We are so glad you are here! Stepping into church for the first time can feel unfamiliar, but you are not alone. Our hope is that you will find peace, belonging, and encouragement as you worship with us.

Every Church Is Different
Christian worship looks a little different from place to place. That’s okay! We encourage you to find a church where you feel comfortable. What matters most is that a church is Trinitarian—that is, believing in God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

At Resurrection, we are part of the Episcopal Church, which is in the Anglican tradition. Our worship blends scripture, prayer, music, and sacrament in ways that connect us to Christians across the centuries and around the world.

What to Expect Here

• Come as You Are
  • Some people dress up, others come in casual clothes. What matters is that you are here.
• The Service
  • Our worship follows a pattern from the Book of Common Prayer. You’ll notice times of standing, sitting, or kneeling, and you can join in as you feel comfortable.
• The Bulletin and Weekly Lectionary Insert
  • Everything you need to follow along is printed in the worship bulletin and weekly insert binder you received when you came in. They guide you step by step.
• Scripture Readings
  • We read from the Bible each Sunday. After the readings, there is a sermon to help connect God’s word to our daily lives.
    
• The Peace
  • At one point, we turn and greet each other with words like “Peace be with you.” It’s a way of sharing Christ’s love with one another.
    
• Holy Communion
  • Every Sunday we celebrate the Lord’s Supper (also called the Eucharist). All are welcome to receive Communion; if you are not ready, you are invited to come forward for a blessing, just cross your arms across your chest in an ‘X’ to indicate a blessing only.

Helpful Hints for First Timers

• Don’t worry if you’re unsure of what to do—just follow along in the bulletin or watch the people around you.
• If you feel lost, relax. Worship is about being present to God, not about “getting it all right.”
• Feel free to ask the priest, or the person next to you if you have a question.

Why We Do What We Do (Episcopal Style!)

• Liturgy: We pray in set patterns that connect us to Christians throughout history.
• Symbols: Candles, crosses, vestments, and music all point us to God’s beauty.
• Participation: Worship isn’t a performance—it’s something the whole congregation takes part in through prayers, responses, and singing.

We are glad you are here. Whether this is your first time in a church or you are returning after many years, you are welcome at Resurrection. We pray you’ll experience God’s presence and know that you belong.

Being an Episcopalian means belonging to a branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion (rooted in the Church of England) that emphasizes a "middle way" (via media) between Protestantism and Catholicism. It is a liturgical, sacramental, and inclusive community, often characterized by the use of the Book of Common Prayer, a belief that God loves all people with no exceptions, and a commitment to upholding the dignity of every human being.

Key Aspects of Being Episcopalian:

• Theology & Beliefs: Episcopalians value Scripture, Tradition, and Reason as the three pillars of faith. They follow the teachings of Jesus, believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and affirm the creeds of the historic Church.
• Worship & Structure: Worship is liturgical (using the Book of Common Prayer) and often varied in style. The word "Episcopal" refers to governance by bishops (from the Greek episkopos).
• Inclusion & Inclusivity: The Church actively embraces diversity, with women and LGBTQ+ individuals eligible for all ordained ministries.
• A "Middle Way" (Via Media): The church seeks to balance tradition with modern understanding, often taking a moderate, inclusive, and thoughtful approach to faith.
• Baptismal Covenant: Members focus on seeking Christ in all people, loving neighbors, and striving for justice and peace.

Episcopalians are part of a community of 2.2 million people, primarily in the U.S., but also with dioceses in Taiwan, Europe, and Latin America.