Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I expect when I visit an Episcopal church?
As you enter the church you will be greeted by members of the congregation. They will welcome you and be happy to direct you to the nursery, parlor, restrooms or church office. As you enter the worship space, you will notice an atmosphere of worship and reverence. It is the custom of the Episcopal Church that before worship and during communion, silence is maintained for the love of God and for our neighbors. This is a time of prayer. Episcopal churches are built in many architectural styles, but whatever the size or design, the focus is on the altar, or holy table, and on the cross. So, our thoughts are taken at once to Christ and to God whose house is the church.
How can I find my way through the service?
The Episcopal Church uses the Book of Common Prayer, 1979, for its worship. It contains the Service of Holy Communion as well as the offices of Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer; the Pastoral offices and other services that we use. The Book of Common Prayer is the red book in the pew rack. In addition, we have a Hymnal, 1982, which is the blue book in the pew rack. The Order of Worship, including hymn numbers, is found in the bulletin you receive as you enter the church. It contains page numbers where the various parts of the service may be found. Hymns not found in the hymnal or service music included in the worship will be included in the bulletin. Also in the bulletin you will find an insert which includes the lessons and psalm for the day. Occasionally, the priest or lay reader will announce a page number. Furthermore, the person who is sitting next to you or in front of you will gladly assist you.
How do I know when to kneel, stand or sit?
The Episcopal Church is known for its Sunday morning calisthenics! Generally, we stand to sing hymns to hear the gospel, for the Eucharistic Prayer, the Prayers of the People, and for the final blessing. We sit to listen to the lessons, the sermon, and the announcements. We kneel for the confession. However, there are some places in the service when the congregants may kneel instead of standing (Eucharistic Prayer and Prayers of the People). We are given the freedom to follow our hearts and pick a posture that matches what we feel. When in doubt, follow the people around you or the ministers leading the worship service.
How do I receive communion?
An usher will guide you to the line to receive the sacrament. A priest will give you a wafer of consecrated bread. You have a choice of sipping consecrated wine from the common chalice or drinking the consecrated wine from a small plastic cup. You may choose to receive the bread alone. We believe Christ is fully present in both of the elements.
The usual way to receive the bread is to place your right hand in your left, and to extend your open palms toward the server. To receive the wine from the chalice, it is helpful if you guide the chalice from the base of it to your lips. You may also choose not to receive the wine.
If you do not wish to receive communion, you may come to the altar rail to receive a blessing from the priest. Please indicate this by folding your arms across your chest.
What about children receiving communion?
Children are encouraged to come to the altar rail with their parents. Parents are best qualified to determine if their child is ready to receive the sacrament. Those children who do not receive communion will receive a blessing. Some churches believe that children wait until they understand communion before they receive it. At Prince of Peace, we do not hold that belief. As loving parents, we feed our children long before they understand nurturing. We bathe them before they have a concept of hygiene, and we love and hug them long before they have an understanding of love. We all come to the Lord's Table to be fed and nurtured by a loving God.
How do I become a member of the church?
Anyone who has been baptized in any Christian church and desires to be a member of Prince of Peace is accepted as a member. If you wish to become a recorded member, you should ask the office staff for a pink form to add your name and the names of your family to the Register of Baptized Persons. A copy of your baptismal certificate is all that is necessary; however, if that is not available, then the date and location will suffice.
To become a communicant member, you will need to:
1. Transfer your letter from your former Episcopal parish where you were registered as a communicant. To do this, you may write or call the parish administrator of your former parish requesting that they send your letter to Prince of Peace.
2. You may be received by the bishop from another denomination where you were confirmed and made an adult affirmation of your baptismal vows. (i.e. Roman Catholic, Lutheran).
WELCOME
