Welcome to Saint Aidan's Episcopal Church!
As Christians, and particularly as Episcopalians, we are part of an ancient and living tradition of wisdom.
The word “Episcopal” refers to government by bishops. The historic episcopate continues the work of the first apostles in the Church, guarding the faith, unity and discipline of the Church, and ordaining men and women to continue Christ’s ministry.
An Episcopalian is a person who belongs to the Protestant Episcopal Church, the branch of the worldwide Anglican Communion in the United States.
As Episcopalians, we believe:
- The Holy Scriptures are the revealed word of God, which inspired the human authors of the Scripture, and which is interpreted by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. (Bible Gateway)
- The Nicene Creed is the basic statement of our belief about God. It was adopted in the 300s by the early church founders and is said every Sunday in Episcopal and Anglican churches around the United States and world.
- The two great sacraments of the Gospel, given by Christ to the Church, are Baptism and the Holy Eucharist.
- In Baptism we renounce Satan, repent of our sins, and adopt Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
- In the Holy Eucharist, the center of our worship life, we remember and participate in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ until his coming again.
- Catechism: The teachings and beliefs of the Episcopal Church are articulated in this “Outline of the Faith.” It is designed in a question and answer format.
- Do you still have questions? Good, we love those. Please ask the Rev. Les.
Our Namesake
Our church is named after Aidan who was a gentle monk of Iona and who was consecrated in 635 as the First Bishop of Lindisfarne, an island off the northeast coast of England.
Aidan was immersed in the community, giving to the poor all things that were given to him. He genuinely cared for all people, rich and poor, churched and those who had no church home. He invited all people to embrace Jesus Christ: as the believer, in order that they might strengthen their faith; and, for those who did not yet know Christ, to embrace the mystery of faith.
As a bishop, Aidan became known for planting new missionary outposts while strengthening the existing Christian communities. He was a gentle, simple, and loving servant of God who died on August 31, 651, which is now his feast day. Our church celebrates this day, Saint Aidan’s Day, with special recognitions within our church.
This is our icon of Saint Aidan, commissioned by John Stucker to celebrate the formation of our parish.
What Does Our Logo Mean?
Pray
When our soul is touched by God we are forever changed. Whether it is Moses beaming as he comes down the mountain (Exodus 34:29), a couple of confused guys not realizing who they are talking to on the road (Luke 24:13-34) or an old woman with creaking knees kneeling at the altar rail for thousandth Sunday in a row, when we listen, God’s speaks and changes our perspective. This cross represents our encounter with God.
Gather
You are not in it alone. The Bible is clear. God made us to be together (1 Cor 12:12-27). In this church we settle the storm of the world’s brokenness with our openness, authenticity, and curiosity. That is what makes true community, and this is what our circle represents. This is a place where people are just waiting to love you for who you are
Shine
A community of blessing doesn’t focus inward. Consistently changed by our friendships with God we are transformed by joy, generosity and service. This window represents the light that shines through our community of prayer.