New Episcopalian (ritual, tradition, elder, choice, church)

spiritually inclined · #1 04-01-2008, 09:56 PM

Hi, everyone. I am a newly baptized and confirmed Episcopalian. Below is a journal entry I wrote about the experience on March 30, 2008. The names of my friends are omitted.

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I write this at 2:08 AM. Later today I will go to church early to talk to the bishop who will baptize and confirm me. A new phase of my life begins. An old phase dies. Part of me is sad, perhaps because this makes me see that some parts of my life are over. But that is how life is, transient. New adventures begin. Throughout my life I will continue to journey deeper and deeper into Mystery.

I am now baptized and confirmed as an Episcopalian, an Anglican, a liberal Catholic, a Christian. Most of all, I am myself. Bishop High, a kind man, administered the sacraments to me, including the Eucharist.

I recited the creed, the essence and spirit of which I believe. I lowered my head as he scooped the water onto me in the name of the Trinity. I was anointed with chrism. Last to be confirmed, friends and others laid their hands upon me.

I felt emotional, reverent during the music and Holy Communion. This is my tradition now. It is a part of me, and I am a part of it. I will grow in it, struggle with it, cherish it, love it enough to criticize.

This is an essential part of my personal journey. But other paths are valid, too.

Bishop High blessed my Book of Common Prayer. I received a candle and handkerchief, wet with my baptismal water. During the service, a little girl tried to blow out my candle. *smile*

31
It was very meaningful to me that my friends could take Holy Communion with me [though they are not Episcopalians].

After the service, a very elderly woman who the clergy bring the Sacrament to in her pew, hugged me and congratulated me with tears in her eyes. I feel a great amount of affection for her.
--

James

GadFly · #2 04-01-2008, 10:48 PM

spiritually inclined

Congratulations. You seem happy with your new found faith. We wish you well and you have our prayers and support in your new faith.
GadFly

Dunemeister · #3 04-02-2008, 12:28 AM

I'm a recent convert to Anglicanism myself, although I haven't been confirmed. I saw no need given that my Christian faith had already been established by the time I made the move to the Anglican Church. But I can tell you that others who have undergone the same ritual express similar sentiments. It's an important and moving time. I wish you all the best.

spiritually inclined · #4 04-02-2008, 01:16 AM

Thank you

Quote:

I'm a recent convert to Anglicanism myself, although I haven't been confirmed. I saw no need given that my Christian faith had already been established by the time I made the move to the Anglican Church. But I can tell you that others who have undergone the same ritual express similar sentiments. It's an important and moving time. I wish you all the best.

You may want to consider confirmation. In the very early church, it was some time before baptism and confirmation were actually separated; confirmation was and is like an extension of one's baptism. It can also be a commitment to traditional, sacramental Christianity.

However, I don't mean to pressure you. Something like that is a very personal commitment and choice. I think such things are personal matters, not laws.

James

Dunemeister · #5 04-02-2008, 08:50 AM

I had been a Christian for several years before joining the Anglican Church. As I understand confimation, it's unnecessary in my case, although the process may be useful in some respects. A senior member of the congregation has been teaching me about church history and tradition, and I've absolutely fallen in love with the Anglican liturgy. It's beautiful. My previous experience (Pentecostal, Baptist, Independent) has nothing to compare with it. When I worship at an Anglican service, I feel that the job has been fully done. When I worship at another church, I always feel something has been missed.

lunamoth · #6 04-02-2008, 11:33 AM

Hi Spiritually Inclined,

Congratualtions on your baptism and confirmation. One of the things I love about the Episcopal Church and Anglcian Communion is the great diversity embraced by our church. The liturgy I love even more.

That we base our theology on worship, rather than dogma, is a gift that unites us in spite of our differences. As you know, the AC is facing a lot of challenges because of this diversity, although I hope and pray that if we focus on the love of Christ we can get through this turmoil intact. Say prayers for the love and unity of the Church.

spiritually inclined · #7 04-02-2008, 10:43 PM

I think the Anglican Communion will make it. It has survived similar great problems in the past. Religion always goes through conflict when there is change, and change is inevitable.

James

spiritually inclined · #8 04-04-2008, 03:04 PM

Quote:

My previous experience (Pentecostal, Baptist, Independent) has nothing to compare with it. When I worship at an Anglican service, I feel that the job has been fully done. When I worship at another church, I always feel something has been missed.

I am a former United Pentecostal. I am glad to be out....

James

Dunemeister · #9 04-04-2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiritually inclined

I am a former United Pentecostal. I am glad to be out....

James

I don't know anything about them. I'm not particularly embittered or angry at the groups with whom I was originally nurtured. I just think that Protestant evangelicals tend to ignore almost all of church tradition in their worship, and they are losing something beautiful.