Episcopal Life
Learn More About How We Worship
As Episcopalians, we are followers of Jesus Christ, our Lord. We believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Below are just a few of many facts about Episcopalian life:
All are welcome to find a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church.
Episcopal Facts
Anglican
The Episcopal Church is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, and traces its heritage to the beginnings of Christianity.
Beliefs
We believe in amendment of life, the forgiveness of sin, and life everlasting.
Bulletin
Our Sunday worship bulletin is designed to guide you through the service indicating the Book of Common Prayer, hymnal, and Bible readings. Worship in the Episcopal Church follows service forms and prays with a familiar rhythm week to week. Longtime Episcopalians find the service format comforting, but can sometimes confuse newcomers. From standing to sitting, sitting to kneeling, and back again, the bulletin enables visitors to fully appreciate the service.
Clergy
​Both men and women, including those married or divorced, are eligible for ordination as deacons, priests, and bishops.
Communion
​All baptized Christians - no matter age or denomination - are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Visitors who are not baptized Christians are welcome to come forward during the Communion to receive a blessing.
Global
The Episcopal Church has members in the United States, as well as in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Haiti, Honduras, Micronesia, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, Venezuela, and the Virgin Islands.
Liturgy
​Our liturgy retains ancient structure and traditions and is celebrated in many languages.
Matrimony
​We affirm that committed relationships are lifelong and monogamous. Episcopalians also recognize that there is grace after divorce and do not deny the sacraments to those who have been divorced.
Neighbors
We strive to love our neighbors as ourselves and respect the dignity of every person.
Parishioners
Lay people exercise a vital role in the governance and ministry of our church.
Scripture
We uphold the Bible but utilize the Book of Common Prayer during worship.
Services
​Our weekly worship service is called the Holy Eucharist (also known as the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion). The clergy and attendants wear white robes called vestments. At St. Mark's, we offer two services: the 8:30 am said service and the 11:00 am singing service worshiping with traditional hymns. Service forms and prays are inspired by the Book of Common Prayer.
Ultreya
Ultreya is Spanish for onward! Ultreya is like a condensed cursillo (workshop); people gather for a couple of hours instead of a weekend. Parishioners from various churches gather for prayer, reflection, worship, and friendship.
World Views
We celebrate our unity in Christ while honoring our differences and always putting the work of love before uniformity of opinion.
Our Bishops
Resources
The Episcopal Diocese of NC supports and oversees each individual church in the state.
The Episcopal Church website is your connection to the global Episcopal Church.
​The Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEMN) is an international outreach initiative linking churches with needy communities.