Have questions about The Episcopal Church? About St. Barnabas? Let’s see if we can answer them.
What is The Episcopal Church?
We are the member church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The chief mission of The Episcopal Church, as outlined in our catechism in the Book of Common Prayer, is to “restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. We accomplish this “as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love through the ministry of all its members.” (BCP, 855). The Episcopal Church can be found in all 50 states, as well as Cuba and other island nations, Mexico, Latin America, and Europe.
You have a Book of Common Prayer?
Yes. The most common of the Books of Common Prayer you’ll find in a church have red covers with a gold cross. This book was adopted in 1979 and contains prayers that are largely drawn from Scripture, and traditions that have been passed down through Christian theologians. There are newer versions of some of the prayers found both online and in a series called “Enriching Our Worship.”
Who is General Convention?
General Convention is the temporal governing body of the Episcopal Church, made up of elected representatives from the laypeople and clergy (the House of Deputies) and the Bishops of the Episcopal Church (the House of Bishops). This body normally meets every three years to discuss, debate, and vote on proposed changes to the canons and constitution of The Episcopal Church.
OK…but where does St. Barnabas fit in to all of this?
St. Barnabas is an Episcopal Church serving primarily the area of North Valdosta. We are one of the churches in a geographic region (diocese) of Georgia.
Do you believe in the Bible?
If you mean, do we read and study Scripture, yes, absolutely! Every Sunday service you will hear a lesson from the Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, a psalm, a reading from one of the Letters or Books of the New Testament, and a Gospel lesson. As mentioned before, our Book of Common Prayer draws on a lot of Scripture in its wording. And most of our hymns are inspired by the words of Scripture. We take the Scriptures seriously, but we do not necessarily take them literally. We believe in God as the source of life and love, in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit as the sustainer of the church and our work in the world about us.
What is a typical Sunday service like?
Well, it has a structure. We begin with an opening hymn (found in a hymnal) which is followed by prayers and readings from Scripture. There is usually a sermon, which is then followed by confessing the faith of the church, offering prayers for the world and the local community, and acknowledging that we don’t always follow God’s directive to love people, and lift burdens off each other. We pass the peace, hear announcements, and then we move into what is called “Holy Eucharist,” which is our time to remember Jesus’ Last Supper. We share bread (or wafers) and wine (yes, it’s wine). And then we conclude with more prayers and a closing hymn. At the end, the deacon or priest concludes the worship and we are sent out to do the service God has given us to do in the community: to love and serve God and neighbor.
Is it true that you support same-sex marriage?
Yes, that is true. The Episcopal Church has spent many years in discernment and has arrived at a place of believing that “love is love” and that “where true charity and love dwell, God is also there.” (Hymn #606). The 78th General Convention approved two marriage rites for use by same-sex couples. You can read more about it HERE.
St. Barnabas is pleased to invite people of all genders and orientations to journey with us in a Godward direction. We have been added to the list of affirming congregations in Valdosta.
