“So, what does it mean to be an Episcopalian anyway?”
This is not an uncommon question in the Episcopal Church, considering that our parishioners come from many different church/faith traditions and backgrounds. With one foot in the Catholic Tradition, and one foot in the Protestant tradition, the Episcopal church (a part of the worldwide Anglican Communion) has a unique flavor that, for many, strikes just the right balance when it comes to liturgy and community. But where does this rich history come from, what do Episcopalians believe, and why does it matter?
I hope you will join me for a seven-part series called Episcopal Identity that I will be teaching throughout this coming program year at the 10:00 am education hour in the Parish Hall and on Zoom. Starting with our origins, we will explore together some of the key aspects of who we are as Episcopalians, including our defining characteristics, what we believe (and why), our governance structure, and even an introduction to our prayer book.
Here are the dates and topics for the Episcopal Identity series this year so that you can mark your calendar starting with our first session next week:
9/22/24 - Episcopal Identity (Part 1): “Origins”
What are the historical roots of the Episcopal Church? Why did we come into being? How does our origin story shape our identity today?
9/29/24 - Episcopal Identity (Part 2): “Defining Characteristics”
What connects us to the worldwide Anglican Communion? What features make us uniquely “Episcopalian”?
11/17/24 - Episcopal Identity (Part 3): “The Book of Common Prayer”
What is the Book of Common Prayer, and why is it so central to Episcopal identity?
1/19/25 - Episcopal Identity (Part 4): “Beliefs”
What guides our theology as Episcopalians? How do we interpret the world around us?
1/26/25 - Episcopal Identity (Part 5): “Beliefs” (Cont’d)
Baptism, the Eucharist, and other key components of our faith.
2/23/25 - Episcopal Identity (Part 6): “Big Moments”
What defining historical moments have shaped our denomination, and what does that tell us about who we are?
6/8/25 - Episcopal Identity (Part 7): “Why Am I An Episcopalian?”
My story. Your story. What brings us here? What keeps us here?
Whether you are brand new to the Episcopal Church, a cradle Episcopalian, or somewhere in-between, this series is bound to deepen your knowledge and appreciation for the rich tradition and current expression of the Episcopal Church. Episcopal Identity will put language and context to many of the particularities and nuances that you have come to experience, and even love, as a part of our worshiping community. I hope you will join me and your fellow St. John’s parishioners for part or all of this series, and I look forward to our time together as we explore our Episcopal Identity.
- The Rev. Sari Ateek