St. James Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church is:

• A member of the Anglican Communion; derived from the Church of England and sharing with it traditions of faith and order as set forth in its Book of Common Prayer.
• One whose traditions include attitudes that are Protestant and Catholic, ancient and reformed – liberal and conservative.

The earliest settlers brought the Anglican faith to the American wilderness. It spread rapidly as the country expanded westward. Today, there are about 2.5 million members in the U.S. The word Episcopal means “governed by bishops.”

The Episcopal Church is a Church with few "musts" -- POINTING OUT, NOT DICTATING, the response to God. Episcopalians find the FULLEST EXPRESSION OF CHRISTIANITY in:

• The Scriptures -- The Word of God at work among us
• Creeds -- Ancient summaries of Christian belief
• Sacraments -- Signs of grace, ordained by Christ
• Ministry -- The orders of ordained ministries

FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

There are three Basic Sources of Episcopal Church beliefs:

• Scripture (the primary source of doctrine)
• Reason (gifts of the Holy Spirit
• Tradition (wisdom of generations past)

Holy Scripture -- Written by people, inspired by the Holy Spirit: The Old and New Testaments contain the essence of Christian doctrine. They reveal God to humankind and tell of our response to God in history. The Bible helps us to know God's will, revealed supremely through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The Scriptures are the word of God, proclaiming that Jesus -- both God and human being -- is Christ, the Messiah.

Reason -- Helps us to penetrate the full depths of God's Truth: The Episcopal Church does not control interpretation and practice. Instead, members are encouraged to use reason to explore and comprehend God's works; to make responsible moral decisions under the guidance of Scripture, the ordained ministry, and in response to sincere prayer.

Church Tradition -- Development of the Church under the Holy Spirit's Guidance: Tradition helps us to interpret Scripture; lets us share experiences of early Christians and believers of every era; preserves hymns, prayers, etc., that keep our faith alive; strengthens our faith. Through its continuity and consistency, tradition helps preserve essential truths through liturgy.

Each Episcopal Parish is guided by the priest, nurtured by church ceremonies, prayer, the sacraments; witnessing to Christ in congregation and community. Getting involved in your parish HELPS YOU GROW as a Christian witness and a person! Participate in:

• CHURCH SERVICES -- prayer and working together; sharing our faith through Christian Education.
• COMMUNITY WORK -- performing acts of charity; working for social just and reform, Christian unity on a personal, day-to-day basis; spreading the Good Word to people in the world community.
• STRENGTHEN ourselves, our beliefs by helping others.
• ANSWER some of life's questions, in responding to the needs of others.
• FULFILL spiritual needs.
• BETTER UNDERSTANDING how to keep our daily life in tune with our search for salvation.
• LEARN more about the mystery of God, and how God shares love with us.
• BRING A SIGN OF SALVATION to people outside the community.

Being an Episcopalian means striving to fulfil Christ's mission of Redemption. It means trying to:

• Follow God's commandments
• Raise children in Christ's love
• Get involved in your parish

Being an Episcopalian means actively participating in the world through Christ in the Church.

"The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, play, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God."
The Book of Common Prayer, An Outline of the Faith

Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness.
Matthew 6:33