Course Description
I love the Episcopal Church! But I was not born into, or raised in, the Church. I came to Christian faith as a young adult, and I found the Episcopal Church after a season of visiting churches of different denominations. From that experience I learned about the breadth of Christian tradition and its variety, and I continue to learn from Christians who believe and practice their faith according to other traditions. I am committed to ecumenism—the Spirit-led movement toward Christian unity—but I also accept that our differences may be God’s will for the Church. On this point I’m with singer-songwriter Iris Dement: “I’ll just let the mystery be.”
What do I love about the Episcopal Church? First and foremost, the Book of Common Prayer, which I hold in my hands each day. I love the Prayer Book as a “bound printed artifact” (novelist Gary Shteyngart’s phrase), but I cherish it for its language, which gives me true and trustworthy words to pray, a vocabulary of faith.
Second, the worship of the church, especially the Holy Eucharist. I love the elegance, solemnity, and beauty of Episcopal worship. There is a pattern, rhythm, respect for language and economy. The key to our liturgical worship is movement: as we move from one part to the next, grace flows into our lives. We sit, stand and sometimes kneel, and we are all empowered to come forward to receive the gifts of God in the Holy Communion.
Third, the breadth of the sacred music tradition in the Episcopal Church, which embraces a multitude of traditions—potentially the entirety of Christian hymnody. I marvel at all the musical forms and styles that we might encounter in a single service, as well as the skill of our musicians in blending the music into a harmonious whole which both invites us to reflection and exuberant praise.
Fourth, the witness of the Church in civic life. Cornel West said that justice is what love looks like in public. I love that we are called to love our neighbors by working for justice and peace and respecting the dignity of every living creature. Episcopalians are motivated by their faith to take public stands on the issues of our day.
Fifth, our ancient tradition, so deeply rooted in and shaped by history, is a living tradition, which is ever-evolving and growing. We just don’t preserve the past. The Holy Spirit moves through the Church, and we are moved by the Spirit to change our minds and change our ways.
I am excited to lead a new series in the Adult Forum, starting this Sunday, Oct. 18 at 9 a.m. in the Parish Hall: Episcopal 101. This is a newcomers class which offers a basic orientation to the Episcopal Church—but it’s also an opportunity for lifelong Episcopalians to take a fresh look at our beliefs and practices. We’ll be hands on with the Book of Common Prayer. Childcare and coffee will be available. Best of all, it’s chance to get to know each other better and share our hearts and loves. Please bring your curiosity and questions. All are welcome!
Faithfully in Christ,
The Reverend Gregory Bezilla+
