On Being an Episcopalian

The Episcopal Church is often described using the metaphor of a three-legged stool, each leg being necessary to support the stool. These three supporting structures of our Church are:

• scripture,
  
• tradition, and
  
• reason

Episcopalians are members of the wider Anglican Communion, a communion made up of 38 self-governing churches consisting of 70 million adherents in 161 countries. Though made up of varied races and cultures, we are unified through our history, our theology, our worship, and our relationship to the See of Canterbury.

Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is central to our form of worship. Our Book of Common Prayer is a unifying text while offering variety within the text.

Our parents were the Roman Catholic Church and the English Reformation. This heritage has lead to a wide spectrum of worship traditions, some being referred to as Anglo-Catholic and others referred to as being very Protestant. The tradition leg of our stool seems to be the most variable leg. In some churches incense is used; candles are prominent; Holy Water is available at the entrance; flowers decorate many surfaces; vestments range from plain to very ornate. The variety is a strength of the Episcopal Church, not a weakness.

It is with this in mind that some new additions are being offered at CHC in response to those who have requested them. You may choose to enjoy them or to ignore them, but you need not fear them. Church of the Holy Communion has been gifted with several items which are being made available to those who wish to use them as part of their personal worship practices.

Holy Water stoops are in place near the front and back entrances to the nave of the church. Holy Water helps remind Christians of the water of Baptism and is used upon entering and exiting the church. The symbolism on the Holy Water stoops includes an early symbol of Christians (the fish), a symbol of the Holy Spirit (the dove), and a symbol of Jesus' death and resurrection (a cross). A supply of blessed Holy Water will be kept in the sacristy.

A forty-lamp pricket (votive light stand) is to the left of the door exiting the nave. It has glassware that is of the correct liturgical color for the season, and each glass contains an eight-day candle. The light from the candles reminds us of the light of Christ, and the burning of the wax reminds us that our lives are being consumed by earthly time. The act of lighting a candle as a memorial in remembrance of loved ones, present or those who have gone before us, is an ancient custom very similar to the act of giving flowers in remembrance of loved ones.

Proper annunciator bells are in place in the sanctuary at the entrance to the sacristy and are used to announce the beginning of the service.

A crucifix titled "Gift of the Holy Spirit" has been placed over the altar in Mc Neil Hall. This crucifix shows Jesus nailed to the cross, yet still showing His strength and His love for His people, as He gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit as symbolized by a dove. It is a powerful symbol that needs to be viewed to be truly appreciated.