Books in the Welcome to series

ΓÇó First new addition to the popular and well-established "Welcome to" series in yearsΓÇó First volume to introduce and explain church music and congregational singingfor beginnersThe book discusses the importance of hymn singing and service music in Episcopal worship, as well as the history, structure, and content of The Hymnal 1982. While most parishioners participate in music making at some level (such as singing hymns or common responses), fewer people might understand the specific genres that comprise the music of an Episcopal worship service or the liturgical meaning behind each selection. This book provides a more in-depth understanding of this rich and complex tradition, discussing the history and evolution of music within the Episcopal Church, including its Anglican roots. Additional topics--such as psalm singing, anthems, major works, organs, and other Anglican traditions (such as Lessons and Carols)--are also addressed.Music is an essential element in Anglican worship; in fact, The Hymnal 1982 is used in virtually every Episcopal service of worship that involves singing. While most parishioners participate in music making at some level (such as singing hymns or common responses), fewer people might understand the specific genres that comprise the music of an Episcopal worship service or the liturgical meaning behind each selection.This book provides a more in-depth understanding of this rich and complex tradition,discussing the history and evolution of music within the Episcopal Church, including its Anglican roots.The book is designed to help clarify-and simplify-the importance of hymn singing and service music in Episcopal worship, as well as explain the history, structure, and content of The Hymnal 1982.For those seeking to gain a better understanding of Anglican musical heritage, increase participation in congregational singing, or expand their use of the Welcome to series.

An introduction to the Episcopal Church's history, structure, and beliefs. The perfect book for adult newcomers and adult education classes.

The perfect book for newcomers who are often confused by the worship service, Welcome to Sunday is also an excellent book for those who have been sitting in the pews without fully understanding what happens on Sunday morning. Episcopal priest Christopher Webber takes the reader from the sidewalk outside the church, guides them through the service, and sends them out again when the service has ended. Webber explains the postures, the Christian year, the colors we use during various seasons, and all the elements in the Service of the Eucharist. As in Webber's very popular Welcome to the Episcopal Church, the tone of the easy-to-read book is conversational, making it useful for parish study.

New Episcopalians may be nervous about opening the Bible; others simply don't know how to begin. An often-overlooked gift of the Episcopal Church is that the texts and doctrines of the Bible are embedded in its prayers, liturgies, and creeds. Making that knowledge explicit and placing it in context can open the way for further and more in-depth study.

A foundational volume for seekers in formation programs and a "refresher" study volume for individuals and congregational study groups.

Perfect for newcomers and confirmation classes The Episcopal Church has a language and a practice all its own. For a newcomer, these can seem intimidating at first glance. This book takes readers through a Sunday worship experience, and explains the what, the why, and the how of what they might encounter. Worship is explained, with a quick survey of the Book of Common Prayer, along with frequently encountered vocabulary. How we read the Bible and what we believe about core points of theology are also discussed, especially as these points may differ from what many people assume to be Christian norms. How faith is practiced and its connection to our social and moral lives is discussed. What is the Jesus Movement and how can the Way of Love be lived every day? Finally, a short overview of Episcopal history is included, for the visitor who wonders how we came to be here. The book concludes with a few of the most frequently asked questions by adults who join the Episcopal Church.

'The Book of Common Prayer' is nearly 1000 pages long, yet most Episcopalians have only a passing acquaintance with this book, which is a spiritual gold mine. In this thorough introduction to the BCP, the author leads readers through each of its parts, explaining the history and background and helping make the book a more meaningful spiritual tool.