Questions you might have about the Episcopal Center at UGA are asked and answered below.
Do we have to get dressed up for church?
No way. Since we are a student group, we are usually VERY casual. When it's warm outside, most of us will be wearing t-shirts and shorts. You will not be out of place if you just come as you are. Check-out the picture gallery link for an idea of our "standard of dress."
As a newcomer, will I stand out at church?
We only make university administrators "stand out at church," however, you can come in and have a seat with everyone else. Seriously, we often have between 50 and 60 students at our regular Wednesday service, and we have over 100 at our special services throughout the year (Lessons & Carols, Ash Wednesday, the Bishop's visit, and Eucharists with special guests). Since we have such a large group, you will absolutely not stand out in the service.
Even when the groups are small and made of students who already know each other, it doesn't take long to trade introductions and join the fun.
Take your time and sit where you are comfortable. We want you to feel good about worshipping with us and becoming a part of our community at your own pace.
What are Wednesday nights like?
On Wednesdays during Fall and Spring semesters we gather at the Chapel of St. Mary the Virgin - the little church building at the Episcopal Center at 980 South Lumpkin Street. Our sevices are a little old-fashioned and very comfortable. If you have any experience in Episcopal worship Wednesday night will be very familiar.
In a little more detail, here's how Wednesday nights go. We begin with Holy Eucharist at 5:00 in the Chapel. We hear readings from Scripture, hear a sermon and celebrate Holy Eucharist together. After our service, we move over to Hodgson House - the old house on the Episcopal Center property. Around about 6:00 we eat a home cooked dinner or order lots of pizza. Some nights we listen to a speaker or begin a group discussion. If there is any "program" it is over by 8:00pm. We encourage you to come whether you have to arrive late or leave early because your schedule will not permit you to be with us for the entire evening.
What are Sunday nights like?
On Sundays we have Sunday Supper Clubs cooking by 5:00pm so that we can settle down in time for worship at 8:00pm. Supper Clubs are a time for mature conversation on a variety of topics. We rely on the presence of our graduate and post-grad population to help "programs" on Sunday night. In an order of worship we call Evensong the lights are lowered, we are led in chanting -- both canticles and psalms --we read scripture and pray -- both together and individually -- sometimes with musical support provided through a performer or some recorded music. A short homily or reflection on the Gospel of the day is followed by more time for prayer and "the Peace" after which those who wish to remain encircle the Altar and enjoy a quiet celebration of Holy Communion. If you've been on the road returning from a visit home or just want to worship without a lot of hoopla, Evensong is a great way to settle back into your routine in Athens.
Are there any other opportunities at the Episcopal Center?
Yes. Our Foyer Groups gather for fellowship and support in casual meetings of 6 to 10 members at each other's homes or in area restaurants. Foyers are a great way to develop strong relationships without a lot of pressure and with absolutely NO studying! This student organized program will begin each semester.
Bible Discussion Groups will be facilitated by frDann. Often we'll focus on the upcoming Sunday lessons, at other times we'll look at particular issues or themes over a series of meetings. Registration per semester is expected for these groups as space is limited and varied schedules must be accomodated. There's also some studying required but it's worth it.
Kitchen Teams take turns providing the meals and cleaning up on Wednesday nights. Information and sign-ups are in the Hodgson House.
Other programs occur on more seasonal or infrequent bases like Episcopal inquirers' or membership classes, book studies, film series, work groups and retreats. If you have an interest to share, ask around and we can probably create other programs and events to share from the Episcopal Center for UGA students. Check the calendar link and the news link for more information.
Do I have to be Episcopalian or Anglican to come to church?
Not at all! We welcome everyone to come worship with us. Our bulletins will help guide you through our service even if you have never been to an Episcopal service before. If you are looking for an open-minded Christian community at UGA, please come try us out. If you would like to learn more about what Episcopalians and Anglicans believe, click here.
Aren't Episcopalians pretty much the same as Roman Catholics?
Well, yes and no. We profess the Catholic faith of the apostles and the early church fathers, we have the same sacraments in nearly the same way, and our liturgy (worship ritual) is almost the same. Many - though not most - Episcopalians have a strong devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and even pray the rosary. We have a different understanding of authority in the church which is at the root of most of our other differences.
The Episcopal Center @ UGA is a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. Therefore we are affiliated with the Episcopal Church, USA, and the Worldwide Anglican Communion.
Are Episcopalians Born Again?
Yes we are; over and over and over again. That's a tricky answer to a often tricky question. Just ask Nicodemus.
But many -- maybe most -- Episcopalians are not "born again" in the sense of a sudden, one time experience or conversion (although some Episcopalians have had these experiences). Since Christianity arrived in the British Isles in the first century Anglican worship has always been practiced as a more developmental/mystical spirituality, so we tend to speak of a lifelong journey of walking in the way of Jesus Christ. We see all of our lives as a constant striving to accept and follow Christ through private and corporate worship, the sacraments, prayer, and works of love and mercy. Thus, we are constantly being born again, but not in the same way that believers in the Pentecostal or fundamentalist branches of Christianity use the term.
Do I have to believe in everything that Episcopalians believe?
We like to think of our continuing part of what Christ began as a "come as you are party." But a life of faith lived in community means that we cannot think of ourselves as a "stay as you are party." Another way of saying it is that an open heart and an open mind are probably better suited to the task of believing who Jesus was and what God has done for us in Him.
So, everyone is welcome. And nobody has to believe everything any other Episcopalian believes. There is room in the Episcopal Church for people with diverse approaches to a variety of issues. What holds us together is our common worship and our dedication to searching out how to be faithful to Jesus' command that we love God and one another as he loves us.
Oh yea! Can I park in the Episcopal Center lot?
You are welcome to park in the Episcopal Center lot for services or if you are visiting the Center. Please use VISITOR PARKING spaces first. We register our parking spaces to students during the school year, so please let the chaplain know if you are in a space before 5:00pm that is not designated for visitor parking and you are indeed visiting the Episcopal Center.