Praying shapes our believing.

In the Episcopal Church it is often said that "praying shapes believing." Worship is central to the life of our church. Our Book of Common Prayer 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. Through prayer and song we seek to glorify God.

We worship by the book.

We use the Book of Common Prayer, two-thirds of which is taken from Scripture. In the sacraments, we look for outward and physical signs of inward, spiritual realities. We proclaim the Nicene Creed and other ancient creeds of the church as symbols of our orthodox faith, and our continuity with Christ throughout the ages..

We walk a middle way.

The Episcopal Church strives to live by the message of Christ, in which there are no outcasts and all are welcome. Walking a middle way between Roman Catholicism and Protestant traditions, we are a sacramental and worship-oriented church that promotes thoughtful debate about what God is calling us to do and be, as followers of Christ.

​Episcopal 101 Confirmation/Reception classes begin July 11. 


Beginning Sunday, July 11, a series of 4 classes is being offered to adults and youth who wish to make a public affirmation of their faith by either being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church and for those who wish to reaffirm their faith.
The first class will focus on "Anglican Identity"  with subsequent classes on Anglican Polity, Anglican History, and the Book of Common Prayer. A detailed syllabus appears below:
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Syllabus

Week One (July 11):
  • Read “Jesus Was an Episcopalian” Chapters 1-4 (pp. 9-54)
  • View “Jesus Was an Episcopalian videos 1-4
  • View PowerPoint presentation: “Anglican Identity” 
Week Two (July 18):
  • Read “Jesus Was an Episcopalian” Chapters 5-7 (pp. 55-86)
  • View “Jesus Was an Episcopalian videos 5-7
  • View PowerPoint presentation: “Anglican Polity”
Week Three (July 25):
  • Read “Jesus Was an Episcopalian” Chapters 8-10 (pp. 87-118)
  • View “Jesus Was an Episcopalian videos 8-11
  • View PowerPoint presentation: “Anglican History”
Week Four (August 1):
  • Read “Jesus Was an Episcopalian” Chapters 11-15 (pp. 119-158)
  • View “Jesus Was an Episcopalian videos 12-16
  • View PowerPoint presentation: “Book of Common Prayer”
 
​*Each week will include with a one-hour face-to-face or Zoom discussion lead by your instructor. Dates and times for the Zoom sessions are flexible and can be adjusted to conform to participant’s schedule.
 
Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation: Which is right for you? 
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Confirmation is a mature, public affirmation of your faith, celebrated by the prayers and laying on of hands by our bishop. It is a celebration of your baptism and your desire to live out your faith in the Episcopal Church. If you were baptized as a child (in any denomination) but never confirmed, this rite is for you.

Reception is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in a Christian denomination that has a ritual of confirmation (such as Methodists, Catholics or Lutherans) who wish to join the Episcopal Church.

Reaffirmation of Faith is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church, but in a church other than St. Jude's.

All are welcome to attend any of the classes, but if you wish to be confirmed or received or to reaffirm your faith, you must complete a registration form on or before Sunday, July 11. To register or ask questions about any aspect of your decision to join the Episcopal Church, contact the Rev. Lee Montgomery at (435) 592-0034-4391, or email: [email protected]
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Video Resources:​​
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