Some of your
FAQs
Participation
Am I welcome as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community? Are you going to try to change me?
You are fully welcome to attend, belong, and participate—all the way up to becoming our next Bishop, if God so leads!
We believe you were wonderfully made and are beloved of God as you are. We've got no desire to change who God made you to be!
Can I participate in Communion? What do you believe about Communion?
Are table is open and we welcome all. Even if you come from a Christian tradition with differing beliefs on communion, you are welcome to participate as your conscience guides.
In the Episcopal Church, we believe that Holy Communion is a sacred meal that unites us with Jesus Christ and with one another. It is a means of grace, a way we encounter God's presence in the bread and wine, which we understand to be the Body and Blood of Christ. While we believe in God's real presence in the elements, we leave the specifics as a mystery. Some of our body, especially those from a Roman Catholic background, believe in transubstantiation, other's hold to different understandings.
I hear there are lots of movement: will I be required to kneel, bow, cross myself, go forward, stand and be identified, etc.?
We practice that form of worship that does include the whole body and all the senses. You will see people bow to the Cross, kneel in prayer, stand and sit. You will also see some people preform the Sign of the Cross (i.e. crossing themselves) during the service, while others won't. Most will walk forward to receive communion during the service, but some will also remain in their seats during this time.
No one is required to do any of these things. You won't be viewed as disrespectful or odd for abstaining from any of the practices. In fact, based on their faith history and physical abilities, many long-time members abstain from some or all of these practices.
Do I need to be an Episcopalian to attend? (By the way, what is an Episcopalian?)
Absolutely not! Everyone is welcome at our services, whether you’ve been an Episcopalian your whole life, come from another faith tradition, or are simply curious about what we believe and do. Our doors are open to all, no matter where you are on your faith journey.
As for "What is an Episcopalian?"—an Episcopalian is someone who belongs to an Episcopal Church. Episcopalians embrace a faith that values Scripture, tradition, and reason, seeking to follow Christ in worship, service, and community. If you enjoy attending our church, we'd love to help you become yourself!
Beliefs
Do you all take the Bible seriously?
Absolutely! We take the Bible very seriously as the inspired word of God, guiding our faith and practice. In the Episcopal Church, we approach Scripture with reverence, seeking to understand its message through study, prayer, and the context of tradition and reason. While we believe the Bible reveals God’s truth, we also recognize it was written in specific historical and cultural settings. This means we take its meaning to heart, rather than always interpreting it literally. Our goal is to let the Bible shape our lives in ways that deepen our love for God and our neighbors.
I'm from a different tradition (or none at all); do you think I'm wrong for what I belive?
Not at all. In the Episcopal Church, we value and respect the diversity of faith traditions, believing that God is present and at work in many ways and places. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but we seek to follow Christ faithfully while learning from others' experiences of faith. Rather than focusing on who is right or wrong, we aim to build bridges of understanding and love. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here, and we’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Is this a Catholic church? Do you report to the Pope?
While our services look fairly similar to those you might find in a Roman Catholic church (or a Lutheran church for that matter), the Episcopal Church is a different denomination, descended from the Anglican church (aka The Church of England). As such, we have no connection to the Pope (other than our shared love for Christ and his Church); we instead look for our bishops for guidance and care.
Do you all get political?
As a church, we focus on living out the teachings of Jesus, which sometimes means engaging with issues that affect justice, human dignity, and the common good. While we do not endorse political parties or candidates, we believe faith calls us to speak out against injustice and advocate for compassion and equity in our community and world. We aim to be a place where people with diverse perspectives can come together, grounded in the love of Christ, to wrestle with challenging topics in a spirit of respect and shared purpose.
Services
Do you use real wine in communion? Is the bread gluten free? What if I can't partake?
Yes, we use real wine in communion as part of our tradition. If you cannot partake of the bread or wine for any reason, you are still invited to fully participate in the sacrament by receiving only one element, as we believe Christ is fully present in both. If you choose not to receive communion, you are welcome to come forward for a blessing by crossing your arms over your chest. We want everyone to feel included in this sacred moment.
For those under 21, they can still fully and legally participate by dipping the bread in the wine (known as intinction) or though a small sip, at the discretion of their guardians.
We do offer gluten free communion wafers, please let someone at the altar know when you come forward.
Are you services accessible to those with special needs?
Our chapel, where services occur, is wheel chair accessible. The Fox House, our parish house where other events take place, does have a wheel chair ramp leading to the main portion of the building. However, as the oldest brick house in the county, there are definitely parts of the building that are not accessible to those with mobility issues.
If you are interested in attending and are concerned about your ability to participate, please give us a call or email. We're happy to answer your questions and make whatever accommodations possible to make sure you can fully take part.
How long are services? What should I wear?
Services generally last about an hour. We have "Coffee Hour" afterwards where you can meet others and catch up with friends. Coffee Hour is come-and-go, and, contrary to the name, many stop in and stay for only a few minutes.
Wear what you feel comfortable in; shorts and t-shirts are not uncommon. Suits and ties are a little less common.
Tradition
What is up with the robes and collars?
In the Episcopal Church, clergy wear robes (called vestments) and collars as symbols of their role and calling. The robes used during services are rooted in ancient Christian traditions and help visually connect us to the church's history and universal nature. The colors of the vestments often change with the liturgical season, marking the rhythm of our worship year.
The clerical collar is a more modern addition, worn by clergy as a sign of their commitment to serve God and the community. It’s also a practical way for clergy to be easily identified when offering pastoral care or other ministries. These garments remind us that worship is sacred and set apart, helping focus attention on God rather than the individual.
What is the Book of Common Prayer? Do you consider that equal with the Bible?
The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) is a collection of prayers, liturgies, and worship services that guide our worship in the Episcopal Church. It helps ensure our services are grounded in scripture, tradition, and shared faith, offering words for every occasion—from Sunday worship to weddings, funerals, and personal devotion.
While the BCP is deeply cherished, we do not consider it equal to the Bible. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the foundation of our faith. The BCP reflects this by incorporating scripture throughout its prayers and services, helping us pray and worship in ways shaped by God’s Word. Think of the BCP as a tool that helps us live out our faith in a consistent, communal, and meaningful way.
Who determines which scriptures are read each week? What's a "Liturgical Calendar" and what do terms like Advent, Lent, and Pentecost mean?
The scriptures read each week in the Episcopal Church are determined by the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL), a schedule of readings used by many Christian denominations worldwide. The RCL ensures that congregations read and reflect on a wide range of Scripture over a three-year cycle, covering major themes and stories from both the Old and New Testaments.
The Liturgical Calendar is a way the church organizes its worship year, following the life of Jesus and key themes in Christian faith. Each season in the calendar has a particular focus and mood, often marked by different colors used in the church’s decorations and clergy vestments. Here’s a quick guide to some key seasons:
The liturgical calendar helps guide our worship, offering a rhythm of preparation, celebration, reflection, and action as we follow the story of Jesus and God’s work in the world.
The Community
Did I see you at the Pride event? Are you all involved in the LGBTQIA+ community?
You probably did! We have many members that identify as part of the queer community, and we generally attend Pride events to let the community know they are wonderfully made and well loved.
Can I get married at St. Pats? Will your priest perform my wedding?
In the Episcopal Church, marriage is a sacred covenant made in the presence of God and the community. To be married in our church, at least one member of the couple must be baptized, and you’ll need to meet with our clergy for premarital counseling. If either of you has been previously married, we may require a conversation about past relationships, including the possibility of a divorce decree.
We welcome all couples, including same-sex couples, and work with you to ensure your wedding reflects the love and faith you share. Please contact us to discuss your plans and the next steps.