The vast majority of Anglican churches have fewer than 100 attendees on a Sunday. But there have always been a few parishes that welcome many more. These are typically legacy churches with centuries of history, such as Falls Church in Virginia (est. 1732) and St. Philip’s in Charleston, South Carolina (est. 1680). Even newcomers to these ranks, such…
The Ven. Dr. Peter Johnston serves as the Ministry President of Anglican Compass. He is a priest and archdeacon in the Anglican Diocese of All Nations and the founding rector of Trinity Lafayette. He lives with his wife, Carla, and their nine children near Lafayette, Louisiana.
Hymn Guide: America the Beautiful
“America the Beautiful” is one of our popular patriotic hymns, sung often at civic celebrations and even before sporting events. But in the church, this hymn is a victim of its own success. Because we associate it with secular gatherings and only remember its first verse, we are often reluctant to sing it in church….
Green is for Growth: The Color of Ordinary Time
In most Anglican churches, you will see the color green during the season of Ordinary Time. It appears in green clergy vestments, in green fabrics on the altar and pulpit, and sometimes in green hangings or other adornments. You might even choose to wear green on occasion (no obligation to do so!). This green represents…
We Believe: In One God
To Christians today, it seems hardly remarkable that the Nicene Creed should begin with a declaration of monotheism: “We believe in one God.” We tend to gloss over this line, often saying it without thinking. When we do discuss it, we can treat it as boring and basic, as monotheistic milk before the trinitarian meat….
Behold This Thy Family: Cranmer’s Good Friday Collects
Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, who led the development of the Book of Common Prayer, crafted collects for Good Friday with a special emphasis on the church as the family of God. There are three collects for the day, the only occasion for which Cranmer appointed more than one. The first asks God to “behold this thy…
Palm Sunday: A Rookie Anglican Guide
Palm Sunday is a day of palm fronds, outdoor processions, and loud praises to Christ. With these practices, we mimic the crowds that went with Jesus on his way into Jerusalem. Like them, we celebrate Christ as the returning King, the son of David, and the long-awaited messiah. However, when we remember what Jesus went…
Hymn Guide: My Worth is Not in What I Own
“My Worth is Not in What I Own” is a contemporary hymn about the surpassing worth of Christ and his cross. It references the many good things of this world—including possessions, strength, skill, and reputation—but rejects them as the basis of personal worth. Instead, it fixes our value in the unconditional love of Christ, our…
The Annunciation: A Rookie Anglican Guide
The Annunciation refers to the conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit in the Virgin Mary and the announcement of this pregnancy by the angel Gabriel to Mary. The Church celebrates the feast on March 25, which is easy to remember when you realize it is precisely nine months before Christmas! This day reminds us…
Hymn Guide: Before the Throne of God Above
“Before the Throne of God Above” is a moving hymn of praise to the ascended and interceding Christ, the risen Lamb of God. When we sing it, we feel drawn up to heaven and given a glimpse of God’s forgiveness and grace. The hymn is, therefore, fitting not only for the Ascension but also for occasions…
Transfiguration Sunday: A Rookie Anglican Guide
In the Calendar of the Book of Common Prayer (2019), the Transfiguration of Jesus is celebrated not once but twice! On the fixed calendar, it is celebrated on August 6th. On the movable calendar, it is celebrated on the last Sunday of Epiphany.
