Whats the secret handshake?

[mstar]

I have been trying to join the episcopal church for 6 months and have not run into a local group that seems, despite the sign on the street, even vaguely interested in aiding a complete newcomer to understand the tradition. join or learn how be confirmed into the faith.

I am not coming from another church or a background in organized christianity but do wish ( but its fading fast) to understand the rich history, the meanings within the services and what would be expected of me to join and become part of a church community.

I have tried 4 separate churches, gone to several services at each, asked to speak to the rectors, left messages, filled out forms, written emails-none of which have been answered. Ive left money in the plate..heck, Im an outsider I dont know what to do..

I do see the sign that says-"All Welcome" , so I assume that you are not a closed group but perhaps might actually want new people who desire to develop their spiritual lives and get involved from time to time.

What am I missing?

Can someone tell me the secret handshake or show me magic decoder ring or whatever hoops I am supposed to jump through to get someone to talk to, to explain to me how to join your church?


I'll be glad to do almost anything, but Holy Camolie -6 months? This is ridiculous... I am running out of patience and beginning to think the idea was a mistake

[mstar]

.. tap....tap....tap.....

check.... check....

Is this thing on?

hello?

can you hear me in the back?


.......in the front?


can anyone anywhere hear me?

anyone?

[angli_fan]

Sorry for the delay; I always like to give other board members a chance to respond before I jump in...

I will be posting a full reply in about 8 hrs(when I get home from work. Thanks for your patience...

Pax;

angli_fan

[srigdon]

Well, it sounds like you've been victim of some really bad hospitality.

There are congregations where the parishioners have no evangelical energy at all. But every rector knows it is his/her responsibility to welcome new people - if only to baptize and confirm them.

Do these congregations have opportunities to speak to parishioners afterward (social hours)? Doesn't the rector talk with people after the service? Are there newsletters available about the churches available at these places? Do these parishes have web sites? Maybe we could look at them.

Can you give us a few hints about your location? I've never been in an American city with such an insular Episcopal culture. I could imagine rural locations where your story would make more sense.

Now, if these congregations just don't want anything to do with you, a discussion with the bishop might be in order. But maybe the communication problems here can be solved more easily.

[angli_fan]

Welcome to Episcopal Voices, mstar!

Looks like srigdon hit most of the points I was going to make. It just shouldn't be that difficult to get invited to join a church.

If hanging around in the back of the sanctuary or the parish hall following the service isn't doing the trick, I suppose you might try showing up at the Church office during the week, say between the hours of 10-12(most priests of my aquaintance keep banker's hours, since so much of their time is taken up with out-of-office activities). I hate to say it, but if I had to do more than that, I'd be tempted to seek out a church that had a more welcoming local presence...

That said, we would be happy to address any questions you might have about TEC here at Episcopal Voices. You might also find some useful information from the sources in our Links page.

I hope you find what you're looking for...

Pax;

angli_fan

[Patricia]

mstar said:

Can someone tell me the secret handshake or show me magic decoder ring or whatever hoops I am supposed to jump through to get someone to talk to, to explain to me how to join your church?

The secret revealed to few outsiders is to spin around 3 times and then click your heels together. Or is it to march around the building 7 times while blowing trumpets?

JUST KIDDING! Seriously, I'm so sorry to hear of the difficulties you've described. When I was searching, I found both our church and this board to be very, very, VERY welcoming. When we notice anyone new at church, e.g. while shaking hands during Peace, most everyone says a special Hello/Welcome to the person. We usually have a social/coffee hour immediately after services. The priest also has an unbelieveable memory for names, and he'll greet you by name a month after seeing you for the first time. (We're all named individually during Communion.)

I wish you could experience this same kind of warm hospitality. It's out there, and I hope you find it soon. In the meantime, please feel free to ask questions here. The microphone is always on, even if no one is around at any particular moment to hear it. ;D

Welcome!