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Our Tradition
We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God. As constituent members of the Anglican Communion in the United States, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world. We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world.
We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; people across the gender & sexuality spectrum serve as ordained bishops, priests, and deacons in our church. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.
We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.
Our Worship
We use The Book of Common Prayer to guide our worship. All Episcopal Churches use this prayer book, creating a sense of comfort in knowing what worship will look like on any given Sunday, in any given Episcopal church. The Book of Common Prayer is a treasure chest full of devotional and teaching resources for individuals and congregations, but it is also the primary symbol of our unity. We, who are many and diverse, come together in Christ through our worship, our common prayer.
Our worship at Christ Church follows the liturgy of the Episcopal Church, while still retaining space for creativity and authenticity. While our worship and music style is traditional, we are a progressive and relaxed community. If you’ve never been to an Episcopal service before we promise in time you’ll get the hang of it. When in doubt, follow along in worship booklet or watch the priest (aka “The Celebrant.”) When they sit, you sit; when they stand, you stand!
Don’t worry about what you should wear or how you look, you are welcome just as you are. Your thoughts are welcome, your doubts are welcome. We’re all in this together!
Receiving Communion
This sharing of bread and wine goes by many names within the Christian tradition: the Lord’s Supper, the Last Supper, Holy Eucharist, Holy Communion, the Mass. We bless this holy meal and believe that Christ is surely present when we receive and share it together. You may participate by receiving both the bread and wine, or you may choose to have only the bread. If you desire not to share the bread and wine, you may simply place your hands over your heart, and the minister will pray for God’s blessing for you.
All persons are invited to receive communion at all of our services, regardless of denominational affiliation or lack thereof.
“This is the table of Jesus, not just the Episcopal Church or Christ Church, Dayton. It is made ready for those who love him and for those who want to love him more. So come, you who have much faith and you who have little. You who have been here often and you who have not been here long. You who have tried to follow and you who have failed. Come, because it is Jesus who invites you. It is God’s will that those who wish should meet him here.”
Family Friendly
Children of all ages are welcome in our services. We also have a small space in our Narthex that is ideal for nursing/feeding, with rocking chairs and a small activity table. This space lends itself well to parents and children who are feeling overstimulated.
Childcare is offered year-round: 10am-Noon (June-August); 9am-Noon (September-May)
Children’s Chapel is offered for young children during a portion of the 10:30 worship service. They gather for songs, prayer, and a Montessori-style bible lesson.
Please know that you & your children are welcome just as you are – sounds, movement and all!
Click here to learn more about Spark, our family programs.
Parking
Parking is free during church services and church events. You can park your vehicle in the church parking lot without charge during any regularly scheduled services. The entrance of the lot is on First Street. Keep in mind that First Street is a one-way street.
If a parking attendant is present and collecting fees when you come to an evening or weekend activity at the church, please tell the attendant that you are going to the church. You will not be charged for parking.
Street parking is always free after six on weeknights and on weekends.
When visiting the church outside of service times and events, you can obtain a parking pass from the church office. Place the pass on the dashboard of your car. If for some reason, you are given a citation, please call our church office and give us the citation number so we can correct this for you.
Newcomers + Getting Involved
We are committed to creating space where your questions can be discussed, where you can connect with others, and where your faith can grow.
Episcopal 101 Class
Are you curious about the Episcopal Church? Considering becoming a member? Then this class is for you! Offered periodically throughout the year, please contact the Rector to learn more about when this course will be offered next.