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Have you ever found yourself wishing for a spiritual
home? One in which community matters, intellectual inquiry is
honored, and diversity is valued? Do you seek a place where worship
is meaningful and beautiful and does not require you to "check your
mind" at the door? If so, the Episcopal Church may be something you
want to know more about.
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The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide
Anglican Communion, the confederation of churches that descend from
the missionary activity of the Church of England. ("Anglican" means
"English.") Classical Anglicanism teaches an "All may, some should,
none must" philosophy that centers our life as a church together in
worship, community and outreach rather than rigid confessional
statements or strict moral codes. The "Via Media," or "Middle Way,"
has been a hallmark of Anglican theology, spirituality and worship
for centuries and holds that choosing the broad middle path between
extremes is a deliberate choice to further God's purposes in the
world. Scripture, Tradition and Reason are all valued in the
Anglican tradition and are used as counter-balancing sources of
authority. |

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Whether you are a Christian looking for a different
church, an agnostic wanting to know more and discuss spiritual
matters, a seeker looking for a place to "put down roots" or if you
are none of the above, The Episcopal Church welcomes you where you
are, and Grace Church invites you to a series
of informal presentations and discussions on the Via Media of
Classical Anglicanism. |
Q. So what
is the Via Media Program? A. The Via Media program
is an nine-week series of meetings that explores the basics of
Christian faith and specific aspects of the Anglican way. Each
session includes a video presentation that features a round table
discussion on the subject of the night by noted Anglican pastors,
theologians and lay people with a wide diversity of ethnicity and
backgrounds, and small-group time where questions are welcomed and
discussed. |
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Q. So
what are the topics discussed and when? |
Preview: September 15th - 6:30 to 8:00 PM How can the parish
support Via Media? |
Session 1:
September 22nd - 6:30 to 8:00 PM Via Media: Grace Church - About us |
Session 2:
September 29th - 6:30 to 8:00 PM God and Creation: The Abundance of
God's Goodness |
Session 3:
October 6th - 6:30 to 8:00 PM God in Jesus: An Incarnational
Faith |
Session 4:
October 13th - 6:30 to 8:00 PM God the Holy Spirit: The Breath of
New Life |
Session 5:
October 20th - 6:30 to 8:00 PM The Bible: The Word of God for the
People of God |
Session 6:
October 26th - 6:30 to 8:00 PM Sin: Roadblocks to Abundant
Life |
Session 7:
November 3rd - 6:30 to 8:00 PM Thy Kingdom Come: The Promise of
Christian Hope |
Session 8:
November 10th - 6:30 to 8:00 PM So, What? |
Session 9:
November 17th - 6:30 to 8:00 PM Via Media: The Anglican Way of
Doing things |
Q.
What if I can't make them all? A. Come to whatever
portion you can. Each unit is somewhat
self-contained. |
Q.
I'm concerned - I don't know much about church or the Bible or
Jesus. A. That's fine! The program is designed to
let you experience what the Episcopal Church has to offer in a
non-threatening, educational and entertaining
way. |
Q.
Will I be pressured to "Convert?" A. The
Anglican ethos is one that emphasizes the work of the Holy
Spirit over our own work. If you are drawn to join us, we are
glad to have you. If not, we hope that this program will
strengthen you in whatever faith journey you decide upon.
Absolutely no pressure will be applied - you can participate
at whatever level you are comfortable with. There are no
"Altar Calls." |
Q.
What does it cost? A. It's absolutely
FREE! (You may make a donation for supper, if you wish.) |
Q.
Where is this going to be held? A. Macfarlane
Parish Hall at Grace Church.
Find directions
here.
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I
have other questions.... That's great. Please
click here to
send us an E-mail. You can also call our church office at
(504) 482-5242. We hope to see you at Via Media at Grace
Church - Canal Street. | |
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