Anglican (pronounced: āng-lik-an) comes from the word "Anglo" which, technically, refers to the people native to England. Since the English Reformation of the 16th century, however, Anglican began to be used to refer to the Church of England and its affiliated national churches around the world. In other words, an Anglican Church is the local manifestation of the Church of England. 

No and Yes.

First, a lot of people might go from our church to an Episcopal Church and find very little differences in the way we worship. We use virtually the same liturgy (order of service) and our language reflects very similar sensibilities. Indeed, many of our people were formerly Episcopalians.

On the other hand there are some definite distinctions. Historically Anglicans (and Episcopalians) affirmed a few critical beliefs as essential to their Anglican identity. One of the chief matters was the belief that the Scriptures are "the revealed Word of God" and therefore hold authority in the way we order our lives. Second, we believe in the catholicity of the church (i.e., that the church is universal across time and geography).

In 2003 the Episcopal Church ordained a partnered homosexual man to be a bishop, and in 2010 they ordained a partnered lesbian also to the office of bishop. These actions are not only a violation of Scripture they are violations of the agreed way of life that Anglicans (and most other churches) have stated for nearly 2 millenia.

No, we are not against any person or group. We affirm that all people are valuable and are of equal, inestimable worth. We also recognize that some people among the church have the experience of a homosexual orientation. We don't believe that a person's orientation is, itself, condemnable. Indeed, what is condemnable is any violence or hatred toward persons for any reason, not least of which would be someone's sexual orientation. 

Nevertheless, we believe that Scripture affirms two ways of life for Christians when it comes to the issue of human sexuality: "[Anglicans] uphold faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union, and believe that abstinence is right for those who are not called to marriage..." (Lambeth 1.10)

This is a GREAT parish! We have people from all walks of life and all ages.

Our worship is historic (what some call "traditional") but it is not stuffy. We are a warm and friendly group of people that eagerly welcomes guests.

Our music is a blend of ancient hymnody and contemporary praise songs. But there is what some have called a "gentle elegance" to our music. Somehow old hymns seem fresh and vibrant while new songs seem to have the feel of something tried and true.

We celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday,  welcoming all baptized Christians to join with us regardless of denominational background.

Our clergy wear vestments (robes) because this reminds everyone that we come in fellowship with the communion of saints that stretches back more than 2,000 years. What's more, whenever we gather for worship we are coming in service to our king, Jesus.  

Our style of worship might seem a little awkward at first, but that's ok, remember the first time you held hands with someone - that was a little awkward, too, wasn't it?!

Just because it's unfamiliar doesn't mean it's bad. And just because you have to work at it doesn't make it less spiritual.

Our worship is not the type that encourages people to "sit back and watch." We want all people to do the work of worship.

Still, we've tried to make everything as unencumbered as possible. All the songs are in the bulletin as well as all the readings and places where the congregation shares in worship. 

We do not believe weekly communion makes the sacrament less meaningful, in fact we think it's just the opposite. Consider a wife who tells her husband she loves him every day, do those words become less meaningful or more over the years?

When people receive the sacrament of Communion we believe they are receiving Christ himself, and with that the grace of God that helps us to live holy lives and makes the world a better place. How could people ever get too much grace?

For those who have not been baptized, baptism is the doorway to living the Christian life. It is also a requisite for membership at Holy Trinity. If you would like to talk to Fr. Joe about baptism please go to the "Contact" page and let him know.

People who have been baptized in another Christian tradition may be received into the membership of Holy Trinity through an affirmation of faith, typically in a service of Confirmation with the bishop. Again, if you're interested in joining Holy Trinity, please see Fr. Joe for more information.