You know you're Anglican if.

[Colabomb]

I get a kick out of reading the "You know you're Catholic if" thread, and Realized we have some odd traditions of our own.

You know you're Anglican if you know more acronyms and obscure greek phrases than your doctor friend.

If you find yourself accidentally kissing your prayer book

[AngCath]

You know you're Anglican if you can't pray unless someone says "the Lord be with you" first.

[Tomoz]

You know you're anglican if even the clergy are complaining about the length of the sermon.

[Torah613]

You know your anglican if the local theatre group hits you up for the GOOD priests costumes. ;)

seriously, has anyone else noticed that Anglican vesture and architecture seems to be leagues above and beyond the standard RC pale, at least in the US?

Joe Zollars

[Markus6]

You know you're Anglican if you are about to divorce you're sixth wife and are very grateful you don't have to ask the Pope (cheers Henry)

[Torah613]

You know your anglican if you get quizical looks from people trying to figure out how you can be both Catholic AND Protestant.

Joe Zollars

[higgs2]

You know you're Episcopalian if you're late for brunch because you were having so much fun at coffee hour after church.

[TheGMan]

I'm still very fond of... You find youself saying, "And also with you" while watching Star Wars.

[RedneckAnglican]

...If you think that any hymns written after 1650 are just too dern comtemperary....

[erin74]

I'm still very fond of... You find youself saying, "And also with you" while watching Star Wars.
ROFL

[Colabomb]

...If you think that any hymns written after 1650 are just too dern comtemperary....
The Episcopal Church we are attending has a very contemporary service, after the one we'll be attending, that plays CCM.

[gtsecc]

[quote=JosephtheKansan
seriously, has anyone else noticed that Anglican vesture and architecture seems to be leagues above and beyond the standard RC pale, at least in the US?

Joe Zollars[/quote]
Of course - that is why we conservative put up with the Gen Con weirdness, just so we can aoid trying to worship in polyester.

[Colabomb]

Of course - that is why we conservative put up with the Gen Con weirdness, just so we can aoid trying to worship in polyester.

lol

[Colabomb]

Your Catholic friend thinks you're methodist, and your methodist friend thinks your Catholic.

[pilgrimgal]

You quote English poets almost as much as you do the scriptures. :preach:

You are ready to ask more questions than you are to give answers. :thumbsup:

BTW...love this thread! :cool:

[gtsecc]

There are no Bibles in your Church.

[karen freeinchristman]

You know you're Anglican if your arm muscles don't work during corporate worship. - Eddie Izzard

[No Swansong]

You know that you are an Anglican if you can name more than two C.S. Lewis books that don't have "Narnia" or "Mere" in their titles or subtitles.

[Fairbairn]

...if the person doing the scripture reading has to pause for 30 seconds while the congregation finds the passage in the church bibles.

[RedneckAnglican]

3 sacraments...Baptism...Communion...and Coffee after Church...

[Colabomb]

3 sacraments...Baptism...Communion...and Coffee after Church...
Lol

[Markus6]

3 sacraments...Baptism...Communion...and Coffee after Church...
And the fourth? The solemn imparting of the notices.

[Finella]

... you've ever planned a procession and liturgy of burial for your deceased beloved pet.

[artybloke]

There are no Bibles in your Church.

Oh come now - there's always a big one at the front - why'd you need any more than that?

[higgs2]

Oh come now - there's always a big one at the front - why'd you need any more than that?
*Love* that big bible :thumbsup:

And the contents of the BCP is probably way over 50% scripture :)

[Colabomb]

The Psalter is a huge chunk out of the book.

Of course, with the multiple rites, it probably takes up less of the 79.

[gtsecc]

Oh come now - there's always a big one at the front - why'd you need any more than that?
The Big one on the altar?
It is either the Missal (altar book) or the Gospel.

[karen freeinchristman]

We keep our Big One on the lectern, and it's the Holy Bible.

We've also got Bibles in the seat-backs in the Nave.

[gtsecc]

We keep our Big One on the lectern, and it's the Holy Bible.

We've also got Bibles in the seat-backs in the Nave.
Yep, often the only Bible in the sanctuary is the one behind the brass eagle.

[artrx]

We keep our Big One on the lectern, and it's the Holy Bible.

We've also got Bibles in the seat-backs in the Nave.

That's true of the churches I've been a part of as well.

[Colabomb]

If you know what GenCon is.

If you discuss the ABC and you aren't discussing your kindergarten experience.

[Fairbairn]

We keep our Big One on the lectern, and it's the Holy Bible.

We've also got Bibles in the seat-backs in the Nave.
Our only bibles are the ones in the seat-backs. Who ever is reading the lesson just takes one of those bibles up with them.

[higgs2]

The Psalter is a huge chunk out of the book.

Of course, with the multiple rites, it probably takes up less of the 79.
The liturgies themselves are soaked in scripture. It's not just the psaltar.

[higgs2]

You know you're Anglican if your priest brings her husband when you invite her to dinner. :)

[higgs2]

You know you're Anglican if your kids' favorite babysitter's dad is your priest. :)

[Fairbairn]

You know you're Anglican if your kids' favorite babysitter's dad is your priest. :)
Good one :)

[gtsecc]

Our only bibles are the ones in the seat-backs. Who ever is reading the lesson just takes one of those bibles up with them.

Oh please tell me I misunderstand.

Are you saying some bloke gets out of his pew wearing a suit, and saunters up to the podium with the pew Bible, and then reads it, and then trapes back to his seat?
I had assumed that sort of liturgical disregard was reserved for Roman Catholics.

I am not saying he has to wear a dalmatic, but can the reader at least process in, and wear an alb or cassock and surplus?

[higgs2]

Oh please tell me I misunderstand.

Are you saying some bloke gets out of his pew wearing a suit, and saunters up to the podium with the pew Bible, and then reads it, and then trapes back to his seat?
I had assumed that sort of liturgical disregard was reserved for Roman Catholics.

I am not saying he has to wear a dalmatic, but can the reader at least process in, and wear an alb or cassock and surplus?


Our lectors don't process in either. And they often don't wear suits. And we have kids go up and read sometimes too. In tennis shoes. And they usually read out of the bulletin because we don't have pew bibles.

But -- they don't saunter and traipse, they walk. Well, one 10 year old barely holds himself back from running, because he's so excited to be a part of the liturgy. But generally they walk. Except for the one elderly old gentleman on oxygen whose wife has to help him by carrying his oxygen and occasionally when he's a lector he is not well enough to go up to the front so he reads from his seat. He surprised us all one time by reading from his own bible (the Message translation LOL!):D

Really, gtsecc, you need to get out more and see what other Anglican churches are doing. My church is by no means low church and we have lectors come up from the pews. :sorry:

[higgs2]

Oh please tell me I misunderstand.

Are you saying some bloke gets out of his pew wearing a suit, and saunters up to the podium with the pew Bible, and then reads it, and then trapes back to his seat?
I had assumed that sort of liturgical disregard was reserved for Roman Catholics.

I am not saying he has to wear a dalmatic, but can the reader at least process in, and wear an alb or cassock and surplus?


Our lectors don't vest. we don't have surplus surplices. :D

[higgs2]

You know you're Anglican if you post on an internet board where people use words like "cassock" and "dalmatic". :)

[SirTimothy]

Our lectors don't process in either. And they often don't wear suits. And we have kids go up and read sometimes too. In tennis shoes. And they usually read out of the bulletin because we don't have pew bibles.

When I lector I do it in in shorts, t-shirt and sandals. Actually even our priest wears sandals...

[Fairbairn]

Oh please tell me I misunderstand.

Are you saying some bloke gets out of his pew wearing a suit, and saunters up to the podium with the pew Bible, and then reads it, and then trapes back to his seat?
I had assumed that sort of liturgical disregard was reserved for Roman Catholics.

I am not saying he has to wear a dalmatic, but can the reader at least process in, and wear an alb or cassock and surplus?


Unlikely to be wearing a suit. Maybe chinos and an open-necked shirt or jumper, maybe jeans. Tell me more about liturgical disregard...

[SirTimothy]

By the way, we cheat for readings... we have the official Common Worship lectionary bible so all the readings are in order. :)

[Fairbairn]

Our lectors don't process in either. And they often don't wear suits. And we have kids go up and read sometimes too. In tennis shoes. And they usually read out of the bulletin because we don't have pew bibles.

But -- they don't saunter and traipse, they walk. Well, one 10 year old barely holds himself back from running, because he's so excited to be a part of the liturgy. But generally they walk. Except for the one elderly old gentleman on oxygen whose wife has to help him by carrying his oxygen and occasionally when he's a lector he is not well enough to go up to the front so he reads from his seat. He surprised us all one time by reading from his own bible (the Message translation LOL!):D

Really, gtsecc, you need to get out more and see what other Anglican churches are doing. My church is by no means low church and we have lectors come up from the pews. :sorry:
They should take a radio mike up to his seat :)

This reminds me of another Anglican characteristic: our church family is all age from -9months to 100+

[Fairbairn]

Our vicar and other cast members often conduct the service in swimming trunks and bare feet.

[higgs2]

Our vicar and other cast members often conduct the service in swimming trunks and bare feet.
Are they on the beach when this happens? Is it a full immersion baptism thing? Tell me more.

(But tell it carefully so you don't give anyone a heart attack :D)

[Fairbairn]

Full immersion baptism :)

[gtsecc]

From left to right:
Sub-Deacon, Celebrant, Deacon
Tunicle, Cope, Dalmatic

http://www.saintignatiusnyc.org/images/ministers.jpg

[Fairbairn]

What are they bobbing for? That's if indeed they are bobbing for something :) What are they actually doing?

[higgs2]

Just noticed the usage of the word "seats" as opposed to "pews". :eek: I will try to ignore it.

[Fairbairn]

In our Anglican church... ...You know you are Anglican when you can do time & motion studies of the most effective ways to move the seats around.

[higgs2]

In our Anglican church... ...You know you are Anglican when you can do time & motion studies of the most effective ways to move the seats around.
*gasp* <<fingers in ears>> LALALALALA! I can't HEAR you... :eek: :eek:

[Fairbairn]

...you have developed special chair moving muscles and you constantly curse those who purchased 500 such heavy chairs!

[higgs2]

...you have developed special chair moving muscles and you constantly curse those who purchased 500 such heavy chairs!
Ohhhh, you must mean the really heavy loooooong chairs that many people can sit on at once. We call them "pews". :D

[Fairbairn]

...the verger is constantly telling you off for making drag marks in the carpet from moving all those chairs :)

[Finella]

... you know what a "verger" is. :D

[gtsecc]

What are they bobbing for? That's if indeed they are bobbing for something :) What are they actually doing?

Kissing the altar,
which, I think is done at least twice in a Solemn Mass
Once after processing in and before censing,
and once during the Absolution

Bishop or Priest facing East towards the altar says

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy
hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with
hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him,

bend down kiss the altar and turn around towards the people and make the sign of the cross while continuing to say

have mercy upon you, pardon and deliver you from all your sins, confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

[Fairbairn]

What if you have a table and not an altar?

[higgs2]

What if you have a table and not an altar?
If you want to call the pews and the altar chairs and tables, who are we to stop you? :) <<smiles gently>> Yes, yes, that is a lovely -- er -- table, yes table, that's right :) :) <<backs carefully away>>

[gtsecc]

What if you have a table and not an altar?
Well, for theological reasons, my priests always face East. So, if there is a table, we move it up flush with the East wall. If we can't move it, we still face East and simply stand on the West side of the table.

[Fairbairn]

Ummm /thinks about the name of the altar furniture....

not that we call it altar - we have a dais

I think we have a vicar's chair and a bishop's chair (that anyone can sit in), and a table with fair linen cloth

[gtsecc]

We pray this before serving, so we use Altar for consistancy:


THE PREPARATION

Note: Make the sign of the cross where the text is marked with a (+).
Priest - (+) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.


Priest - I will go unto the Altar of God.

Server - Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.

Psalm 43

Priest - Give sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people: O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.

Server - For thou art the God of my strength, why hast Thou put me from Thee: and why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?

Priest - O send out Thy light and Thy truth, that they may lead me: and bring me unto Thy holy hill, and to Thy dwelling.

Server - And that I may go unto the Altar of God, even unto the God of my joy and gladness: and upon the harp will I give thanks unto Thee, O God, my God.

Priest - Why art thou so heavy, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me?

Server - O put thy trust in God, for I will yet give Him thanks, Which is the help of my countenance, and my God.

Priest - Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and the Holy Ghost;

Server - As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

Priest - I will go unto the Altar of God.

Server - Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.

Priest - (+) Our help is in the Name of the Lord.

Server - Who hath made Heaven and Earth.

Priest - I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, my brother, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, my own fault, my own most grievous fault. Therefore I beg blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, my brother, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Server - May Almighty God have mercy upon thee, forgive thee all thy sins, and bring thee to everlasting life.

Priest - Amen.

Server - I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the Saints, and to you, Father, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, my own fault, my own most grievous fault. Therefore I beg blessed Mary ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the Saints, and you, Father, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

Priest - May Almighty God have mercy upon thee, forgive thee all thy sins and bring thee to everlasting life.

Server - Amen.

Priest - (+) May the Almighty and Merciful Lord grant unto us pardon, absolution and remission of all our sins.

Server - Amen.

Priest - Wilt Thou not turn again and quicken us, O Lord?

Server - That Thy people may rejoice in Thee.

Priest - O Lord, show Thy mercy upon us.

Server - And grant us Thy salvation.

Priest - O Lord , hear my prayer.

Server - And let my cry come unto Thee.

Priest - The Lord be with you.

Server - And with thy spirit.

Priest - Let us pray.
Priest and Server - Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, (+) But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

[karen freeinchristman]

You know you're Anglican if there is this much diversity in a thread called "You know you're Anglican if".

[gtsecc]

Well, on a serious note, you can almost always tell an Anglican Altar if there is: no Christ or a risen Christ on the cross on the altar. Only Roman Catholics and Anglo-Catholics have a crucifix on the altar, and Protestants don't have an altar - so, y
if you see one, you know it is either Anglican or Roman Catholic, then look for the crucifix or cross. Orthodox altars are pulled away from the wall like a table, and are easy to recognize.

Orthodox:
http://www.holymyrrhbearers.org/images/altar_sm.jpg

Anglican:

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en-commons/thumb/b/ba/250px-Altar.stmaryredcliffe.arp.jpg (http://www.answers.com/main/Record2?a=NR&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommons.wikimedia.org%2Fwiki%2FImage%3AAltar.stmaryredcliffe.arp.jpg)

Roman Catholic:

http://www.gohchurch.org/altar.jpg

[No Swansong]

I thought that the more conservative Lutherans had altars. Don't they?

[gtsecc]

I thought that the more conservative Lutherans had altars. Don't they?
Oh, I bet they do.

[Fairbairn]

<font color="black"><font size="3"><font face="Garamond">Well, on a serious note, you can almost always tell an Anglican Altar if there is: no Christ or a risen Christ on the cross on the altar.
What cross on the altar?

[gtsecc]

What cross on the altar?
I believe Church Canons require an image of Christ be on the altar for the consecration of the elements. It is almost always a Cross or Crucifix, but I have seen an icon used instead.

[SirTimothy]

I believe Church Canons require an image of Christ be on the altar for the consecration of the elements. It is almost always a Cross or Crucifix, but I have seen an icon used instead.

Do they? Not the canons of the CofE, any road. And of those three posted, I think the RC table is the most tasteful...

[karen freeinchristman]

I agree - the RC table pic is the one I like the best.

[Fairbairn]

I believe Church Canons require an image of Christ be on the altar for the consecration of the elements. It is almost always a Cross or Crucifix, but I have seen an icon used instead.

Canon F2 is the relevent canon and it makes no mention of such imagery. It basically specifies that there should be a fair linen cloth covering a wooden or stone table.

In my church, we have a wooden table with the linen cloth. On the table is the basic silverware and the glass flagon. No cross, no icons, no candles.

[Fairbairn]

Yes, the wooden table with simple cloth is the most tasteful.

[higgs2]

Yes, the wooden table with simple cloth is the most tasteful.
I can't get past the huge crucifix. I prefer a risen Christ or just a cross. I like the Anglican pic.

[No Swansong]

I can't get past the huge crucifix. I prefer a risen Christ or just a cross. I like the Anglican pic.


Funny I'm drawn to it.

[SirTimothy]

I can't get past the huge crucifix. I prefer a risen Christ or just a cross. I like the Anglican pic.


If you're saying the huge crucifix is tacky, yes, I agree. But I much prefer the simple table.

[Colabomb]

If you're saying the huge crucifix is tacky, yes, I agree. But I much prefer the simple table.
echoed

[Colabomb]

echoed

Best... Altar... Ever....

[erin74]

You know you're anglican if....


it may seem a bit obvious, but... if you go to an Anglican church each week, it's probably a bit of a tip off!

[Tetzel]

...If you think that any hymns written after 1650 are just too dern comtemperary....
Same for Lutherans but the hymn also has to be originally German or Scandinavian.

[Colabomb]

If your church contains a pipe organ, and an Electric guitar.

[Colabomb]

If your church contains centuries old Icons, and two year old viewscreens.

[Torah613]

Oh please tell me I misunderstand.

Are you saying some bloke gets out of his pew wearing a suit, and saunters up to the podium with the pew Bible, and then reads it, and then trapes back to his seat?
I had assumed that sort of liturgical disregard was reserved for Roman Catholics.

I am not saying he has to wear a dalmatic, but can the reader at least process in, and wear an alb or cassock and surplus?



The relativily high chruch I attend gives the lectors the option of coming up from their pews at the apropriate time or of processing in. Both options are utilized about equally. What is better, taking a parent away from his/her kids for the entire liturgy, or the few minutes it takes to do the readings?

Joe Zollars

[Torah613]

Do they? Not the canons of the CofE, any road. And of those three posted, I think the RC table is the most tasteful...

as do I. The Anglican one posted looks overdressed.

A note GTSecc, Orthodox altars (even the OO ones) are not called altars. The entire area behind the Iconostasis is the altar. The Holy Table (yes, it has been called a table since at least the time of Basil the Great) is more square in shape. And Orthodox Holy Tables should not be easy to recognize because except for one week a year, and certain parts of the service you should not be able to see it. There's a reason the Iconostasis (at least in great Slav tradition) has both doors and curtains.

Joe Zollars

[Torah613]

Best... Altar... Ever....

I rather like it. Simple, gets the point across without looking ostentatious. Doesn't look like a museum concert or feel like going to the opera. However not a big fan of Eastward celebrations. There is equally as valid theological reasoning for westward celebrations. Besides "East" in most churches in the US is not really east afterall.

Joe Zollars

[Torah613]

You know your anglican if...the fellowship hall is actually larger than the sanctuary itself.

You know your anglican if...the vestry seems to be able to pull money to fix everything out of thin air.

Joe Zollars

[SirTimothy]

If your church contains a pipe organ, and an Electric guitar.

Bah humbug. I want a pipe organ. Or a grand piano. Anything other than our Yamaha electone 'organ' which is a piece of junk.

Timothy

[Torah613]

you know your anglican if...the three biggest issues in the church are women's ordination, gay clergy, and decaf coffee during coffee hour.

Joe Zollars

[RedneckAnglican]

If your men's prayer group gets together for Golf once a month (today for instance)...

[Fairbairn]

...you prefer council planning permission to a diocesan faculty.

[CherryB]

You know your Anglican when the floor is just to far to kneel on.

[No Swansong]

If you can think of a three legged stool and not wonder how it stays up.

[karen freeinchristman]

If you can think of a three legged stool and not wonder how it stays up.
^_^

[Fairbairn]

...when one of the Home Groups actually meets in the local pub

[pilgrimgal]

If you can think of a three legged stool and not wonder how it stays up.

:D :thumbsup:

[AngCath]

...if you can think of an Anglican acronym with every spoonful of Alphabet cereal.

[AngCath]

...if you believe the Bible is based on the Book of Common Prayer

[AngCath]

...if you think the next BCP should have a liturgy for Pot Lucks

[She]

.... if you attend Evensong, regularly, at Canterbury Cathedral at 3.15pm on a Sunday afternoon. (An amazing experience. Heavenly.)

[karen freeinchristman]

.... if you attend Evensong, regularly, at Canterbury Cathedral at 3.15pm on a Sunday afternoon. (An amazing experience. Heavenly.)
Where is the "green-with-envy" emoticon???
That sounds wonderful!

[She]

Where is the "green-with-envy" emoticon???
That sounds wonderful!

Yes it is. But I missed out the bit about all the traffic on the crowded motorway for 2 hours to get there. And also the bit about having to leave early when my autistic daughter starts trying to join in with the singing, only she's making chirpy noises and then I spot the microphone broadcasting it all over the world! :blush:

[DeoJuvante]

You know you're Anglican if, when reading a thread such as this one, you find yourself nodding and laughing to about half of the posts and find yourself cringing and thinking that's not Anglican, that's Protestant (or Catholic or whatever) to the other half.

[plum]

*outsider's clueless ignorant look of confusion*

fun to read! but completely foreign :)

:wave: shalom, siblings

[Colabomb]

*outsider's clueless ignorant look of confusion*

fun to read! but completely foreign :)

:wave: shalom, siblings
Peace sister!

[No Swansong]

*outsider's clueless ignorant look of confusion*

fun to read! but completely foreign :)

:wave: shalom, siblings


You will be assimilated. Resistance is Futile.

[karen freeinchristman]

You will be assimilated. Resistance is Futile.
^_^

Nothing less than world domination! :thumbsup:

[Colabomb]

*outsider's clueless ignorant look of confusion*

fun to read! but completely foreign :)

:wave: shalom, siblings
ask any questions you may have

[dance4god]

we only have like...2 bibles. and we have a library too...lol so sad

[dance4god]

you know your anglican when....
1. your family sits in the same exact place every service
2. our favorite bird is the big gold eagle
3. you actually know how heavy the big eagle is

[dance4god]

If your church contains a pipe organ, and an Electric guitar.


and drums.. and a piano... and a key board :D

[karen freeinchristman]

WELCOME TO CF, dance4god!!!

and welcome to STR ! :wave:

[pmcleanj]

you know your anglican when....
1. your family sits in the same exact place every service
2. our favorite bird is the big gold eagle
3. you actually know how heavy the big eagle is
LOL!

You know you are Anglican if ...

You know the exact corner of the undercroft where that big gold eagle is gathering dust; you can remember exactly when during the liturgical reform movement the thing was taken off the lectern and both know and agree with the theological/liturgical reasons for removing it; and *still* from time to time nostalgically wish that it were still there!

Welcome to STR, Dance4God! About 13 years ago, I had to change the way I danced for God because a toddler started clinging to one or the other leg when I tried to dance. Today, she too dances for God!
!

[No Swansong]

:hug:A big hearty hug Dances4God.
Welcome to STR. Some of us are grumpy old men, but we mean no harm. LOL

[longhair75]

you know you are anglican if:

the church our brother gtsecc attends looks much different than the one you attend, yet they are both anglican.

we have no eagle or pipe organ.

there are bibles, bcp and hymnals in each pew back.

at the 7:30 am rite I and the 10:30 rite II service, the readers wear surplices and there is a procession.

at the 9:00 contemporary service, ther readers wear street clothing and there is no procession.

i have some pictures. i will upload them to my isp and post them this evening.

[AngCath]

you know you're Anglican if you can't find a single person in your entire parish who believes what you do yet you persist in worshipping there.

[longhair75]

these are really to large to display:


the cross above the altar at my nephew's baptism. (http://members.cox.net/sunflower64/dylan%20baptism%20004.jpg)



the right rear corner of the sancuary, where we sit each sunday
(http://members.cox.net/sunflower64/dylan%20baptism%20002.jpg)


http://members.cox.net/sunflower64/P0000796.jpg

a confirmation with the bishop. (note the beautiful lady in the blue suit standing in front of the odd looking guy in the dark suit....)

[Catherineanne]

Well, on a serious note, you can almost always tell an Anglican Altar if there is: no Christ or a risen Christ on the cross on the altar. Only Roman Catholics and Anglo-Catholics have a crucifix on the altar, and Protestants don't have an altar - so, y
if you see one, you know it is either Anglican or Roman Catholic, then look for the crucifix or cross. Orthodox altars are pulled away from the wall like a table, and are easy to recognize.

... you know the moment someone says 'this is how you can tell an Anglican x, y or z, someone else will say, well, not always ... and that both will be right

... you know that Anglo-Catholic means Anglican, not Roman.

... and that Anglo-Catholics are just as fond of crucifixes, candles rosaries, icons and statues of Our Lady as Roman Catholics are.

... and that Anglican Altars can be pulled away from the wall

[pilgrimgal]

... you know the moment someone says 'this is how you can tell an Anglican x, y or z, someone else will say, well, not always ... and that both will be right



:)

Peace and blessings..:prayer:

[Tawny]

You know you are Anglican....just because you are :)

The inside of my church looks like this...

These pictures were taken in 1944, but believe me, the apart from new heaters the church still looks the same


http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/photo_database/photos/whi0022.jpg


The font my grandparents, parents, myself and daughter were Christened in

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/photo_database/photos/whi0043.jpg

The reverse of the first picture, the Altar rail is behind us

http://www.buckscc.gov.uk/photo_database/photos/whi0030.jpg

[gtsecc]

oh Tawny that is fabulous!

[Tawny]

I have more if you want to see......

[No Swansong]

What a delight to have such roots to visit. No Church that my grandparents(Methodist) ever attended is still standing.

[artrx]

Beautiful church, Tawny!

[longhair75]

friend tawny,

those are great pictures

[Tawny]

I am glad you like them. I used to think my family were so boring because we had stayed in the same place, but now I realise I have deep deep roots. Nothing on earth can replace that.

I know I am very lucky.

[Mark Downham]

You know you are an Anglican if...YOU confess the Westminster Confession, the 39 Articles and the Five Solas of the Reformation and know the differences between the 1549 and 1552 Prayer Books of Thomas Cranmer and the reasons for the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and how it deals with the 1549 and 1552 Common Books of Prayer.

[Mark Downham]

You know you are Anglican if....You understand why Richard Hooker, the Elizabethan Theologian codified Anglican belief and Confession as 'Scripture, Tradition, Reason' and who the "Latitude" men were in their emphasis on reason over Scripture and Tradition.

[gtsecc]

Hooker

[DeoJuvante]

I don't want to give you a hard time, Mark, but:

... confess the Westminster Confession, the 39 Articles and the Five Solas of the Reformation...

*shudder*

[Mark Downham]

I am an Evangelical Anglican and I should have said Richard Hooker not John Hooper I was thinking of his ministry and witness at the time....However, you are right, this Forum is no place for Confessing Evangelicals - after this has run its course I am leaving.

[pmcleanj]

... and I should have said Richard Hooker not John Hooper I was thinking of his activities at the time...
I wondered about that. Hooper was martyred under Mary, so he wasn't an Elizabethan anything.

[Mark Downham]

I wondered about that. Hooper was martyred under Mary, so he wasn't an Elizabethan anything.

He was influential on Elizabeth and part of the same Protestant tendency within the ecclesiastical politics prevailing under the Marian Jurisdiction over the Church of England and in Mary's pursuit of the "Romanisation" of the Church. He was also influential on Richard Hooker.

He was martyred under Mary when Elizabeth was effectively incarcerated under "home arrest" as a perceived threat to the state - Marian [Tudor] statecraft.

He was formative on Elizabethan [Tudor] ecclesiastical statecraft.

[No Swansong]

I am an Evangelical Anglican and I should have said Richard Hooker not John Hooper I was thinking of his ministry and witness at the time....However, you are right, this Forum is no place for Confessing Evangelicals - after this has run its course I am leaving.

Mark please don't leave.

[gtsecc]

I am an Evangelical Anglican and I should have said Richard Hooker not John Hooper I was thinking of his ministry and witness at the time....However, you are right, this Forum is no place for Confessing Evangelicals - after this has run its course I am leaving.
Sure it is.
Win me over to you view.

[higgs2]

What is a "confessing" Evangelical?

[gtsecc]

What is a "confessing" Evangelical?

Oh that's easy -They go to a priest for the sacrament of reconciliation, and absolution before receiving the Eucharist.

[Mark Downham]

Oh that's easy -They go to a priest for the sacrament of reconciliation, and absolution before receiving the Eucharist.
The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Absolution are technically the Sacrament of Penance - which Evangelicals do not observe in a Sacramental way.

Our approach to the HOLY Communion [the Eucharist]is either summed up as Trans-SIGNIFICATION or Symbolic Reification.

We hold that the Epiclesis is our Trans-Substantiation NOT the Elements - the HOLY SPIRIT is descending on us as the BODY.

The Core Emphases of Evangelical Faith and Spirituality are:

1. The Finality of the LORD Jesus Christ.
2. The Centrality of the Cross.
3. The Authority of Scripture.
4. The Necessity of Conversion or Confession of Faith.
5. The Assurance of Salvation.
6. The Priesthood of all Believers.
7. The Dependence on the Spirit and the Spirit Filled Life.
8. The Commitment to Mission.
9. The Call to Holiness

Anglicanism like Roman Catholicism is a Christian Confession and Evangelicals confess the Core Beliefs and Statements I have set out above - we also confess the Westminster Confession, the 39 Articles and the Five Solas of the Reformation.

One of our spiritually formative texts is "The Reformed Paster" by that Grat Puritan Divine, Richard Baxter.

There are over 700 Million Evangelicals in the World today and growing exponentially.

The strand of Evangelical Anglican Christianity I represent in the Church of England is summed up in the Alpha Course.

[higgs2]

The Sacraments of Reconciliation and Absolution are technically the Sacrament of Penance - which Evangelicals do not observe in a Sacramental way.

Our approach to the HOLY Communion [the Eucharist]is either summed up as Trans-SIGNIFICATION or Symbolic Reification.

We hold that the Epiclesis is our Trans-Substantiation NOT the Elements - the HOLY SPIRIT is descending on us as the BODY.

The Core Emphases of Evangelical Faith and Spirituality are:

1. The Finality of the LORD Jesus Christ.
2. The Centrality of the Cross.
3. The Authority of Scripture.
4. The Necessity of Conversion or Confession of Faith.
5. The Assurance of Salvation.
6. The Priesthood of all Believers.
7. The Dependence on the Spirit and the Spirit Filled Life.
8. The Commitment to Mission.
9. The Call to Holiness

Anglicanism like Roman Catholicism is a Christian Confession and Evangelicals confess the Core Beliefs and Statements I have set out above - we also confess the Westminster Confession, the 39 Articles and the Five Solas of the Reformation.

One of our spiritually formative texts is "The Reformed Paster" by that Grat Puritan Divine, Richard Baxter.

There are over 700 Million Evangelicals in the World today and growing exponentially.

The strand of Evangelical Anglican Christianity I represent in the Church of England is summed up in the Alpha Course.

um. So the Lambeth quadrilateral doesn't do it for you? ;) :)

[DeoJuvante]

Anglicanism like Roman Catholicism is a Christian Confession

I disagree. Anglicanism like Roman Catholicism is a Church (with bishops and canons and liturgy, etc.). One can believe everything that the Anglican Church teaches (i.e. subscribe to the 'Anglican confession') and not be Anglican (by virtue of not being a member of the Anglican Church).

[erin74]

I am an Evangelical Anglican and I should have said Richard Hooker not John Hooper I was thinking of his ministry and witness at the time....However, you are right, this Forum is no place for Confessing Evangelicals - after this has run its course I am leaving.
Hey I hope it is the right place for evangelical anglican - cause I hang out here! Please don't disappear.

eta: what is epiclesis?

btw - you might want to check out the course Introducting God. It has taken the framework of Alpha, but the talks are quite different (very much evangelical). It is very well put together by Christians in the Media, based in Sydney.

[higgs2]

Hey I hope it is the right place for evangelical anglican - cause I hang out here! Please don't disappear.

eta: what is epiclesis?

btw - you might want to check out the course Introducting God. It has taken the framework of Alpha, but the talks are quite different (very much evangelical). It is very well put together by Christians in the Media, based in Sydney.


ARe you saying that Alpha is not evangelical? I always thought it was very evangelical. :confused: :)

[Mark Downham]

um. So the Lambeth quadrilateral doesn't do it for you? ;) :)



The Lambeth Quadrilateral is the name given to the four key principles that form the basis for the union of various churches that make up the Anglican Christian Confession:

Acceptance of the Holy Scripture as the rule of faith;
the Apostles' and the Nicene creeds;
the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper;
and the principle of church government based on Bishops.The quadrilateral was first declared by the General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Chicago in 1886 and were amended and adopted at the 1888 Lambeth Conference.


All Evangelical Anglicans observe the Lambeth Quadrilateral from an Evangelical perspective.

[Mark Downham]

Hey I hope it is the right place for evangelical anglican - cause I hang out here! Please don't disappear.

eta: what is epiclesis?

btw - you might want to check out the course Introducting God. It has taken the framework of Alpha, but the talks are quite different (very much evangelical). It is very well put together by Christians in the Media, based in Sydney.

Yes. The material is more 'Conservative Evangelical' with an emphasis on the WORD and Evangelical Doctrine and much less on the Equipping, Anointing, Filling and Empowering of the HOLY Spirit in the Life and Ministry of the Believer.

[Mark Downham]

I disagree. Anglicanism like Roman Catholicism is a Church (with bishops and canons and liturgy, etc.). One can believe everything that the Anglican Church teaches (i.e. subscribe to the 'Anglican confession') and not be Anglican (by virtue of not being a member of the Anglican Church).

Full Confession is an act of total identification and participation. Abstract belief is always "conditional" if it does not become reified in action and therefore NOT a full Confession.

[gtsecc]

eta: what is epiclesis?



(I will color code this for clarity.)


Epiclesis: Words during the consecration, which say, “Father send the Holy Spirit.”

Basically, for the Eastern Orthodox and Anglicans, these are the words which transform the Sacrament.

Words of institution: Words durign the consecration, which say, "This is my Body, this is my blood."

Roman Catholics emphasize the words of institution as the trandforming words.

Take this all of you and eat it.
This is my body which will be given up for you.

Take this all of you and drink from it.
This is the cup of my blood,
the blood of the New and Everlasting Convenant,
which will be shed for you and for all,
so that sins shall be forgiven.
Do this in memory of me.





In some Liturgies the Epiclesis comes before the words on institution. This was the case in the 1549 BCP. Ever since then, we have said them afterwards. I have highlighted both in the following from the 1979 BCP, os that you can see how they relate.


For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread;
and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his
disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for
you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had
given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of this;
for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for
you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as
ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the
institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before
thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now
offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to
make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious
death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension;
rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable
benefits procured unto us by the same.

And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to
hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless
and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts
and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them
according to thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution,
in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers
of his most blessed Body and Blood.

[Mark Downham]

The Epiclesis is the "calling down" of the HOLY Spirit.

[higgs2]

Yes. The material is more 'Conservative Evangelical' with an emphasis on the WORD and Evangelical Doctrine and much less on the Equipping, Anointing, Filling and Empowering of the HOLY Spirit in the Life and Ministry of the Believer.

Is that good or bad?

[Mark Downham]

It all depends how much Grace, POWER, Anointing and Faith you would like to receive in Living the Life.

[Fairbairn]

Hi Mark!

I am also an evangelical Anglican. I attend one of the wonderful evangelical churches that skirt London. I am also a great supporter of Alpha, being a key Alpha leader (director?) of a 150-strong course in my church.

I pretty much agree with everything you have said that I actually understand. I'm not sure on the emphasis of 'confession' (and I come from a CofS tradition), but I gather you mean affirming the 39 articles, rather than poo-pooing them?

As for the epiclesis, this is rather controversial in evangelical circles. The HS can only be called down upon people, but also only on those who are not yet filled. There is a bit of mumbling that goes on with CW...

[gtsecc]

As for the epiclesis, this is rather controversial in evangelical circles. The HS can only be called down upon people, but also only on those who are not yet filled.
But, that is contray to the practice of the church.
When did God reveal this to Evangelicals?
Why do you think the Church did otherwise for over 2,000 years?

[higgs2]

It all depends how much Grace, POWER, Anointing and Faith you would like to receive in Living the Life.

Is there something particularly special about the "power" or did you mean to capitalize it? Are you charismatic?

[higgs2]

(I will color code this for clarity.)


Epiclesis: Words during the consecration, which say, “Father send the Holy Spirit.”

Basically, for the Eastern Orthodox and Anglicans, these are the words which transform the Sacrament.

Words of institution: Words durign the consecration, which say, "This is my Body, this is my blood."

Roman Catholics emphasize the words of institution as the trandforming words.

Take this all of you and eat it.
This is my body which will be given up for you.

Take this all of you and drink from it.
This is the cup of my blood,
the blood of the New and Everlasting Convenant,
which will be shed for you and for all,
so that sins shall be forgiven.
Do this in memory of me.





In some Liturgies the Epiclesis comes before the words on institution. This was the case in the 1549 BCP. Ever since then, we have said them afterwards. I have highlighted both in the following from the 1979 BCP, os that you can see how they relate.


For in the night in which he was betrayed, he took bread;
and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave it to his
disciples, saying, “Take, eat, this is my Body, which is given for
you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Likewise, after supper, he took the cup; and when he had
given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink ye all of this;
for this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for
you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Do this, as oft as
ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

Wherefore, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the
institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Savior Jesus Christ,
we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before
thy divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now
offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to
make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious
death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension;
rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable
benefits procured unto us by the same.

And we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to
hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless
and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts
and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them
according to thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ’s holy institution,
in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers
of his most blessed Body and Blood.


Thank you for this explanation.

[SirTimothy]

The CW Prayer that we use has two epiclesis. One before the words of insitution that asks the Holy Spirit to descend on the gifts, and one later on asking Him to descend on the People.

Timothy

[SirTimothy]

Is there something particularly special about the "power" or did you mean to capitalize it? Are you charismatic?

It's hard to be an Alpha supporter and not be Charismatic. As far as the 39 articles are concerned, my biggest problem is that they're what I term as reactionary theology rather than proactive theology. It's theology against a widespread misperception of Roman Catholic theology from the 1500s rather than good theology. They're all pretty much sound as I recall, it just seems sad to be defined by what we're not and what we're against rather than defining ourselves by what we are.

[Fairbairn]

It's hard to be an Alpha supporter and not be Charismatic.

Shouldn't we all be at least a little bit Charasmatic?

[Mark Downham]

Hi Mark!

I am also an evangelical Anglican. I attend one of the wonderful evangelical churches that skirt London. I am also a great supporter of Alpha, being a key Alpha leader (director?) of a 150-strong course in my church.

I pretty much agree with everything you have said that I actually understand. I'm not sure on the emphasis of 'confession' (and I come from a CofS tradition), but I gather you mean affirming the 39 articles, rather than poo-pooing them?

As for the epiclesis, this is rather controversial in evangelical circles. The HS can only be called down upon people, but also only on those who are not yet filled. There is a bit of mumbling that goes on with CW...

When I use the word Confession,I am using it I the technical theological sense of the affirmation of a series of beliefs and creeds.

Evangelicals do not recognise the formal Sacrament of Confession.

I affirm the 39 Articles.

On Alpha - I knew Nicky Gumbel and the others - Sandy Millar was a great LIGHT - he was the Vicar of HTB when Nicky Gumbel was a Curate and working on Alpha.

On the Epiclesis I have made it clear that it is our "Corporate Anointing" - that the Holy Spirit is 'called down' - invited to descend on us,like Jesus in the Jordan River.

I really like your comment: "also on those who are not yet filled".

Blessings.

Mark

[Fairbairn]

When I use the word Confession,I am using it I the technical theological sense of the affirmation of a series of beliefs and creeds.

Got it :)

Evangelicals do not recognise the formal Sacrament of Confession.

But we do say a confession in every (formal-ish) service :)

On Alpha - I knew Nicky Gumbel and the others - Sandy Millar was a great LIGHT - he was the Vicar of HTB when Nicky Gumbel was a Curate and working on Alpha.

I loved Sandy Millar too. He must be a real blessing to his new church.

[higgs2]

It's hard to be an Alpha supporter and not be Charismatic. As far as the 39 articles are concerned, my biggest problem is that they're what I term as reactionary theology rather than proactive theology. It's theology against a widespread misperception of Roman Catholic theology from the 1500s rather than good theology. They're all pretty much sound as I recall, it just seems sad to be defined by what we're not and what we're against rather than defining ourselves by what we are.

The two churches I know of who run the alpha program don't show the video that refers to speaking in tongues, and downplay the "word of knowledge" stuff in the healing video.

[Groce]

There was a non-denom group over here that was watching those tapes a few months ago. They asked me to come, and got me to because they said it was from an Anglican. The day I came they showed the tongues video. I was not impressed to say the lest.

[Fairbairn]

There was a non-denom group over here that was watching those tapes a few months ago. They asked me to come, and got me to because they said it was from an Anglican. The day I came they showed the tongues video. I was not impressed to say the lest.

What was it that bothered you, Groce?

[Groce]

What was it that bothered you, Groce?

The group that was there was mostly charismatics and they went on and on about tongues afterwards. Just not my cup of tea. (should say coffee though since Im American, or sweet tea since Im southern) I don't think the gift of tongues is a gift that is given often in this age. Maybe the other tapes are better, thats the only one I have seen.

[Fairbairn]

Are you saying this is a problem with the Alpha Course, in general, or the group you were in?

I'd have to say that any course I have been involved in, and that has been many, there has never been any instruction to the participants to do anything in particular.

I have seen plenty of evidence of the Holy Spirit in action, in the 10 years, or so, of courses that I have been involved in. What this boils down to is that in a course of over 100 guests, three or four will experience a fairly dramatic (by English stiff-upper-lip standards) manifestations of the Holy Spirit (shaking, laughing, crying, the need to lie down), and about half will come across all tingly/hot/cold etc. About half won't experience anything on the day, nor will they feel compelled to pretend.

We don't use the videos, but my recollection is that there is nothing on the videos themselves to say to people that there is about to be a slaying by the spirit. Where does this notion come from?

[Groce]

Are you saying this is a problem with the Alpha Course, in general, or the group you were in?

In general I can't speak because I have only seen that one video, but I think the group also a problem. They told me it was an Anglican priest, and I didn't think it was going to be like that. Seemed rather low church for me.

[erin74]

ARe you saying that Alpha is not evangelical? I always thought it was very evangelical. :confused: :)
Not my intention - but I can see I worded it badly. Just saying that Introducing God is evangelical also. The 'also' was the bit I should have added.

eta
Just read the rest of this thread.

One of my biggest difficulties with Alpha is the approach to the Holy Spirit. I couldn't go into detail, as it has been some time since I thought through it all, and so would probably get my thinking wrong. That is another reason I like Introducing God though. The dinner, weekend away part of alpha is fantastic. Introducing God keeps that, but I prefer it's talks. Also it is good to have Australian talks to show to Australians. We do have a friend who went along to an Introducing God night held in the US to explain the Australianisms to the people there.

And just for a bit extra - I think Introducing God is a better package than I remember Alpha being. It has been put together by people who work in the media and they have done a fantastic job of it. But that is nowhere nowhere nowhere near as important as the theological differences between the two. Plus I have not seen Alpha in a while, and would not be surprised to hear it has been repackaged.

http://www.introducinggod.org/the_concept.php

[higgs2]

Not my intention - but I can see I worded it badly. Just saying that Introducing God is evangelical also. The 'also' was the bit I should have added.

eta
Just read the rest of this thread.

One of my biggest difficulties with Alpha is the approach to the Holy Spirit. I couldn't go into detail, as it has been some time since I thought through it all, and so would probably get my thinking wrong. That is another reason I like Introducing God though. The dinner, weekend away part of alpha is fantastic. Introducing God keeps that, but I prefer it's talks. Also it is good to have Australian talks to show to Australians. We do have a friend who went along to an Introducing God night held in the US to explain the Australianisms to the people there.

And just for a bit extra - I think Introducing God is a better package than I remember Alpha being. It has been put together by people who work in the media and they have done a fantastic job of it. But that is nowhere nowhere nowhere near as important as the theological differences between the two. Plus I have not seen Alpha in a while, and would not be surprised to hear it has been repackaged.

http://www.introducinggod.org/the_concept.php


Got it. I will check out the link, thanks!

[Fairbairn]

In general I can't speak because I have only seen that one video, but I think the group also a problem. They told me it was an Anglican priest, and I didn't think it was going to be like that. Seemed rather low church for me.

Low church is Anglican too - very Anglican.

[Fairbairn]

I would be interested in participating in one of the Alpha-clone courses, just because I've done Alpha for the last 10 years. Even though we don't use the videos, the talks are virtually the same (the terms of use of Alpha).

The best part of Alpha is the supper and then the discussion groups. One of the most life-changing parts of the course for guests is that they are listened to, perhaps for the first time in their lives. We take an interest in their opinions and in the struggles they have to get through each day.

It's not rocket science to share a meal with someone and to know that this is an important part of life. It's fantastic that Alpha has identified this truism and managed to make enough money out of it to enable them to market it successfully. It's also fab that other Christian groups have picked up on what is successful and are running with it.

We all have the same goals, regardless of which course we are following (Exploring Christianity is the other biggie), and that is a cause for celebration. :)

[SirTimothy]

I loved Sandy Millar too. He must be a real blessing to his new church.

Surely he's +Sandy now?

Timothy

[SirTimothy]

My dad wants to repackage Alpha in a talk-discussion format between two or more people done live and briefer. He's convinced that the information is not necessarily adequately given to everyone in a 40-50 minute talk as people switch off after 20, so if you can get it down to 20 and have longer for the small groups, they're more important. :)

Alpha is a much better course than Christianity Explored. If nothing else from a media perspective, the CE videos were extremely badly recorded, switching between mics so audibly that it kept throwing my concentration.

Timothy

[Fairbairn]

My dad wants to repackage Alpha in a talk-discussion format between two or more people done live and briefer. He's convinced that the information is not necessarily adequately given to everyone in a 40-50 minute talk as people switch off after 20, so if you can get it down to 20 and have longer for the small groups, they're more important. :)

Alpha is a much better course than Christianity Explored. If nothing else from a media perspective, the CE videos were extremely badly recorded, switching between mics so audibly that it kept throwing my concentration.

Timothy

We do our own talks, and I think a great bonus is that we can restrict them to 40 minutes max. Some of Nicky Gumbal's talks are extremely long.

[erin74]

My dad wants to repackage Alpha in a talk-discussion format between two or more people done live and briefer. He's convinced that the information is not necessarily adequately given to everyone in a 40-50 minute talk as people switch off after 20, so if you can get it down to 20 and have longer for the small groups, they're more important. :)

Alpha is a much better course than Christianity Explored. If nothing else from a media perspective, the CE videos were extremely badly recorded, switching between mics so audibly that it kept throwing my concentration.

Timothy
The Introducing God talks are much shorter and use visual cues to help with concentration. So you are not always just looking at somebody talking. It's worth checking out.

[thomaswithaT]

You know your Anglican if your coffee cup hovers over your prayer book and you think better of it and use a mat instead. This should apply to all denominations though, or should this post be in the, 'church discipline thread?

[karen freeinchristman]

You know your Anglican if your coffee cup hovers over your prayer book and you think better of it and use a mat instead. This should apply to all denominations though, or should this post be in the, 'church discipline thread?

Hey, thomaswithaT, welcome to Christian Forums! :wave:

[thomaswithaT]

THANKING YOU karen freeinchristman.

[No Swansong]

And welcome to STR!

[DeoJuvante]

You know your Anglican if your coffee cup hovers over your prayer book and you think better of it and use a mat instead. This should apply to all denominations though, or should this post be in the, 'church discipline thread?
I think you're definitely Anglican if you keep your prayer book on your coffee table ;)

[thomaswithaT]

I know someone who kept theirs in their shop. It scared all their customers away! Oooops.

[higgs2]

I know someone who kept theirs in their shop. It scared all their customers away! Oooops.

Was it a Christian book store ;)

[thomaswithaT]

No, a flower shop. There were people who requested prayer in the book; but I think a lot were a bit intimidated. I guess people being friendly can be a scary thing to some.
Any way, back to the theme of this thread:
You know you are Anglican when you turn your flower shop into a church.

[thomaswithaT]

:preach: :amen: :clap: ;)

[Colabomb]

You know you're anglican, when you can make a fairly large shift in theological viewpoints.... and still belong to the same church you began in.

[DeoJuvante]

No, a flower shop. There were people who requested prayer in the book; but I think a lot were a bit intimidated. I guess people being friendly can be a scary thing to some.
Any way, back to the theme of this thread:
You know you are Anglican when you turn your flower shop into a church.
Maybe we're not talking about the same thing.

I thought we were talking about a prayer book in the sense of the Book of Common Prayer, a Prayer Book for Australia, Common Worship, etc.

Is it possible that you are talking about a book for people to write prayer requests in?

[thomaswithaT]

Spot on Colabomb. Makes for interesting talks at cell.
Prayer book: Meant any sort of prayer book originally, but then remembered about a friends attempt to put his faith into practice with an open to all prayer request book.
Sorry SaepiusOfficio, will try to pay more attention to detail when posting light heartedly in future.:thumbsup:

[thomaswithaT]

You know you are Anglican if the worship group have to apollogise before they play a new song in church.

[DeoJuvante]

Spot on Colabomb. Makes for interesting talks at cell.
Prayer book: Meant any sort of prayer book originally, but then remembered about a friends attempt to put his faith into practice with an open to all prayer request book.
Sorry SaepiusOfficio, will try to pay more attention to detail when posting light heartedly in future.:thumbsup:
Sorry, I wasn't criticising, it's just that I was a little confused. But it's all cleared up now :)

[thomaswithaT]

:wave:

[Wigglesworth]

It's a good time to reminisce.

:)