The Episcopal Church in America By Frank Lona and Christopher Gahlon

St. Clement’s Episcopal Church

Historical Overview Reformation in the 16th Century Henry VIII and the Church of England Split Theologically and Politically Rise to distinct form of Christianity Anglican by choice

Episcopalians in Minnesota Founded in 1858, by Bishop Whipple Built efforts in farming communities. Influx of immigrant resulted in Growth Bishop Wipple expanded mission efforts Current growth from immigrant populations

Episcopal Leadership Clergy –Bishop of Canterbury First among equals –Bishop –Priest –Deacon General Convention –Constitution and Laws (Cannon)

Episcopal Leadership (cont) Laity –Wardens Junior and Senior –Formation programs –Social outreach

Liturgy Based on the Book of Common Prayer –Approved for use by the Convention –Two recognized rites Optional elements –Varied Liturgical Style Rite independent Formal –Vestments and incense etc. Informal –Cultural, seasonal, occasion tailored.

Liturgy (cont) Follows Liturgical Calendar Year begins on 1 st Sunday of Advent –Typical Christian Seasons Lent / Easter Advent / Christmas –Feast days as determined by Convetions

Liturgy at St. Clement Traditional / Formal Style –Vestments –Music Priest, Priestess, Deaconess, Choir

Liturgy at St. Clement (cont) Solemn entrance procession –Common Christian hymns –Thee and Thou language Opening prayer

Liturgy at St. Clement (cont) Two Readings –Old Testament –New Testament –Not the same schedule as Catholic Church Responsorial Psalm Gospel –Processed down to the people –Deaconess read it from the isle

Liturgy at St. Clement (cont) Homily –Lay teen from Rite13 group –Not theological or instructive –Relationship theme Penitential Rite –Kneeling –Similar in wording to Catholic version –General absolution prayer by priest Sign of Peace

Liturgy at St. Clement (cont) Rite13 –For 13 year olds –Ceremony marks beginning of journey to adulthood. Eucharistic Prayer –Very short –No washing of hands (Rite II) –Traditional consecration prayer Epiclesis happens after consecration prayer

Liturgy at St. Clement (cont) Communion –Leaven Loaves of bread, wine –Call to table All baptized Christians Any age –Demeanor indistinguishable from other parts of liturgy –Two locations Communion rail in sanctuary Line off to the side –Self intinction

Liturgy at St. Clement (cont) After Communion –Congregation prayed quietly as altar was cleared Exit Procession –Music Final blessing –From back of the church –After procession –Invocation to go and serve the lord and others

Thoughts and Impressions