What is an Episcopal church?

Excerpted from “What we believe” on the website for The Episcopal Church.

We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As constituent members of the Anglican Communion in the United States, we are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world.

We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.

We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.

How will I know what to say or do during the service?

Our worship comes from The Book of Common Prayer (1979). When you enter, an usher will hand you a bulletin that provides you with an outline of the service. At times, the bulletin will refer you to the BCP or the Hymnal, which can be found in your pew. We generally stand to sing, stand or sit to pray, and kneel to confess. However, please do whatever feels right to you. You will notice that there is no right or wrong way!

What kind of music will I hear or sing in worship?

The music director and other volunteers play the organ and piano. We sing from The Hymnal 1982, which is an Episcopalian hymnal. The St. Alban’s Choir sings at the 10 a.m. service during the program year.

Can I participate in Holy Communion/Eucharist?

All the baptized people of God, regardless of age or denomination, are welcome and encouraged to receive communion. Gluten-free wafers are available. If you choose not to drink the wine, you can cross your arms over your chest when the chalice comes to you. Taking either bread or wine constitutes full communion.

You are also welcome to participate by coming up for a blessing.

What do I wear?

A wide range of worship attire can be found at St. Alban’s. Please come in whatever feels right to you.

How long is the service?

The 10 a.m. service finishes around 11:10-11:15 a.m. Please stay for coffee and Children/Youth/Adult Education in the Parish Life Center afterwards.