Church of the Advent Episcopal, Nashville, TN

About the Episcopal Church The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, with 70 million members in 163 countries. We are a community of Christians bound together by our belief that Holy Scripture contains the very core of all Christian faith. Through the many ancient, as well as modern, stories that connect us to Jesus and his teachings, we discover daily God's hope and call to us in our life together. We live out these core beliefs through: Worship and church programs Reaching out to the community Sharing our story with others Seeking God's love together in study and prayer Giving of our means and talents to the greater purpose of God's work The Book of Common Prayer The Book of Common Prayer is our guide to worship and devotion. The Book of Common Prayer can be complicated even for lifelong Episcopalians and seem even more bewildering for visitors and newcomers. Although this is brief, we hope to answer some of the questions you may have and make worship easier for you. Our current Book of Common Prayer, revised in 1979, was originially compiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Crammer, in 1549. There are more than 70 million Anglicans (Episcopalians) in 163 countries throughout the world, using a Book of Common Prayer in their own language, reflecting our diversity and ethnic backgrounds. The Book of Common Prayer is a collection of ancient and modern prayers and worship services for occasions when the community gathers and for individual use as well. It allows everyone to participate, reminding us that each person is an important part of the worship experience, whether the service is a celebration or a solemn occasion. It is a guidebook for daily Christian living. The Book of Common Prayer has been a source of comfort, joy and inspiration, a unique treasure in the Christian worship for more than 400 years. For more information about the Book of Common Prayers please visit the Episcopal Church website. The Sacraments In the Episcopal Church we take part in certain regular acts of worship. These are called sacraments or reenactments of Christ's ministries on earth. The two primary sacraments are Baptism and Holy Communion. We believe that God is actively present in the world and in us. In the sacraments we realize his presene and his favor towards us. Through the sacraments, which are freely given to us by God, our sins are forgiven, our minds are enlightened, our hearts stirred and our wills strengthened. These sacraments are contained in the worship services found in the Book of Common Prayer, a book used for worship and as a guide for Christian life. A complete outline of the Episcopal faith can be found on pages 845-862 of the Book of Common Prayer. Join us this Sunday and experience for yourself the love and the presence of God in an Episcopal Church.