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

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.

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.