The Anglican tradition is often called a “bridge” between Roman Catholicism and the Protestant churches.  This is because much Anglican theology is Protestant in nature, while much of our worship, spiritual practice, and church structure resemble those of the Roman Catholic Church.  As a result, individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds find in the Anglican Communion, a spiritual home that honors their own faith journeys while providing them with a new source of shared nourishment with others from various Christian traditions.

Scripture, Reason and Tradition describe the foundation of our faith as Anglicans.  The Holy Scriptures, commonly called the Bible, are the books of the Old and New Testaments, which, as the inspired word of God, contain all things necessary to salvation.

The Old Testament or Hebrew Bible, consists of books written by the people of the Old Covenant, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to show God at work in nature and history.  The New Testament consists of books written by the people of the New Covenant, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to set forth the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom for all people.

Tradition consists of the interpretation of God’s purposes by past generations of Christians. Especially valued are the interpretations offered by early Church Fathers and the Church Councils, including the First Council of Nicaea. The First Council of Nicaea wrote the Nicene Creed, which Anglicans recite every week.  The creeds are statements of our basic beliefs about God. 

Reason -  God entrusts us all with reasoning and discerning minds.  Anglicans honor this God-given gift when we use our minds to think deeply about God’s will, consulting Scripture, Tradition, and the many ways that the Holy Spirit uses to reveal God to us in our daily lives.

How am I expected to participate in the service?
You are encouraged to take part in any way that is comfortable for you. The best way to learn about our worship practices is to look through a copy of our worship bulletin.  Our hope is that you will feel welcomed among us without being pressured in any way.  We invite you to ask questions, and participate more fully when you are ready.


May I take communion?
All who seek Christ are welcome at God's table.  No matter how long it has been since you last attended church, or if you are new to exploring your faith, you are welcome at Holy Family!  All baptized persons of any Christian denomination are welcome to receive Holy Communion.  Persons who have not been baptized are invited to come forward to the altar and receive a blessing. 

Are children welcome in the worship service?
Yes! Children are active members in the life of Holy Family.  We value their presence, their questions, their energy, and their innate sense of God.  We celebrate a Children’s Eucharist regularly, and our Sunday School program teaches the young that Jesus drew all children to him.  Ministry can be lived out at any age.  

Do I need to be re-baptized if I have already been baptized in another church? 
No. Once you have been baptized with water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, you have been received into the family of Christ.  This is true even if you were an infant when you were baptized.  Anglicans believe that when people are baptized as infants, the whole Church makes a commitment to raise and support that child in the faith handed down to us from the foundation of the Church.  Baptized persons who wish to make a public, adult affirmation of faith, are invited to be confirmed.