Many years ago, The Rt. Rev. Noel Porter, Bishop of this Diocese, wrote a
booklet of simple outlines for new members of the Episcopal Church. Following
his example, we at Trinity have prepared this updated version to help newcomers
feel at home with our history and traditions. We hope that the information in
this booklet will be of such interest that you will join our
confirmation/inquirer's class which is held each year. The Rev. Grant S. Carey, Canon Precentor
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The word that describes this
branch of Christ's church is "Episcopal" which simply means "having bishops."
The Episcopal Church in the United States is also a part of the Anglican
Communion, a world-wide fellowship of independent churches with a membership of
more than 70,000,000. These churches are in communion with one another, all
sharing a common origin: the Church of England. The word "Anglican" has taken on
an international meaning. While Anglican Churches share a common heritage, their
worship is expressed in a variety of languages and customs. All accept Holy
Scripture of the Old and New Testaments as "containing all things necessary to
salvation;" the Apostles' and the Nicene Creeds as sufficient statements of the
Christian faith; the two great sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion as
instituted by Christ himself, and a ministry comprised of the laity, deacons,
priests and bishops whose succession reaches back in time to the Apostles. In
this sense, Anglicans share a heritage which includes both the Eastern Orthodox
and Roman Catholic Churches. Although these three great communions remain
separated, all are working toward understanding and cooperation. By seeking the
middle way ("via media"), Anglicanism bridges both protestant and catholic
traditions and is often referred to as "the bridge church."
The Episcopal Church in the United States became the continuing Church
in America following the American Revolution. Certain changes in church
governance had to be made, however, since Americans could no longer pledge
allegiance to England and English bishops as had been formerly required. It was
no accident that the governance of the Episcopal Church followed that of the
United States Government since two-thirds of th signers of the Declaration of
Independence as well as George Washington were committed churchmen. The first
bishop of the Episcopal Church, Samuel Seabury of Connecticut, was consecrated
in Scotland by three Scottish Episcopal Bishops who were not subject to the
Church of England. Our next two American bishops, however, were consecrated in
England because the laws were changed. This led the way to what was to become
the Anglican Communion of Churches throughout the world. Return to Contents
CATHEDRALS
A Cathedral is a church that contains the
Bishop's Chair or "cathedra" which is symbolic of the bishop's teaching
ministry. A bishop is the chief pastor in a diocese which is made up of many
churches within a geographic area. The cathedral has a staff of clergy presided
over by the Dean and assisted by clergy called Canons. Together with the laity,
they carry out a program which includes worship, pastoral work, teaching and
outreach. The cathedral is also available for many diocesan activities and is
the principal church in which the bishop presides on special occasions. Return to Contents
A HISTORICAL NOTE The Episcopal Church in Northern
California traces its history to the first services held in Sacramento in 1849.
While other Episcopal congregations pre-dated Trinity Cathedral, the first of
our three church structures was constructed 1898. The building we now occupy was
completed on 1954 with extensive additions and improvements made over the years. Return to Contents
WORSHIP
Worship in the Episcopal Church is
"liturgical." The word"liturgy" means "the work of the people together" or
"common prayer." Although it has been revised several times during the past 500
years, the Book of Common Prayer is the basis for Episcopal worship, providing
for beauty and dignity in which all persons may take part. More than two-thirds
of the Book of Common Prayer are from the Holy Bible. The worship of the church
relies greatly on music to lift up our hearts to God's presence.
Central to our worship is the regular celebration of Holy Communion and the
receiving of the sacrament. All persons who have been baptized are invited to
partake, and those who are not yet baptized are encouraged to come to the altar
rail or communion station to receive a special blessing. In this way, all of
God's children are included. Return to Contents
MEMBERSHIP
To become a member of the Episcopal
Church one must first be baptized with water and with the words: "In the Name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Baptism brings us fully
into the life of the family of God. Throughout the year, Trinity Cathedral holds
regular "Newcomer Classes" where one may learn more about the Episcopal Church
and Trinity Cathedral, meet other members of the church community, and, at an
impressive ceremony, become formally affiliated with the congregation. As an
Episcopalian, one becomes a part of the Anglican family of churches throughout
the world, "The Anglican Communion."
THE PRAYER BOOK
The Book of Common Prayer goes back
to the Lord's Prayer. "The disciples asked Jesus, `Lord, teach us to pray...'"
Throughout the history of the church, there have been a number of
service books required for the conduct of worship: one for Holy Communion,
another for Daily Prayer, and on and on. In England in the 16th century, these
were mostly in Latin. It was difficult for people to participate fully in the
worship of the Church. The first Book of Common Prayer was introduced in 1549
and it and its successors rank with both the King James Bible and the writing of
Shakespeare in shaping English language and literature.
The Prayer Book is called "Common Prayer" because through it ALL may
take part in the worship of God. Furthermore, the Prayer Book is a great
spiritual guide, As Bishop Porter wrote: "It's round of services presents the
great events of the Master's life in logical sequence. Its creeds express the
faith of Christendom. Its canticles lift the soul to loftiest praise. Its
Psalter, in portions for daily use, sweeps the whole range of experience. Its
catechism instructs , in the elements of religion, and its various offices,
fitting the changes of life, carry solace to the sick, the aged, the troubled,
and sanctify the varying conditions of human existence. It is a great treasury
of devotion, an incentive to right living and right thinking." Return to Contents
THE SACRAMENTS
"The old Roman soldier had his
`sacramentum' or oath of loyalty and allegiance to the Emperor. As Christians
and members of the Episcopal Church, we have two great Sacraments in which we
pledge loyalty and allegiance to Jesus Christ, namely Baptism and the Holy
Communion." [Bishop Porter] Return to Contents
BAPTISM
Baptism is often referred to as Christian
Initiation. It is the door through which one enters into full membership in a
participation in the Church of Christ. It is important to remember that one is
baptized a Christian not an Episcopalian, Baptist, Methodist or Roman Catholic.
Children as well as adults are baptized in the Episcopal Church, a practice that
dates back to the earliest days in Christian history, Regardless of age, all are
children in the faith, growing "into the fullness of the stature of Christ." If
baptism is the door, then the Church provides a path to follow, through
Christian education, fellowship and worship. Sponsors or Godparents as well as
the whole family of God are committed to do all in their power to support those
who are baptized in their life in Christ. (Prayer Book, page 303). Return to Contents
THE HOLY COMMUNION
Whether we call it The Holy
Communion, The Holy Eucharist, the Lord's Supper or the Mass, this sacrament is
at the heart of our life as a Christian community. It recalls Jesus' offering of
himself for the whole world. It is a feast through which we believe Christ
continues to nourish and sustain us with his life-giving Presence (his Body and
Blood). Moreover, it is a "family feast" - - the gathering of the community, the
sharing of the love of God in communion with one another and with God. The more
we come to the Eucharist (which means "thanksgiving"), the more we grow together
with Christ and with one another). Return to Contents
THE FIVE OTHER COMMONLY CALLED SACRAMENTS
The Prayer Book teaches that a sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward
and spiritual grace.There are many ways in which God's grace is imparted to us,
but five have been traditionally called sacraments:
CONFIRMATION: rite through which one renews the
promises of baptism and, through the laying on of hands by the Bishop,
receives strength from God to live the Christian life as a responsible
adult.
UNCTION: healing has long been a part of Christian
ministry and is biblically commended. Special healing services are held
regularly at the Cathedral, and the clergy frequently anoint and pray with
those who are ill. Unction is not only provided for healing of the body, but
healing of the soul.
RECONCILIATION (also called Penance or Confession):
As Episcopalians, we make a our confession during most worship services and we
receive priestly absolution (the assurance of God's forgiveness). There are
times, however, when people desire to make a specific confession, and a Prayer
Book service is provided which may take place either in an informal or a
formal setting. There is an old Anglican adage regarding private confession:
"All may. Some should. None must."
HOLY MATRIMONY: A man and a women are joined
together within the community of the Christian family, pledge faithfulness to
one another, and receive God's blessing pronounced by a priest of the
church.
HOLY ORDERS: The setting apart by the church of men
and women called to serve as deacons, priests, or bishops is commonly referred
to as ordination. Only a bishop can ordain, and three bishops are required for
the consecration of another bishop.
THE CREEDS
There are two creeds in the Prayer Book:
the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed. In a simple and direct
way, both state the belief of the Church. The Creeds bear witness to the Holy
Trinity, that is, God has revealed himself in three ways, as "God the Father,
maker of heaven and earth," as "Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord, and the
Holy Spirit, God working through history in the lives of men and women,
strengthening, inspiring, and helping.
When we recite the creeds of the church, we are expressing the faith of
the whole Church as held through the centuries. Some of the language of the
creeds is symbolic rather than literal ( "...the right hand of God", for
example) since figurative language is often the only way to express spiritual
concepts). Return to Contents
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS Modern life often glosses over
the Ten Commandments, yet they are the basis of morality in our Judeo-Christian
culture. The first four commandments deal with our relationship with God:
obedience, honor and worship. The last six concern our relationship with others.
Jesus summed up the meaning and intent of these commandments when he said: "Love
the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind,
and with all your strength ...", and " love your neighbor as yourself." While
the Ten Commandments take on a negative form ("You shall not") Jesus says: "A
new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." Return to Contents
THE LORD'S PRAYER Jesus gave the Lord's Prayer to
his disciples in response to their request that he teach them to pray. It is the
great prayer of the Church and is used at every service. Besides serving as a
perfect prayer in itself, it is also a guide to prayer, expressing petition,
adoration, confession, and thanksgiving.
Prayer is central to our life at Trinity Cathedral. Not only is every
service one of prayer and praise, but opportunity is given for personal prayers
for healing and other needs. Names of persons in need are placed on a prayer
list which is distributed to those who pray during the week. The Cathedral
Vestry members are committed to praying for every member of the congregation.
Prayer is more than asking; it is the basis of a relationship with the
God who loves us. "Every sincere prayer is answered," writes Bishop Porter. "It
may not be answered in the way we wish, for our Heavenly Father knows what is
best. At the time we may be disappointed, but when we get the long look - - a
proper perspective - - we realize that He is wise and loving and good, and that
all things work together for good to those who love God. In addition,true prayer
helps to make us more efficient in our daily tasks; it enables us to rise
superior to needless fears and anxiety; and it gives to us a sense of inner joy,
serenity, and peace." Return to Contents
THE BIBLE The Episcopal Church is "Bible Centered."
In addition to full and complete scripture readings at its services, two-thirds
of the Book of Common Prayer is taken from the Bible.
The Holy Bible is a library of books reflecting every aspect of life,
and while they were written and compiled over many centuries, they reflect life
as we live it today, with all of its joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams.
Principally, the Bible reflects mankind's search for God and God's response.
Through the stories of real people, we can discern our own need to experience
God in our lives, especially in the supreme act of God's entering the world and
dwelling among us.
The Book of Common Prayer provides a guide to reading the bible on a
daily basis (page 934-995), and the Cathedral offers many opportunities for
Bible study and discernment. Return to Contents
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH When one
becomes a member of the Episcopal Church he or she becomes a part of the whole
Church, the parish (in our case, Trinity Cathedral), the Diocese of Northern
California, the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (ECUSA), and
the world-wide Anglican Communion. Each member is also called to mission, to
reach out to others wherever we might be. This concept is so central to the
thinking of the Episcopal Church that each baptized member automatically becomes
a member of the church's foreign and domestic missionary society.
Unlike a club or society which is an organization, the church considers
itself a living organism of which each individual is a part and bears certain
responsibilities which include regular worship, individual prayer, and
stewardship of time, talent and treasure. As in any family, each family member
has a part to play in the totality of family life.
It has been said that the Church exists principally for those who are
outside. Our concern is not so much for ourselves as for others.
Here are seven suggestions for those who want to enter fully into the
life of Trinity Cathedral:
Cultivate the habit of praying - - for yourself, for others, for the
world. Set aside a time each day for reflection, Bible reading and prayer.
Worship regularly. Our motivation should be from love of God, not guilt.
God wants us to come to him so that he may give us his gifts of love and
strength.
Enter as much as possible into the life of the Cathedral. There are many
opportunities for service at the Cathedral and all are important - -
hospitality (coffee hour, for example), teaching in the church school, serving
as usher, choir member, altar guild, assisting in the bookshop or in the
office. It seems that the more we give the more we receive!
Give toward the work of the church by making a yearly pledge. There is no
requirement as to the amount one should give, but the Biblical standard is
tithing (10%), and many members of the Cathedral are tithing, working toward a
tithe, or exceeding that amount.
Keep learning about your Church and what it mans to live a Christian life.
Many opportunities are provided for intellectual and spiritual growth.
Thursday Night at the Cathedral runs from September through May each year and
offers a variety of programs for young and old alike.
When you travel, plan to visit an Episcopal (or Anglican) Church and make
yourself known (don't be afraid to take the initiative in introducing
yourself). Meeting others from the same family increases our awareness of who
we are - - and a deeper appreciation of what we have been given. While there
are many similarities in worship styles, there are also differences ranging
from very formal to very informal.
Let the love of God shine through, remembering that we represent Christ in
the world by what we say and do, not just on Sunday morning, but every day.
Bishop Porter suggests this simple prayer: "Dear Lord, if there is anything
that I can do to help you in the work you are doing here, count on me."
THE MASTER'S WAY OF LIVING Bishop Porter offered
five characteristics that stand out in any study of the life of Christ. These,
he believes, are worthy of cultivating.
SIMPLICITY. In every aspect of life, ... art, science, mechanics,
education, religion, - - simplicity is strength ... putting emphasis on things
that are really worth while. In Jesus' life we see the simplicity of his birth
and childhood. His teaching was simple, and his whole life was characterized
by a sunny simplicity.
SINCERITY. Jesus possessed a fearless simplicity. He practiced what
he preached. There is no influence greater than living the Christ-life in
spite of the fact that it is not always easy.
SYMPATHY. Sympathy is thoughtful concern for others in all their
joys and sorrows. It is not a sign of weakness but of strength, Jesus entered
into the lives of others, sharing their concerns, and by his love and
understanding, was able to lift them up.
STRENGTH. Jesus was strong physically, mentally, and spiritually.
He prepared thirty years for his short ministry. His example of strength can
enable us to become faithful in our prayers, patience, generosity and good-
will.
SELF-SACRIFICE. Jesus' life was centered in God the Father. In his
death on the cross, he gave himself sacrificially for the whole world. Lifted
up, he was able to draw all people to him.
The best way to discover Jesus is to read the Gospels. One might do well to begin with Mark, then Matthew
and Luke, saving John for the last since it is more of a reflection of Jesus life, death, and resurrection, that it is biographical.
Return to Contents
THE CHURCH BUILDING There are many styles of church
architecture reflecting different periods of Church history.
Buildings built exclusively for Christian worship came late in the
history of the Church since for more than 300 years, Christianity was outlawed
in the Roman Empire. Early Christians met in private homes or, in times of
persecution, in underground cemeteries called "catacombs." When Constantine
became Emperor and Christianity became legal, buildings began to reflect the
religion they were designed to serve. Many were constructed in the shape of a
cross and are called "cruciform." Trinity Cathedral has such a design. It is
meant to call attention to the outstretched arms of Jesus. Return to Contents
VISITING TRINITY CATHEDRAL The entrance to the
cathedral is called the Narthex or "porch," and symbolizes the entrance to the
Christian life. The doors of the narthex are adorned with stained-glass symbols
representing service, faith, courage and hope as well as the twelve apostles.
The Nave extends from the narthex to the area where the altar is placed. The
word "nave" comes from the Latin and means "ship." The ship has long been a
symbol for the Church ("the ark of salvation") In Christian life, the nave
stands for the gathering of the faithful.
The Transepts are what make the ground plan of the building cruciform;
they form the arms of the cross reminding us Christ's sacrifice and his words:
"Take up your cross and follow me."
The Sanctuary is that part of the church where the altar is located.
Behind the altar is the Choir.
Be sure to note the windows. Those on the west side portray some of the
parables of Jesus as well as "Service" and "The Great Commission." Windows on
the east side tell of Christ's miracles. The lower panels in the nave are scenes
unique to Northern California. The windows in the east transept are of Saints
Peter and Paul and the Holy Trinity. Those in the west transept depict the seven
sacraments. The round window over the High Altar tells of Jesus the Lamb of God,
and the one above the main entrance came from the former Cathedral and
symbolizes Baptism and the Holy Communion.
The hallway on the east side of the nave leads into Saint Andrew's Chapel
which contains a hand-woven tapestry called "Saint Andrew's Consolation." Return to Contents
SOME CHURCH CUSTOMS The general custom in most
Episcopal Churches including Trinity Cathedral is to "stand for praise, sit for
instruction, and kneel for prayer."
On entering or leaving one's pew, we usually acknowledge God's Presence
by bowing toward the altar. This simple act helps to remind us that we are in a
holy place dedicated to prayer and worship
The congregation is encouraged to use the time before the beginning of
a service for quiet prayer and meditation. For this reason, people should not
engage in conversation which may disturb others.
Many people bow as the processional cross passes. The cross is the
supreme symbol of Christianity, reminding us of how much God loved the world.
Making the sign of the cross is one way of expressing one's thankfulness when
receiving a blessing, hearing the Gospel read, or accepting God's forgiveness in
the words of absolution.
None of these customs is required, but many worshippers find them to be
helpful means of deepening their spiritual awareness.
Following the service is the time to greet friends and members of the
church family and to extend a warm welcome to newcomers and visitors.
Feel free to ask the clergy about anything you want to know about the
services or the customs you observe. Much of the deeper meaning of an Episcopal
service is found in a rich symbolism that has developed over two thousand years
of devotion. Return to Contents
PARTICIPATING IN HOLY COMMUNION All worshippers are
invited to come forward and receive Communion. Adults are asked to consume the
break and take a sip from the chalice (cup). Children may receive in the same
manner if they and their parents desire. If you do not want to drink from the
chalice, leave the bread on the palm of either hand and the chalice bearer will
dip the bread in the wine and place it on your tongue. If you don't want the
wine, cross your arms over your chest after consuming the bread. If you do not
want to receive Communion, please cross your arms over your chest and you will
receive a prayer of blessing. It is the expectation of the Church that those
regularly receiving Communion will commit themselves to God through receiving
the Sacrament of Baptism. Communion may be received kneeling at the altar rail
or standing at the communion station. Please return to your pew by a side aisle.
After receiving Communion or a prayer of blessing, those desiring prayer for
healing or personal concerns may go to the side altar area in the East Transept
for individual prayer with our Prayer Ministers. Return to Contents