The core of Anglican worship focuses on: praise, common prayer, public reading of Scripture, preaching of Scripture, and celebration of Communion. We do all this faithfully at all our services at 8:00, 9:15, and 11am. And at 9:15 we set our music to a contemporary style rather than traditional hymn style service. . 

What is the Episcopal Church?

The Episcopal Church is the Church of England as it developed in the United States. During the American Revolution, The Church of England present in the Colonies began to administer itself, although it remained in communication -- in Communion -- with the mother Church in England itself. For this reason, it is said to be part of the Anglican (that is, of England) Communion. The Church of England is a Christian church founded on Jesus' teachings and example on loving God and one another (and ourselves).

The church is the place where the people gather for public worship, prayer, singing and celebration of sacraments (certain rites and symbols indicating God's gracious presence among us) together, and also the people themselves, participating in worship, praying, singing and celebrating. On a technical level, Episcopal means that our church is governed or "overseen" by bishops (from the Greek episcopos, over-seer). Each individual church (or "parish") belongs to a larger governing area called a "diocese," which is overseen by an elected bishop. All the dioceses across the whole country are overseen by a specially elected bishop, called the Presiding Bishop. However, all of the people of the church participate in the running of the business of the church family.

What Do Episcopalians Believe?

Episcopalian belief, like Episcopalians themselves, is quite diverse. The standard is the Book of Common Prayer, which contains excerpts of passages from the Bible and various prayers for use in Church (that is, when people gather together for public prayer) and at home (for when a person is alone with his or her God). The Book of Common Prayer also contains several ancient Creeds. A creed is a statement of belief, and these ancient creeds proclaim what the earliest Christians believed to be true. Included in the Book of Common Prayer, as a complement to the Creeds and Prayers, is a Catechism. A catechism states the beliefs and practice of the Church in a very concise format. It is in the catechism that you may find how Episcopalians view God, Jesus Christ, death, good and evil, and sin. It also explains in a practical fashion what the goal of human life is, and how we may pursue that goal.What Does It Mean to Be Episcopalian?

On a more day-to-day level, to be Episcopalian means thinking critically about issues which confront everyone -- and responding in a particular way. The Episcopal Church is quite diverse, and welcomes people of all backgrounds, allowing them to take on responsibilities ranging from those of the clergy, to teachers, or simply congregation members. The Episcopal Church is not a "preachy" Church, and although it does maintain those rituals common to the Christian Church since its inception, it is not a "you must follow the rules or else" type of Church.

What is the Eucharist?

The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion or Lord's Supper is one of the most important Christian sacraments. Almost every Christian denomination celebrates in some form this ritual of worship and remembrance, which Christians generally believe Jesus instituted at his last supper with his disciples. The phrase "the Eucharist" may refer not only to the ritual but also to the "bread" and "cup" used in the rite and, in this sense, celebrants may speak of "receiving the Eucharist", rather than "celebrating the Eucharist". Here at Christ Church all Christians are welcome to recieve communion.

What does it mean to be a Christian?

Christianity is Christ! A Christian is one in whom Jesus Christ lives by His Spirit, and one who allows the life and character of Jesus Christ to be lived out through his behavior, in order to function as intended to the glory of God (Isa. 43:7). Everything necessary to become and be a Christian has been done by Jesus Christ, which is why He exclaimed "It is finished!" (John 19:30). It is only by the grace-activity of God in Jesus Christ that the opportunity of becoming and being a Christian is afforded to mankind. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast" (Eph. 2:8,9). There is no human performance or effort that can effect the spiritual reality of becoming a Christian.

How do I get on the mailing list for the newsletter?

Call the Parish Office 410-822-2677

How should I address the clergy?

In our tradition, ministers are all the people of the church: lay people, bishops, priests and deacons. We are an informal place so feel free to address our Rector as Bill, and our deacon as Carol.

How do I add a name to the Prayer List?

Call the Parish Office at 822-2677

Is Christ Church’s blended 9:15 worship really Anglican?

Page 9 of the Prayer Book says this about corporate worship (quoting Thomas Cranmer's 16th century instructions): "Particular forms of worship, and the Rites & Ceremonies appointed to be used therein, being things in their own nature indifferent - and alterable - it is but reasonable that upon weighty and important considerations, according to the various dictates of times and occasions, such changes and alterations should be made therein." Translation: given considerations of culture & effective communication, it's OK to change liturgical expressions (as long as they are consistent w/ Scripture and the teaching of the Church).