Discovering The Episcopal Church In Davidson NC

By Michael Meyer


Faith is a term that means different things to different people. In some cases, it refers to religion, in others more secular terms. In all cases, the meaning is basically that one believes in an action or concept whether seen or unseen. When it comes to the Episcopal church In Davidson NC, it refers to believing in the virgin Mary, Jesus and the holy trinity.

With that being said, the Episcopal faith still lies within the concepts of Christianity. Unlike other branches, it comes out of Catholicism. As such, many aspects of the worship service are attributed to original Catholic masses and rituals. In addition, while most Episcopalians are accepting of diversity, there are some more conservative areas in which this is not the case.

Being one of the oldest religions, and the one to come out of Catholicism, many churches and members are new to these newer trends in society. Whereas, many visitors are often taken back at the rituals which were incorporated from orthodox Catholic beliefs of the past. Although while Catholics tend to hold Mary as the most sacred, most Episcopalians believe the story of Jesus and that all can be saved through Christ the Lord.

A welcoming congregation is a congregation that believes in equality. It is a congregation that accepts all people and believes that each and every individual deserves dignity, honor, kindness and respect. In some cases, ministers teach tolerance over acceptance. While tolerance is often appreciated, it is not acceptance nor does it speak to a welcoming congregation. For, unless people accept one another with open minds, open hearts and open arms, it is not acceptance.

The Book of Prayer, the Bible, hymnals and prepared text are often used in each Episcopalian worship service. Unlike other churches in which there is generally a greeting, music and sermon, the congregation plays a vital role in the service. For when it comes to the Episcopal service, the congregation interacts with deacons and ministers with the Common Book of Prayer. In this aspect of worship, the minister will read a prayer from the book. After which, the congregation will respond in kind with a provided response.

Another spiritual aspect that separates this branch of Christianity from others is the call and response format used in prayer and communion. In most cases, the deacon or minister will provide a reading from the Common Book of Prayer to which the congregation will provide a verbal response. While in some churches all those whom have been baptized are welcome to take communion, others require membership.

Depending on the minister and congregation, some churches will allow visitors to accept communion if one has been baptized in the past. While some offer this option, it is quite rare. For, most Episcopalians believe that one must complete the confirmation process, be baptized and become a member before receiving communion.

One of the biggest differences between the Episcopalians and other branches of Christianity is that the church also urges members to continue a search for truth. After which, once the individual has become aligned with a specific congregation, the individual must complete a confirmation process to become a member. Whether or not the new member need be baptized often depends on the independent church and leaders such as deacons and ministers.




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