SAINT PAUL'S ANGLICAN CHURCH

What is a parish?

A parish is a geographic area. While we welcome worshippers from all over, our mission is the Oxford-Anniston area. Just like parish churches in England, we are rooted in Golden Springs, Anniston and have a deep commitment to our specific locale.

Is St. Paul's a Bible-based church?

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God. It is central to our faith and worship. Readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, Gospels, and Epistles form an important part of our worship every Sunday.

Is St. Paul's an Episcopal church, and what does that mean?

St. Paul's is a traditional Anglican/Episcopal church – but not a part of the Episcopal Church, USA (ECUSA), which has become “progressive” in its doctrine and practice - but the Episcopal Missionary Church, a part of the orthodox Anglican tradition, a continuation of the oldest Christian form of worship in the English-speaking world. Our worship is meant to be a pleasing performance for God, rather than entertainment that reflects the preferences and tastes of secular society. To be traditional does not mean that we are stuck in the past, but a way of saying that we are committed to the Christian faith as it was originally given, and with the same level of commitment required to follow. We join with other Episcopalians and Anglicans through our association with the Anglican Communion Network and Forward in Faith North America.

What is worship like?

We follow a liturgy - an orderly series of prayers, Bible readings, hymns, and responsive readings. The priest delivers a sermon, which is followed by the culmination of worship: Holy Communion. We believe that Christ is present with us in a special way as we partake of the bread and wine which, are physical symbols of his body and blood. Currently we celebrate the Communion every other week.

Will I experience anything unusual in worship?

Anglican worship engages all five senses. We see the cross, hear the word preached, touch the bread, taste the wine, and on occasion, smell the incense. All of these experiences help set our worship apart as special and holy. "For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name..." (Malachi 1:11)

You will also notice that some people cross themselves at certain times during worship. This is one of the most ancient practices of the church and illustrates the importance of the cross to Christians. It serves as a reminder that only through the sacrifice that Christ made for us on the cross do we appear justified or “made right” in God's eyes.

I'm used to a "pastor" or "minister"; why do you have a "Father"?

Christ's sacrifice on the cross has taken the place of the Old Testament sacrifices in the temple. His death was a “full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice” for the sins of the whole world. Jesus is our Great High Priest. Our priest is not a mediator or “go between,” between God and Man, only Christ does that. Rather, the Anglican priest is the “presbyter” or teacher/elder of the church, sometimes called a rector. He is affectionately referred to as "Father" (sometimes abbreviated "Fr.") because we look to him for spiritual counsel and advice in the same way a child looks to his natural father for counsel and advice. In turn, he cares for us as a father, demonstrating God's love for us.

Who can take Communion?

Communion is freely offered to all those baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, from any branch of Christ's church.

How do we take Communion?

We take Communion as Jesus and his disciples did at the Last Supper, by sharing a common cup. After the priest consecrates (sets apart) the bread and wine, we come to the table, where we first receive the bread with cupped hands. We are free to either eat the bread and sip from the cup or to hold the bread and then dip the bread into the wine.

Do Episcopalians kneel during worship?

Generally speaking, we sit to hear the Word of God, stand to sing, and kneel to pray. In this way our whole bodies are involved in worshipping God. Kneeling in prayer is an ancient gesture of humility. If you have never before knelt to pray together with a group of believers, you will find it to be a very moving experience. If kneeling would be difficult for you for physical reasons, you are welcome to sit instead.

What's this I hear about the Book of Common Prayer?

As you enter our church you will receive a bulletin, a hymn sheet, and a Book of Common Prayer. The bulletin tells the order of worship, with the numbers of the hymns we will sing, and the page numbers we will be reading from the prayer book.

Why use the Book of Common Prayer when we have the Bible?

The Book of Common Prayer does not take the place of the Bible, but instead ensures that our worship is Biblical. The vast majority of the prayer book is actually comprised of selections from the Bible, arranged so that we are sure to read essential portions of scripture during the course of the year. The prayer book also contains the text of prayers that guide us as a congregation in thanksgiving, confession, worship, and praise to God. The prayer book simply helps us worship in a meaningful and orderly way. Note that the word "Common" as used here doesn't mean "ordinary", but "shared". The Book of Common Prayer guides us when we pray together as a body.

The Book of Common Prayer is the oldest worship tradition in the English language. The prayer book was first written in the 16th century when the English-speaking church ended the practice of worship in Latin, with minor revisions over the years. This commonality in worship ties us to English-speaking Christians throughout the world and throughout time. Note that we use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, rather than the 1979 Book of Common Prayer used by the Episcopal Church USA, which is a major departure in doctrine and practice from Christianity of the past.