ChessCastle
17th September 2005, 02:45 AM
Today I visited the Episcopal church in my area. I had called ahead a couple of days ago and was delighted to find out that there was a service at noon on Fridays. This worked out really well for me because I normally work from 3pm to midnight and most church services that aren't on sunday are during my work hours. I observed the service which was held in a smaller chamber than the main worship area and I realised as I sat there that this was exactly the type of worship service I needed. I followed along in the BCP as best I could which trying to take everything in. The priest took some time to speak of St. Cyprian, and applied a part of his teaching to the Church today. I found the entire service fascinating, fulfilling and informative. I had already been told that it would be better if I didn't take part in the Eucharist because I'm not baptised so I just watched as it took place.
After the service the priest came to me (after everyone who was there welcomed me) and took me into his office to chat. We spoke for well over an hour closer to two and I was surprised at how comfortable it was sitting down talk to him. I think I expected him to be stuffy or something. He was the total opposite. He asked me questions about myself and told me a lot about the church history and beliefs. He agreed to meet with me every friday and talk after the service, and gave me a copy of the BCP and a calender to keep for myself. He went over a few things in the BCP with me and I kept thinking to myself "why doesn't every church have a book like this?"
I asked about baptism and it looks like the earliest time I can do it will be November 1st. I wish I could have done it today but I must be patient. I forgot to ask some of my questions because there was so much going on inside my head, but I cannot wait until next friday. My family and I have been attending a non denominational christian church, and I'm hoping they feel the same connection I did when they get to go to a sunday service. Unfortunately there is no sunday service this week as the church is traveling somewhere.
Thanks to all here who have answered questions for me and made me feel welcome.
CC
After the service the priest came to me (after everyone who was there welcomed me) and took me into his office to chat. We spoke for well over an hour closer to two and I was surprised at how comfortable it was sitting down talk to him. I think I expected him to be stuffy or something. He was the total opposite. He asked me questions about myself and told me a lot about the church history and beliefs. He agreed to meet with me every friday and talk after the service, and gave me a copy of the BCP and a calender to keep for myself. He went over a few things in the BCP with me and I kept thinking to myself "why doesn't every church have a book like this?"
I asked about baptism and it looks like the earliest time I can do it will be November 1st. I wish I could have done it today but I must be patient. I forgot to ask some of my questions because there was so much going on inside my head, but I cannot wait until next friday. My family and I have been attending a non denominational christian church, and I'm hoping they feel the same connection I did when they get to go to a sunday service. Unfortunately there is no sunday service this week as the church is traveling somewhere.
Thanks to all here who have answered questions for me and made me feel welcome.
CC