Anglicans, some advice if you would :)

[peinguar]

Hello,

I've been doing research in order to find a branch of Christianity that I am compatible with, and I believe it is the Anglican branch. While looking into Catholic and Protestant beliefs I kept thinking, "wow I wish there was some sort of middle ground ". That seems to be exactly what I found so I'm very excited about it. I even found a church near my home I would like to attend. I was baptized United Protestant, and I'm interested in some formal teaching and would also like to be eventually confirmed.

Here's the issue. I'm scared that I will go and the people of that church will feel that I don't belong. From what I have been reading that doesn't seem like it will happen in an Anglican church but I'm still nervous about. Also, I'm afraid I won't know what to do during the service. Also should I call ahead of time and let them know I'm coming? Would it be rude to just show up? Lol I sound neurotic, however it's been several years since I attended church, I'm a little rusty .

 

[lunamoth]

Hello,

I've been doing research in order to find a branch of Christianity that I am compatible with, and I believe it is the Anglican branch. While looking into Catholic and Protestant beliefs I kept thinking, "wow I wish there was some sort of middle ground ". That seems to be exactly what I found so I'm very excited about it. I even found a church near my home I would like to attend. I was baptized United Protestant, and I'm interested in some formal teaching and would also like to be eventually confirmed.

Here's the issue. I'm scared that I will go and the people of that church will feel that I don't belong. From what I have been reading that doesn't seem like it will happen in an Anglican church but I'm still nervous about. Also, I'm afraid I won't know what to do during the service. Also should I call ahead of time and let them know I'm coming? Would it be rude to just show up? Lol I sound neurotic, however it's been several years since I attended church, I'm a little rusty .

Hello,

You do not say where you are, but the Episcopal Church is the Anglican Communion church in the USA. I have never felt unwelcome at any Episcopal church I have entered. There is some divergence among individual churches as to how conservative or liberal they may be, but most are moderate to relaxed/liberal.

You do not need to call ahead, but after the service you can identify yourself as a newcomer to the Priest as you leave. Probably the most awkward thing about attending an Episcopal service, especially if you are mainly from a Protestant or non-Catholic background, is knowing when to sit, kneel (prayers) or stand (some prayers and for hymns). I recommend sitting near the back and following the crowd. Also, in many churches you may find yourself juggling the Book of Common Prayer, the Hymnal, and the Bible (if you like to read the verses while the Bible is being read). Most always the person next to you will be more than happy to help.

Best wishes!

luna

 

[lunamoth]

Hello,

I've been doing research in order to find a branch of Christianity that I am compatible with, and I believe it is the Anglican branch. While looking into Catholic and Protestant beliefs I kept thinking, "wow I wish there was some sort of middle ground ". That seems to be exactly what I found so I'm very excited about it. I even found a church near my home I would like to attend. I was baptized United Protestant, and I'm interested in some formal teaching and would also like to be eventually confirmed.

Here's the issue. I'm scared that I will go and the people of that church will feel that I don't belong. From what I have been reading that doesn't seem like it will happen in an Anglican church but I'm still nervous about. Also, I'm afraid I won't know what to do during the service. Also should I call ahead of time and let them know I'm coming? Would it be rude to just show up? Lol I sound neurotic, however it's been several years since I attended church, I'm a little rusty .

Forgot to add, in most Episcopal churches people go up to the altar to receive communion (bread and wine). If you have been baptized in any church, you can take communion. If you do not want to receive communion, you can remain in your seat (often there are a number of people who do not go up) or you can go up to the rail and cross your hands over your chest to receive a blessing, instead.

Just a heads up.

 

[peinguar]

I forgot to mention, I'm in Canada. There is a service tomorrow I think I'll attend and speak with the priest afterwards. Thanks for your reply!

 

[ZooGirl02]

I am Episcopalian which is the American branch of Anglicanism. That said, I think you will find that you like it a lot. I first went to an Episcopalian liturgy a couple of years ago and it was a little bit hard to get used to at first but I am also a former Catholic so I was somewhat familiar with it. If you were raised Evangelical Protestant (I'm not familiar with United Protestants) then it may take you a little while to get used to it. However, I do think you will like it. I loved it when I first attended and I expect to begin attending again soon. I know that I will love it again.