"One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
-Mark 12:28-32 (NRSV)
Together, we seek
to know Christ and to make Him known. Mission Statement
As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ. We believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our church is grounded in Anglican Christian tradition which is the English expression of the Protestant Reformation. Our liturgy retains ancient structure and traditions and is celebrated in many languages. Both men and women, including those who are married, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests, and bishops. As the community of Jesus Christ we support the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, non-binary, and transgendered persons for lay and ordained positions. Lay people exercise a vital role in the governance and ministry of our church. We believe in amendment of life, forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting. We are members of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. For more information about the Episcopal Church please click here:
The Episcopal Church .
At St. Andrew, all people are invited to our Lord's Holy table for communion or blessing as their heart leads them. Come experience St. Andrew, a faith community alive in the Jesus Movement!
to know Christ and to make Him known. Mission Statement
As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ. We believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our church is grounded in Anglican Christian tradition which is the English expression of the Protestant Reformation. Our liturgy retains ancient structure and traditions and is celebrated in many languages. Both men and women, including those who are married, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests, and bishops. As the community of Jesus Christ we support the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, non-binary, and transgendered persons for lay and ordained positions. Lay people exercise a vital role in the governance and ministry of our church. We believe in amendment of life, forgiveness of sins, and life everlasting. We are members of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. For more information about the Episcopal Church please click here:
The Episcopal Church .
At St. Andrew, all people are invited to our Lord's Holy table for communion or blessing as their heart leads them. Come experience St. Andrew, a faith community alive in the Jesus Movement!
FAQ: Common Questions*
What is an Episcopalian?
A person who belongs to the Episcopal Church is called an "Episcopalian." The word "Episcopal"
means a church governed by bishops. We call our local churches "parishes" and are governed by an elected "vestry" of ordinary people who help lead the church and make important day-to-day decisions. The pastor of an Episcopal Church is a "priest." A "rector" is the priest in charge of a self-supporting parish. All of God's children are welcome to participate in the church and answer God's call to serve the church and the world in Love. St. Brigid of Kildare -L O'Rear
Do you have to be an Episcopalian to go to an Episcopal Church?
No. All people are welcome here, regardless of background. Many of our members come to us from other faith traditions and denominations. You'll find in us a friendly community of people united by their faith in God and eagerness to serve others.
Who is permitted to receive communion at St. Andrew?
You! All are welcomed to God's table for communion or blessing at St. Andrew, as the Holy Spirit leads them, and none will be turned away.
Is real wine used during the Communion part of the service?
Yes, we use consecrated wine in remembrance of Christ's instructions during the last supper. For the same reason we offer unleavened bread in communion. If you prefer not to partake of wine for any reason, please know that communion in "one kind," be it bread or wine, is fully communion. Gluten-free wafers are available for those with gluten intolerance.
May I be married at St. Andrew if I am not a member of the church?
Yes, you may be married at St. Andrew if you are not a member of this community, but you will need to engage in pre-marital preparation with our rector, and fees will apply for the officiant, organist, and space rental. Receptions may be held in our parish hall.
What's an Episcopal Church service like?
The Episcopal church worships in a "liturgical style," which means all Episcopal churches follow a relatively common order of service. Being with a community of believers inspires us, nurtures us, encourages us, and comforts us. Our Sunday services throughout the year usually include an opening procession, singing, Bible readings, prayers for ourselves and others, time for meditation, a homily or sermon, and Communion. The three central texts we use during our service are:
The Bible, The Book of Common Prayer (contains calendar of the church year, order of Bible readings, order of services, and some of the most beautiful prayers ever written), and the hymnal. Also, there is no "dress code" for Episcopal worship. Dress in a comfortable manner that evidences your respect for yourself, your neighbor, and your Creator. That is all.
What if I don't know what to do during a service?
Don't worry! You won't be embarrassed or singled out. Most Episcopal churches provide a "service bulletin" for each service. It guides you through the service and provides basic instructions for participation. The Book of Common Prayer can also serve as a guide to our Sunday worship service (sometimes called our "liturgy"), as well as a wide range of other services for everything from baptisms to funerals. Many people, even those outside the Anglican tradition, consider the Book of Common Prayer to be the most beautiful collection of prayers and meditations in the English language.
Is the Episcopal Church Protestant or Catholic?
Yes...both....neither....either.....Anglicanism is often referred to as a bridge tradition. When the Church of England separated from Rome, it did not consider itself to be Protestant. As the church evolved in England, certain elements of the Protestant Reformation surfaced. In an attempt to reconcile the views of the Reformers with those of the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican tradition became a home for both. Most worshiping communities fall somewhere in the middle in terms of their style of worship.
The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide 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. Before the American Revolution, we were known as the Church of England in America. After the Revolution, we become the Episcopal Church - a self-governing faith community affiliated with the worldwide Anglican tradition. The word "Anglican" means in the tradition of the Church of England. Today more than 80 million people around the world are part of the Anglican faith tradition: every continent except Antarctica has Anglican churches today. For example, if you travel to New Zealand or Cuba (our newest Episcopal diocese), you'll find Anglican Churches that worship in the same style as the Episcopal Church in America.
Links for further study (click below)
The Episcopal Church USA
The Online Book of Common Prayer
www.bcponline.org/
Jesus was an Episcopalian (And You Can Be One Too!): A Newcomer's Guide to the Episcopal Church
www.jesuswasanepiscopalian.org/
Bellwether Farm-A Sustainable Retreat and Camp of the Diocese of Ohio
https://www.bellwetherfarm.com/
The Episcopal Cafe
https://www.episcopalcafe.com/
Episcopal Relief and Development
https://www.episcopalrelief.org/
A nation-wide listing of open and affirming churches (like St. Andrew) can be found here
www.gaychurch.org
* The text of our FAQs were adapted from the FAQ-Common Questions of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan: http://dev13.curlyhost.com/the-episcopal-diocese-of-western-michigan.