Becoming Anglican

When we first visited Christ The Redeemer Anglican Church (CTR), I remember telling Adam, "I don't know if I could do this every week." The service felt much like a Catholic service - Priests, vestments, kneeling, bells, etc. This type of worship was new to me. I was so worried about whether I was supposed to be kneeling or standing, speaking aloud or listening, so distracted by the "bells and smells" that I couldn't worship.

As the certificate above shows, I figured it out :) After that first service, we were invited to the church picnic, but we chose not to attend. Then Adam chatted with Father Tim (the head priest) one day on campus and we visited CTR again. We were then invited to Father Tim's home for a "Get-to-Know CTR" gathering. It was at this gathering that God first began to change my heart regarding the idea of attending Christ the Redeemer. I ended up in a discussion with a small group of women and as they talked, the conversation turned to CTR services. The phrase "You encounter God every week" stirred my heart and I found the idea of walking away from a conversation like that and NOT attending their church very difficult.

So we began attending. Adam was head over heels for the Anglican order of worship, but I found myself still hesitant. Although I learned quickly when to stand and kneel, speak aloud and listen, I still felt isolated from the richness of worship that I heard others speak of. It took a long time... But as time passed, I slowly began to understand and God continued the work of softening my heart toward the Anglicans. I learned how our process for receiving communion reflected the story of salvation. I began to appreciate saying the Nicene Creed every week, renewing our belief in God. I learned that the bells remind us of celebrating the resurrection. I began to appreciate the rich theology of work and calling. I learned that the asperging of water reminds us of our baptism. I finally began to worship well with the Anglicans.

So here we are! Today, Adam and I were confirmed. In short, confirmation is a laying on of hands, an ordination for the lay person. The bishop prayed for each of us and then for our marriage, commissioning us to do the work of the Lord in our every day lives. It was awesome! We are blessed to be a part of this church and blessed to be a part of the service of the Lord. Peace be with you.