What we are about
At Christ Church we are a community
in faith that:
•
respects each individual’s
spiritual journey
•
welcomes guests warmly as
people whom God has sent for
us to nurture on their spiritual
journey
•
will welcome you regardless of
how much money you have,
how old you are, how you are
dressed, where you live, or any
other distinctions that do not
matter
•
wants you to belong so that you
can come to believe, rather than
tell you what to believe before
you can belong
•
wants to help you fall in love
with Jesus Christ so that you will
want to join him in the work he
is doing in the world
•
encourages you to participate in
worshipping God instead of just
watching clergy and choir do it
•
trusts you to use worship,
prayer, and the scripture to
form beliefs and act morally
rather than try to tell you what
you must believe or how you
must behave
•
values our relationships with
each other more than having
everybody agree on the “right”
opinions
•
proclaims the Good News that
God loves you, and so do we
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
All are welcome
All people of faith - no matter age or denomination - are welcome to "receive
communion." Episcopalians open our Table not because we take the Eucharist
lightly, but because we take our baptism so seriously.
Visitors who prefer not to receive Communion are welcome to come forward
during the Communion to receive a blessing from the Celebrant. Simply cross
your arms over your chest as a sign you with to receive such a blessing.
How do I join?
How do I become an Episcopalian?
The process varies depending upon your situation. If you have already been
baptized, the Episcopal Church warmly recognizes that sacrament as valid. You
do not have to be re-baptized. If you have already been confirmed, we also
recognize that sacrament. If you have already been baptized and confirmed
you may be "received" into this branch of Christ's Church by the Bishop of New
Hampshire. If you have not been baptized or confirmed, the Vicar will make
arrangements for these two events. When the Bishop visits, you will be
confirmed. From that moment on, you are an Episcopalian.
How do I become a member of Christ Church?
You have already made the first step by joining us for Sunday worship! You are
already a member of our community. However, your connection can be
deepened through regular participation in worship and involvement in
congregation ministries. Depending upon your situation, you may wish to be
fully connected through Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist or Full Reception
into the Episcopal Church at some point down the line. For now, just know you
are welcome!
I have been divorced and have remarried.
May I receive Communion?
Yes. The Episcopal Church recognizes that some
marriages die. The Church mourns with you, but
welcomes you to receive Communion as part of your
healing and growth.
What is the difference between the Episcopal and
Roman Catholic Churches? The services seem very
similar.
They are similar. Some parts, in fact, are identical. We,
however, are part of the worldwide Anglican
Communion, formed in England in the 16th century. We
have some doctrinal differences with the Church of
Rome. We recognize the Pope as the Bishop of Rome, but
we do not place ourselves under his authority.
Then is the Episcopal Church Protestant or Catholic?
It is both catholic and protestant. Since we are not in
communion with the Church of Rome, it considers us
protestant. Our doctrines and our practices are mostly
what they were before the Protestant Reformation, so we
are also catholic. Think of the Episcopal Church as a
"bridge church"; standing between these two great
traditions – what we truly believe is the best of both.
Information for
Newcomers
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name "Episcopal Church" mean?
"The Episcopal Church" is one branch of the world-wide
Anglican Communion numbering 70 million members in
over 100 countries. It is often described as the "bridge
church" because it includes both Catholic and Protestant
traditions. It preserves the ancient Catholic faith and
sacraments and the historic ministry with Bishops as its
chief pastors. ("Episcopal" comes from the Greek word for
"bishop.") It is at the same time Protestant, focusing on
the basic authority of Holy Scripture and the
proclamation of the Word of God.
I don't know when to sit, stand or kneel.
At Christ Church, we respect a variety of worship practices
and customs. During the service some people may make
the sign of the cross or bow at various points, while
others do not. You should do what is comfortable for you.
There are, however, a number of practices that are
common at Christ Church:
•
Generally, people stand to sing the hymns, while the
Gospel is read and for the post-communion prayer,
blessing and dismissal.
•
During the Liturgy of the Eucharist some people will
remain standing, while others elect to kneel. Both
practices are valid.
•
Many people stand and move around to exchange
the Peace with those who are nearby, shaking hands
and greeting each other in whatever way is
comfortable for them.