What is the Episcopal Church?

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Our Bishop is the Right Rev. Russell E. Jacobus. We are part of the world wide Anglican Communion with over 70 million members in 163 countries of the world.

In the Episcopal Church we are called to live our faith on a dialy basis, whether we are at home, school, work, or recreation. The cornerstones of our Faith are Scripture, Tradition, and Reason.

Scripture: The Word of God contained in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Within an Episcopal worship service, Scripture is read in the lessons, The Gospel (the teaching and life of Jesus), The Psalms (praise, prayers and spiritual poems from the Old Testament) and other prayers. Additionally, two-thirds of our guide to worship, The Book of Common Prayer, comes directly from the Bible.

Tradition: The heart of our tradition is expressed through the Bible, the Creeds (statements of faith), the sacraments, including baptism, The Lord's Supper, and ordained ministry, all passed on by Christ to His Church. Our tradition encourages diversity. We value the life and story each person brings to the faith community. Each person's offering is woven into the whole, making it stronger and more beautiful.

Reason: A personal relationship with God allows us to realize and celebrate our lives to the fullest. The gift of reason, when used with Scripture and Tradition, leads us to seek answers to our own questions and to grow spiritually. Being active in a community of faith, such as St. Paul's Church in Suamico, strengthens us to carry our faith into the world.

The Episcopal Church strives to live by the message of Christ in which there are no outcasts and all are welcome. Mid way between Roman Catholicism and Protestant traditions, we are sacramental and worship-oriented church that promotes thoughtful consideration of what God is calling us to do and be, as followers of Christ.