Any Episcopalian Mamas? - Page 2

[mammal_mama]

Wow! I'm glad I found you ladies!

I'm exploring Episcopalianism right now.

[MammaG]

I was just thinking of maybe starting a thread for Anglicans/Episcopalians here!

I'm a 'cradle Episcopalian', and go back further than that! My Mum is English and her family fought for the newly-minted Anglican church back in the 15- and 1600s.

I love how questioning is not just tolerated, but encouraged in the Episcopal Church. When I was taking my confirmation classes, I asked about how we knew for sure that Jesus wasn't married, and how we could POSSIBLY extrapolate from scriptire that he may have been celibate. My priest explained that some scholars thought that there was evidence to believe that he was celibate and some conclude that he was married. She gave me a short book list covering both sides and told me to make up my own mind.

That was my first real exposure to the 'Three-legged Stool' of scripture, tradition and right-reason. You balance tradition (the way we've always done it), against scripture (word of God, written by very human, very male interpreters), against your own God-given ability to reason and interpret God's intent for us. As pp said, if one of those things is either under- or over- epmhasized, it's easy to fall on your face.

I also spent some time in Seminary (Episcopal Divinity School) and think that I may some day apply to be ordained to the Deaconate as a children's minister. I homeschool my kids and we do a little spiritual education at home (we read a children's version of the week's lexionary on Fridays to prepare for church, but we also celebrate and study some Jewish and Muslim holidays and learn about many faith-traditions). My kids attend church school, which at our church is the "Godly Play" curriculum which draws heavily on Waldorf practices.

I understand the complaint that the Episcopal church can be a place of affluence, and can feel 'country-clubby'. In all honesty, that's how I grew up, but I married into a different economic stratus and have quite gladly sacrificed economic success for the ability to stay home with my kids......I have enjoyed nothing but support from my community, and it's the ONLY group of friends that treat me no differently now that I cannot do lunches out and shopping trips with 'the girls'. In hard times (we just lost our house to foreclosure), we've been offered hand-me-downs for our clothing and our house, and it's been with a spirit of respect and the idea that we ALL help one another out when we are able. I'm so appreciative of that.

One thing I love particularly is the Anglican tradition of great music. Some churches are getting away from this and headed towards more contemporary, low-church-type music, but ours is lucky to be blessed with three terrific choirs, a million-dollar organ and a handbell choir. Our Evensong choir is considered one of the premier all-volunteer parish choirs in the States.....we tour regularly. I LOVE it!!!

Anyone up for starting an Episcopal/Anglican (I use the term Anglican not in the current American usage which has trended towards those parishes who have left the Episcopal church to align with super-conservative ones, but rather the worldwide Anglican Communion) place to discuss theology, spirituality, parenting, community, etc? APart from anything else, I'd sure love a place to discuss weekly lexionary and children (just to be purely self-serving!).

OP, glad you visited an Episcopal church and had a positive experience. We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming and it's nice to hear that sometimes those endless "Welcoming Committees" are doing their work well!

[mammal_mama]

Originally Posted by MammaG

Anyone up for starting an Episcopal/Anglican (I use the term Anglican not in the current American usage which has trended towards those parishes who have left the Episcopal church to align with super-conservative ones, but rather the worldwide Anglican Communion) place to discuss theology, spirituality, parenting, community, etc? APart from anything else, I'd sure love a place to discuss weekly lexionary and children (just to be purely self-serving!).

I would sure be interested in this, though I'm obviously just an explorer right now. But I am sure leaning strongly toward the Episcopal Church. I loved hearing your account regarding how your teacher responded to your question about Jesus being married.

We are lower income, too. But I'm thinking I just need to get over my class-consciousness. After all, after hearing what you've shared it sounds like the Episcopal Church just has a stong base of older families, and therefore old wealth. This may at least partly explain why there are no Episcopal Churches in my immediate neighborhood, but there are a couple not too far away in the downtown area, which has a lot of upscale apartments.

Here in Kansas City, MO, downtown is kind of a trendy place to live for professional people, either pre-kids or post-raising them. But I noticed that one of the downtown churches (I visited their website) has an active children's ministry, which must mean there are families attending, too.

We just need to take the plunge and visit.

I did start an "Episcopalian Mamas" thread in Religious Studies, in case anyone is interested in starting a discussion over there.

[MyLittleWonders]

MammaG, what do you use for the children's version of the week's lexionary? I am not Episcopalian (though part of me would very much love to visit the couple we have near us), though I am very progressive/liberal in my religious views and want something at home that can introduce my kids to the Bible without it being literal/evangelical (ironically, we attend a local non-denominational church, but that is a *very* long story and fortunately to me they do not get much instruction in their Sunday school class). Sorry for the long explanation ... but I'd love to look at something that might give me a little direction.

[rlmueller]

Reformed Episcopalian

Separated from ECUSA in 1874ish. Older prayerbook (1928 normally used), 1940 hymnal, conservative in ordinants. There is a Deaconess calling. Concordants signed with APA and close in spirit to Anglicanism.

Big reorging though in the Episcopal Church around N. America. Very interesting stuff going on these days.

[MammaG]

RE: Children's lexionary

Honestly, I google it every week and go with what seems the best at the time. Or I make one up. I'd like to know if there was a tried-and-true children's one out there, too.....my way is TIME-CONSUMING! I prefer ones that are more literal, too.

You know, I was thinking about my post about my experience with the Episcopal church. I feel I need to add that we've always lived in pretty darn liberal areas: I was born in the Diocese of Philadelphia as they were ordaining the Philadelphia Seven, then went to Anglican English parishes mostly in Europe, then a brief stint in what was, I think, the most liberal pocket of population in Kansas, then Grace Cathedral in SF, then to the Boston area.

I think that I may have overstated the universal liberal-ness of my church. There are plenty of very conservative parishes out there. But, if you are looking for a fairly liturgical (uses the same pattern every week for services), also liberal church, you'd do well at least beginning with a look at the Episcopal churches in your area. When I move to a new town, I call the office first and ask what their gay community looks like....the answer will usually give me an idea of what to expect come Sunday morning.

[EnviroBecca]

MyLittleWonders, two of your kids are older than mine, so you might try just reading them the week's readings from a translation of the Bible that is pretty clear and simple, like the New International Version or Good News Bible. EnviroKid began to listen with interest to Bible stories around 3 3/4.