As Episcopalians, we believe in and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.
The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people of all genders and orientations serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.
Core to our beliefs:
Book of Common Prayer
“It is a most invaluable part of that blessed ‘liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,’ that in his worship different forms and usages may without offense be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 9).
The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.
The Bible
“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 236).
The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.
Baptismal Covenant
“Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292).
A mini-catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the baptismal covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.
The Catechism
Offered in a question-and-answer format, the catechism found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845-862) helps teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
The Creeds
“The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 851).
In the two foundational statements of faith—the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at communion—we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.
The Sacraments
“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857).
Besides baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith.
Found in the Book of Common Prayer, these include:
Source: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe/
“It is a most invaluable part of that blessed ‘liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,’ that in his worship different forms and usages may without offense be allowed, provided the substance of the Faith be kept entire” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 9).
The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.
The Bible
“Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 236).
The Bible is our foundation, understood through tradition and reason, containing all things necessary for salvation. Our worship is filled with Scripture from beginning to end. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.
Baptismal Covenant
“Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil and renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 292).
A mini-catechism used at baptisms and on Easter and other special occasions, the baptismal covenant opens with a question-and-answer version of the statement of faith that is the Apostles’ Creed and adds five questions regarding how we, as Christians, are called to live out our faith.
The Catechism
Offered in a question-and-answer format, the catechism found in the back of the Book of Common Prayer (pp. 845-862) helps teach the foundational truths of the Christian faith.
The Creeds
“The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 851).
In the two foundational statements of faith—the Apostles’ Creed used at baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at communion—we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.
The Sacraments
“Sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 857).
Besides baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion), the church recognizes other spiritual markers in our journey of faith.
Found in the Book of Common Prayer, these include:
- Confirmation (the adult affirmation of our baptismal vows), pp. 413-419
- Reconciliation of a Penitent (private confession), pp. 447-452
- Matrimony (Christian marriage), pp. 422-438
- Orders (ordination to deacon, priest, or bishop), pp. 510-555
- Unction (anointing with oil those who are sick or dying) pp. 453-467
Source: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe/
What to Expect at an Episcopal Church:
Worship is the center of our community’s life together and the Eucharist is the center of our worship. All baptized believers of any age or Christian tradition are welcome to the Communion table.
If you are attending a service at St. Timothy’s for the first time, here are some things you may notice, especially if you have never worshiped with an Episcopal congregation. No one is a spectator in our services — all are participants. The people in the congregation are participants in our worship as much as those with different functions who sit up front.
We refer to our services as Liturgy, which means the official corporate worship of the Church (corporate being what we do together as a Body, as opposed to what we do as individuals). The word “liturgy” comes from the Greek, meaning “a work done by the people.”
The first time or two, it is just fine to simply let the sights and sounds of the Liturgy wash over you, and worry less about making sure you get everything right than about opening your heart, mind, and senses to the experience of worship. Then you can begin to learn to participate more actively in the service. Our service bulletin has everything you need to follow along. It’s designed to allow you to participate fully in the service without having to handle a Book of Common Prayer or Hymnal.
Please feel free to ask our Vicar, Rev. Peter Wallace, or the person next to you in the pew if you would like more information about St. Tim’s. We are happy to help.
If you are attending a service at St. Timothy’s for the first time, here are some things you may notice, especially if you have never worshiped with an Episcopal congregation. No one is a spectator in our services — all are participants. The people in the congregation are participants in our worship as much as those with different functions who sit up front.
We refer to our services as Liturgy, which means the official corporate worship of the Church (corporate being what we do together as a Body, as opposed to what we do as individuals). The word “liturgy” comes from the Greek, meaning “a work done by the people.”
The first time or two, it is just fine to simply let the sights and sounds of the Liturgy wash over you, and worry less about making sure you get everything right than about opening your heart, mind, and senses to the experience of worship. Then you can begin to learn to participate more actively in the service. Our service bulletin has everything you need to follow along. It’s designed to allow you to participate fully in the service without having to handle a Book of Common Prayer or Hymnal.
Please feel free to ask our Vicar, Rev. Peter Wallace, or the person next to you in the pew if you would like more information about St. Tim’s. We are happy to help.
