jesus is not some abstract idea or demagogue; he is every person I encounter. “What so ever you do to […]
What is a Trinitarian God?
One of the most difficult to explain, and often misunderstood concepts in the Christian faith is the belief in a trinitarian God, one God with three aspects. Often characterized as the ‘Father,’ Son,’ and ‘Holy Spirit,’ the trinity represents God the Father/Creator, Jesus Christ the Son and Savior, and the Holy Spirit, or the creative, […]
What Makes us Christian?
In spite of two thousand years of growth and change, there are still some hallmarks that distinguish Christianity from all other, similar or not-so-similar, religious sects. While the range of beliefs among Christians can be quite wide, the following represent what is commonly shared. The Goodness of Creation, Made by God Most Christians believe that […]
What makes us Anglican?
Hallmarks of the Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church, having its roots in the Church of England, is also an Anglican Church. Like all Anglican churches, the Episcopal Church is distinguished by the following characteristics: Protestant, Yet CatholicAnglicanism stands squarely in the Reformed tradition, yet considers itself just as directly descended from the Early Church as the Roman […]
Ordained Leadership
Do you feel called to the ministry? Figuring out if this is the right step for you is best done ‘in community,’ or by speaking with those who know your gifts and talents. These people include clergy from a local or home congregation, chaplains at schools, members of the Bishop’s staff or trusted friends. Q: What […]
Pass the syrup — it’s Shrove Tuesday!
What is Shrove Tuesday? Celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, Shrove Tuesday (also called “Pancake Tuesday” or “Pancake Day”) is the final day before the 40-day period of Lent begins. This year it falls on Feb. 13. Its name comes from the Germanic-Old English word “shrive,” meaning absolve, and it is the last day of […]