The Blessing of a Civil Marriage

In the Episcopal Church, The Blessing of a Marriage is a service that acknowledges a couple’s commitment after a civil ceremony. It asks for God’s guidance and blessing for their new life together.  What happens during the service? Who can participate? Why have a blessing?  You can find the Blessing of a Civil Marriage in the Book…

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Funerals

An Episcopal funeral is a worship service that celebrates the deceased’s life and honors their spirit. It’s based on the resurrection of Jesus and the belief that those who die will be raised as well.  Key features Planning  Purpose  The Burial of the Dead (Rite One and Two) is on pages 469 and 491 of the Book…

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Holy Matrimony

In The Episcopal Church, Holy Matrimony for Christian marriage, a lifelong union between two people. It’s a sacrament or a visible sign of God’s grace. It is not just a wedding in a church.   Elements of a Holy Matrimony  Other considerations  Planning The Episcopal Church’s Book of Common Prayer outlines the service for a Holy Matrimony. The officiating…

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Renaming and the Affirmation of True Self

If you’re transitioning to a new name, reclaiming your identity after a divorce, embracing a new cultural name, or marking a significant milestone, a renaming ceremony is a wonderful way to symbolize your empowerment and self-discovery. The ceremony is included in the Book of Occasional Services 2018. The Service of Renaming is intended for “when an event…

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Reception

In the Episcopal Church, a reception is a public ceremony that welcomes people confirmed in another Christian denomination. It is a way for them to join the Episcopal Church while honoring their previous commitments.  How does it work?  Who can be received?  How does it compare to confirmation? What do you need to do to Prepare?  You…

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Confirmation

In The Episcopal Church, confirmation is a sacramental act that affirms a baptized person’s commitment to Christ. It includes a public celebration with prayer and the bishop laying on hands. The purpose of confirmation is to renew a commitment to Christ made on behalf of infants or young children, to express a mature commitment to the faith, and to receive…

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Baptism

In The Episcopal Church, baptism is a public ritual in which a person is formally initiated into the Christian faith by being baptized with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This signifies their entrance into the Church community and their adoption into God’s family. Baptism is considered a full…

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