October, 2007 Calendar In This Issue: Conversion: Shared Traditions, Faithfully Observed Advent The Susan Tree A Journey Through Prayer Episcopal 101 Steps for a Meditation Liturgical Silence

by The Rev. Hartshorn Murphy

Recently, one of the painters who was here doing some work in our altar guild sacristy asked me what denomination we were. When I told him "Episcopalian," he asked me if that was Christian. Hearing my affirmative answer, he asked me if we did baptisms, as he was interested in having his 3 year old son baptized. He was a delightful young father and we had an interesting and far ranging conversation and I shared our baptism brochure with him and invited him to come to worship.

When − and if − he comes to church, he can decide if we are indeed "Christian" depending on what that word means to him. For it does not mean the same thing to everyone. Some people today have a very narrow understanding of "Christian" that's grounded in whether or not a congregation can be labeled as "bible-believing" or not. The litmus test for sufficiently Christian, as defined by the religious right, requires folk to be, among others things, anti-choice, anti-evolution and anti-gay. But many other people have a more expansive understanding of Christianity and see it as a vast tapestry of doctrines and beliefs, customs and practices. Where we fit in that bright array is the purpose of a seminar we're calling "Episcopal 101."

Where does the Episcopal Church come from? What is its origin, what are its roots? What are the two major sacraments and the 5 lesser ones? Why and when do some people make the sign of the cross or genuflect or raise their arms in worship, while others do not? What other resources are found in the prayer book for my use beyond that for corporate worship? (See the article by Rose Kujawa in this issue). Tell me about prayer. Give me the information I need to make a spirited defense of our church when I am challenged by my secular friends about why I go to church at all or when I am ridiculed by those who accuse us of not being Christian at all. And by the way; language! (What the heck's a sacristy?)

We may not answer all the questions but we will engage most of them in a free flowing lecture, dialogue and conversation. While intended for those relatively new to St. A's and to the Episcopal Church, all are welcome. Sign up on the patio on Sundays.

Date: Saturday, October 20th from 8:30 − 11:30 a.m.
Childcare available by sign-up for those under the age of 4

Copyright © 2007 St. Augustine by-the-Sea