Like Christians around the world, we believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the salvation of the world and was resurrected three days later as expressed in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds. We believe in the Holy Scriptures, understood by faith, reason and tradition.
The Episcopal Church upholds the Bible as the inspired Word of God, containing all things necessary to salvation. The Book of Common Prayer, is a primary symbol of our unity as we, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship and our common prayer. It guides our worship together with the principle that the way we pray shapes what we believe. Approximately 70% of the Book of Common Prayer comes directly from the Bible.
The Sacraments
“The sacraments are outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace, given by Christ as sure and certain means by which we receive that grace.” (BCP p. 857)
The two great Sacraments given by Christ to his Church are Holy Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.
The Episcopal church recognizes these five additional sacraments.
- Confirmation (adult re-affirmation of Baptismal vows)
- Reconciliation (private confession)
- Holy Matrimony (Christian marriage)
- Holy Orders (ordination of Bishops, Priests and Deacons)
- Holy Unction (anointing the sick)
Holy Baptism
“You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever.”
(BCP p. 308)
Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ, the Church. Baptism marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. In the waters of Baptism, we are adopted as God’s children and made members of the Body of Christ. A person may be baptized at any age. For inquires about receiving the sacrament of Holy Baptism for you or a member of your family, please contact the church office.
Holy Eucharist
“Do this in remembrance of me.”
(BCP p. 362)
The Eucharist in the Episcopal Church is often referred to as Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. It is considered the principal act of worship and is celebrated at Grace Church every Sunday.
The elements of bread and wine are consecrated by the priest and consumed by the people of God, who feed on Christ in their hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
The Creeds
“The Creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God”
(BCP)
In the two foundational statements of faith – the Apostles’ Creed used at Baptism, and the Nicene Creed used at Communion, we join Christians throughout the ages in affirming our faith in the one God who created us, redeemed us, and sanctifies us.