The Episcopal Handbook Paperback – September 1, 2008

This is a fun little book that provides a gentle introduction to the ways of Episcopalians. As my old church secretary used to say, `If you can spell it, you can be it.' (And my apologies for calling her old - it is my `old church' rather than the secretary who is old!)The introduction states, `Prepare for possibility over peril, imagination over anxiety, and dreams over danger.' To enter an unfamiliar church can be a daunting thing - even Episcopalians find it a bit disconcerting at times to go to a church other than their own, since individual parishes adapt the overall structure of liturgical and communal practice to their own peculiarities. There is a broad range of shared elements - the Book of Common Prayer in some shape will be evident (although sometimes this will be more prevalent in the photocopied all-in-one bulletins for the service that some churches prepare to avoid the constant switching of books during the service). On the other side, there will be different practices - some kneel during much of the Eucharistic portion of the service, some stand, and some sit, and sometimes you'll find all three in the same parish (and there are fewer things more awkward than to be a kneeler behind a stander in such situations!).This handbook draws extensively from the Book of Common Prayer, but serves to highlight key elements of the service and other useful portions in a less-crowded way (historically speaking, the BCP has never been the most user-friendly of texts in terms of organization). What to do, what to say, even what to wear to church (and this can vary, depending upon whether one attends a funeral, a wedding, Easter services, daily masses, etc.) is covered here. There is humour as well as serious stuff in here, and as is true with all humour, it appeals to particular tastes at times (and some of the humour requires a bit of insider knowledge to fully get the jokes).The book also addresses some similarities and differences with other denominations - one chapter is entitled `Why the Episcopal Church is (and isn't) Catholic Lite', and other portions show liturgical and non-liturgical churches in a comparative chart. There is a handy glossary that defines useful terms, many of which might not even be that well known to regular Episcopalians. Why might this be? That is addressed in another chapter - `Why 70% of Episcopalians Weren't Born That Way.' Those born to the BCP are a relatively rare breed in the United States; the Episcopal Church has been changing in the past few generations to look much less like the traditional party of Presidents and more like the diverse collection of persons in the United States today. This presents new kinds of challenges.This book is the work of many hands; the credits page lists dozens of contributors, and there is no author or editor listed on the cover. This is in keeping both with the Bible and the BCP, neither of which has an ascribed author on the cover but ends up being the collective work of many inspired hands.This is a useful text for many, a fun text for some, and a potentially helpful text for all, even for lifelong, never-missed-a-Sunday parishioners. (After all, there's even a chapter that addresses what to say to someone sitting in `your' pew!)

Ever sit up nights worrying about how to be an Episcopalian? Ever wonder what to say when you get communion (do you follow your natural instincts and say "thank you" or just quietly take it)?* Ever wonder what to make and bring to a pot luck dinner?** This handy manual will have you off an running in no time. It honestly does have quite a lot of useful information (worth it just for the dictionary of arcane Episcopal terms alone...where do you go when someone says,"Meet you in the narthax!"---find out). Should you cross yourself?*** What do you say to a sick friend in the hospital? And the burning question of all time: Are Episcopalians really wishy-washy? Buy this book and find out! There will be NOT ONE DOUBT IN YOUR MIND about Episcopalianism after you read this book. The illustrations are pretty awful, but the writing is AOK.*Do the latter.**They actually have a section for this! Broken down by region, too. Hot tip: lemon bars, Episcopalianism is defined by its use of lemon bars, always correct and a must have for all Episco-gatherings.***Does it make you look like a Catholic who wandered into the wrong church?

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

This is a wonderful book. The author offers a broad, simple view of the Episcopal church, excellent for a newcomer to the denomination, or an inquirer looking for answers about whether or not this church is for them. Some may think it's "too" basic, but for someone coming from a different denomination (perhaps especially a non-Catholic), the information is helpful and just deep enough for someone dipping their toe into a new denomination to get their questions answered (including some questions you might not have known you had), without being overbearing or intimidating. Also contains some good resources for further research if you would like.

I've often wondered if Christians avoid visiting Episcopal services without someone in-the-know to accompany them for fear of screwing up! Not to worry, this handbook tells you everything you need to know and then some. Like, did you know that Cecil B. DeMille occasionally attended Episcopal services? Of course, he might have gotten facts straighter if he'd attended more often - or had the opportunity to read this informative book that comes with humor and high recommendations for anyone who plans to visit, join, or accurately discuss the Episcopal Church.

As an Episcopalian, I bought this book to have as a resource for everyday, and for supplemental reading for our Education for Ministry class. I just am not impressed with the layout, content, or style of this book. It seems superficial to me, and I would never give this as a gift.I am sure that some will enjoy this style of writing, but for those that want something more try ' Your Faith, Your Life: An Invitation to the Episcopal Church' by Jenifer Gamber and Bill Lewellis.

While others may not have found this book informative-- I LOVE IT-- Yeah its a little on the light side of being strictly "dogmatic" I find I learn more about a subject when theres a little humor injected in the topic- and not everything has to be so serious. For me- this was the perfect book to return to a loving church-- and service was best -- thank you