What can I expect at an Episcopal service?

[~*max*~]

We are seeking a church for our family and are interested in visiting the local Episcopal Church. From what I've read online, it seems like it might be a nice fit. (I was raised Catholic, but have steered away from it. I attempted UU, but it was not a good fit for many reasons.) Can anyone tell me from your experience what a service is like, how you find the community, what the children's programs are like, and anything else you think would be helpful? Also, I have been baptised, but dh and the children have not. Would this be an issue? At some point we would like to do the baptisms if we find a church where we are comfortable. TIA.

[naismama]

I did not grow up Episcopalian, but I spent some years in that church (I am currently finding my way back there). You might want to start here if you haven't already. I would say in general Episcopal churches are welcoming, friendly places. Some feel more traditional with an older congregation, and some feel younger, more accessible to families and remind me more of mainline Protestant churches. The services are liturgy centered. There will be prayers that are said by the congregation corporately, prayers that the Celebrant will read alone, and some that are "call and response" format. Depending on what you are used to, you might find the services solemn (maybe I just feel that way because it's Lent right now), but likely beautiful too. Typically music is important to the service, and there will be hymns sung by all, perhaps an anthem presented by the choir, and a psalm or other reading sung by the choir. Sometimes the Celebrant him/herself will sing short parts of the prayers. There will be lots of sitting, standing, kneeling (just watch everyone else for cues). At a church I visited this past Sunday, people made the sign of the cross, but I am not used to seeing that in the Episcopal church. There is Eucharist (communion) every Sunday. As long as you are baptized you may receive it. Generally, Eucharist is taken at the alter. If you return to the church or any Episcopal church a few times you will become familiar with the structure and prayers, as all Episcopal churches use the same Book of Common Prayer (BCP). I have found Episcopal churches to be very kid-friendly, but I guess it depends. Good luck, and I hope you post to let us know how it went!

ETA: Re-reading your post, I see that you were raised Catholic. I have also known of several Catholics who have felt quite comfortable in the Episcopal church.

[MammaG]

I'm an Episcopalian and every time I've been to a Catholic service, I almost don't even need the service sheet as the liturgy is so similar. Each Episcopal church does things a little differently, though. Some use Rite 1 (thee/thou, more formal language) only, some use Rite 2 (more modern language), some do one of each at an earlier and then later service. Some have fantastic choirs in the Anglican tradition (big organ music, very high church) and some might have a guitar accompianying a soloist.

There are also differences in how communion is handled. Where I go to church, ANYONE can take communion with us, Christian or not, baptised or not.

Our particular church is also really kid-friendly and there are something like 5 classes of Sunday School kids. We use the Godly Play curriculum and are heavily Waldorf influenced. Again, this will vary from church to church and among dioceses.

I think your best bet is just to plunge in there and show up for a service or two. Most Episcopal churches are very welcoming of newcomers and there should be someone at the door to help you find a place and introduce you to a few people at coffee hour. You should know in a few visits if it will be a good fit for you and yours.

I do hope it works out for you. Welcome to the Episcopal church!

[naismama]

Originally Posted by MammaG

There are also differences in how communion is handled. Where I go to church, ANYONE can take communion with us, Christian or not, baptised or not.

That sounds wonderful MammaG...I wish I could find a church where that is the case, as my children are not baptized. I looked on the Episcopal church website under FAQ and it was stated that no unbaptized person may take communion. I wonder whether most churches adhere to this or not...

[~*max*~]

Thank you mamas. I appreciate you taking the time to reply. The Episcopal Church in our town has several Sunday School classes and also runs a preschool on site, so I am optimistic that it is child friendly. This is, in fact, one of the reasons we have chosen this church to visit. We have 4 young children and it is very important to me that the church we chose be a positive, happy environment for them.

My kids have not been baptised yet. Does anyone know if can they still attend Episcopalian Sunday School while we are making our decision?

[MammaG]

I'm sure you can do Sunday School and attend services at any Episcopal church, baptised or not.

I do know that the 'official' stance is to only offer communion to baptised Christians, but we're in the very liberal diocese of Eastern Massachusetts and our minister begins every Eucharist with the words, "We view this table as God's table and ourselves the caretakers. Everyone is welcome here to share in God's meal with us", and he follows with a short tutorial on how to approach the rail. Even if your DH and kids can't yet communicate at the particular church you choose, they can certainly come up to the alter rail with you and receive a blessing at communion time...you just fold your arms over your chest and the priest will give the blessing.

Call the church office during the week to find out which classes your kids will belong in and maybe even ask whoever answers the phone to put you in touch with a church school family who can steer you in the right direction for a few weeks. Plan to arrive early on Sunday so that you can figure out where everyone goes before the start of the service or church school.

I've been a congregant at churches from San Francisco to Boston and every church I've been to welcomes questions and newcomers. Ask the office staff during the week, ask the ushers at the door on Sunday, ask the guy next to you in the pew. You'll figure it out soon enough!

[naismama]

I find it hard to imagine an Episcopal Sunday school not welcoming unbaptized little ones!