The Episcopal Handbook

I just joined an Episcopal church this summer and will soon be received into it. This book was very helpful to me. I like the lighthearted way it was written and the fact is was not too theological like some of them I read. It is easy to understand and I love the easy to use index so, when I have a question I can find the answer fast.

Delivered quickly and in perfect condition. I liked it so much I got one for a friend and will probably get more as gifts.

Dear Friends, This is a wonderful introduction to the Episcopal Church in all of its various activities and beliefs. Balanced with a marvelous sense of light humor, one can really reach an deeper understanding of our our beliefs, our faith, and what makes our Church such a wonderful place for so many to be! At our "Study Group" meeting the other day, I circulated the Episcopal Handbook to our members and the responses were filled with interest, humor, and requests to get some more copies for everyone! At our Trinity Church in Concord, we have a welcoming table for the new comers and "first timers." I am ordering up some more copies so that they will be available for all! Rick Wheeler

The Episcopal Handbook is a light and warm introduction to the Episcopal Church, full of information and geared towards answering the questions that most newcomers find most pressing. It is not an in-depth treatise on any of its topics, but it gives enough information to satisfy immediate needs and curiosity. Especially now, when we are seeing Confirmation and Inquirers' Classes as introductory overviews, rather than as full blown all-you-will-ever-need-to-know courses, this provides an excellent guide. I am now using it as the primary text for my Confirmation classes. The one significant omission, which I have to fill from elsewhere, is that it does not provide a basic overview of the Christian faith. In particular, it does not provide in one place the background story of the development of the Jewish religion or of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, and it does not make easily available the connections between those events and the sacraments of the Church and the Church year. These things are important because of the increasing numbers of people coming to the Church who don't know the story, but only have been exposed to a vague 'spirituality.' To make sense of the Church, they need background information about Jesus, the Sacraments and the relationship between them.

WOW!!! This handbook is fantastic. It explains all sorts of traditions, liturgy, history and other Episcopal things that may not be easily understood by both Episcopalians and non-Episcopalians. I have recommended the text to members of my congregation to better understand the service. They LOVED it!!