New to the Episcopal Church?
We think the visitors page on www.episcopalchurch.org says it well:
The Episcopal Church strives to live by the message of Christ, in which there are no outcasts and all are welcome. Walking a middle way between Roman Catholicism and Protestant traditions, we are a sacramental and worship-oriented church that promotes thoughtful debate about what God is calling us to do and be, as followers of Christ.
Services
From What to Expect on anglican.org: Episcopalians worship in many different styles, ranging from very formal, ancient, and multi-sensory rites with lots of singing, music, fancy clothes (called vestments), and incense, to informal services with contemporary music. Yet all worship in the Episcopal Church is based in the Book of Common Prayer, which gives worship a familiar feel, no matter where you go.
At Christ’s Episcopal Church, we offer a wide range of worship services. We respect the ancient and embrace the contemporary. Since we love music, one of our Sunday services is always a festive Eucharist, which includes the joyful sounds of traditional hymns as well as inspiring contemporary compositions.
We've recently added monthly, candlelit Evensong services. These ancient services offer a welcome respite from the hubbub of everyday life. They incorporate the timeless sound of chant with the resonance of the only pipe organ in Douglas County, all in the tranquil setting of our historic l00-year-old stone chapel.
We also value the centering stillness of prayer and meditation, so we offer contemplative services for those in search of quiet reflection. These services usually include the early Sunday service and a mid-week Wednesday morning service. Please check the calendar page, call 303.688.5185 or email us to verify the schedule.
We hope that you feel at home at our services from the beginning. Your neighbor in your pew, an usher, and anyone at the service will be happy to help you find the right song, recover your place in the mass book, or share a hymnal. We're companions on this spiritual journey as we embrace the wonder of discovery in Christ.
Church leadership
The Episcopal church is divided into parishes (congregations), which combine to make dioceses, who report to the national Episcopal church, which is affiliated with the worldwide Anglican church. We are a part of the Colorado diocese. The word Episcopal means bishop, and the leader of our diocese is indeed a bishop. A parish is led by one more ordained priests. The chief sacramental and liturgical leader of the parish is known as the rector. A deacon, who assists the bishop and the priests, is ordained to service, not the priesthood. (source: http://www.deacons.net). At Christ’s Episcopal Church, our rector is Father Rick, our associate rector is Father EJ, and our deacon is Deacon Maria.
