Frequently Asked Questions

What Can You Tell Me About the Episcopal Church?

The Episcopal Church in the United States is part of the ANGLICAN COMMUNION. This is a worldwide fellowship of Christians who trace their origin to the Church of England. The Archbishop of Canterbury in England serves as the symbolic held of the Communion.

In the United States, the Episcopal Church has about 2.5 million members in several thousand parishes and missions. Across the world, there are around 70 million ANGLICANS. Many of them live in countries that were not part of the British Empire, testifying to the missionary vitality of the Church. Most ANGLICANS now live in Africa, where the Church continues to experience explosive growth.

"Episcopal" means "governed by bishops." It indicates the importance that Episcopalians attach to the historical continuity of the Church as represented in the office of Bishop. While the Church of England (the parent church of the Episcopal Church) separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the reign of Henry VIII at the time of the Reformation, it did not begin or start then. The Church in England has a long history going back almost to the time of the Apostles. For the first 400 years of its existence, it was largely independent from Rome. After the Reformation, it again became independent.

Episcopalians believe that the authority of the Church lies in the Bible, in the history and Tradition of our forbears, and in the use of our own Reason. Together, Scripture, Tradition, and Reason guide and inform us as we seek to live the Christian life within our modern world. We encourage people to explore the faith and ask questions. We are unafraid of doubt and the quest it can inspire, because we believe Truth ultimately resides in Jesus Christ. Thus, an honest exploration in search of Truth cannot be detrimental to our faith.

Episcopal belief is centered on Jesus Christ and is represented pre-eminently in the Nicene Creed. The Creed is an ancient statement of Christianity that was born of the early Church's struggle to understand and vocalize its experience of God in the Risen Jesus Christ.

Our sense of ministry and vocation flows from our Baptismal Covenant (Book of Common Prayer p304-305). Our worship is focused upon the Presence of Christ in the Eucharist (or Communion). We believe that we are united to Jesus and grow in His image as we receive His life in the bread that is His Body and the wine that is His Blood.

Such worship shapes our moral life. Morality, we believe, is guided by the worshipping Christian community as it informs individual conscience through the interaction of Scripture, Tradition, and Reason. We hold that it is the responsibility of each Christian to seek God's will for her or his life. Thus, while the Church can act as a mentor and guide in this process, it is ultimately the duty of each Christian to act before God according to his or her conscience. Our Church, therefore, rarely issues universal requirements, and more often seeks to worship that enables the formation of individual conscience.

Active involvement and interaction, as well as the "beauty of holiness," characterize our worship services. Experiencing the beauty of God, we strive to reflect and convey God's Presence through the beauty of our worship. We also seek to involve the congregation as active ministers, imparting to the people the message that the Christian life is not passive, but rather to be lived out in the world. Thus, Episcopalians pray with the priest, sing, kneel, stand, cross themselves, partake of Communion, and perform many functions within the service.

The Episcopal Church is a church of commitment. Because we believe God’s Presence permeates this world through the Incarnation of Christ in Jesus as continued through Christ’s Body the Church, we expect our members to be proactive in being Christ's presence in the world. Episcopalians are expected to worship faithfully and regularly with their parish and on their own, to deepen their knowledge and love of the Lord through devotion and education, to give a tithe for the work of the Church, and to pray and labor for the values and reality of the Kingdom of God in their community and throughout the world.

Come and find Jesus Christ, alive and present today in the Episcopal Church!

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What Does the Episcopal Church Value?

On Being An Episcopalian

If you are searching and find these concepts appeal to you, we believe you will find a home in the Episcopal Church. If you do, we welcome you to the family of Christ Church.

  1. WORSHIP that brings you in, instead of putting you on the sidelines.
  2. A THEOLOGY that demands our intelligence rather than ignoring it.
  3. A WILLINGNESS not only to tolerate, but also to celebrate differences.
  4. A HERITAGE that takes the Bible seriously yet is not bound by literalism.
  5. A strong sense of COMMUNITY in which our consensus is in our common relationship to Jesus Christ rather than to an enforced conformity of opinion.
  6. A devotion to the SACRAMENTS as instituted by Jesus through the Tradition of the Church and which evoke awe rather than factual explanation.
  7. A sense of MINISTRY that is rightfully the obligation and privilege of every baptized person.
  8. An insistence on MORALITY (what is good and loving) as opposed to MORALISM (judgmental salvation by code instead of Christ).

Adapted from the Church of the Good Shepherd, Bonita CA.

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How Would I Become A Part of the Christ Church Community?

Membership at Christ Church begins when the date and place of one's baptism are recorded in the parish register. All persons who have been baptized in any Christian Church with water and in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are full members of the Episcopal Church when this registration occurs.

If a person is not baptized, baptism in the Episcopal Church makes one a full member thereof. Click here for information on our baptismal preparation process.

Christ Church offers monthly "Dinner with the Rector" evenings and quarterly "Newcomers' Orientation and Welcome 'NOW" sessions, as well as an annual 10 week formation class on the Episcopal Church, for people desiring additional information about membership. These sessions can lead to a public renewal of one’s baptism as a testimony to one’s new identity as an Episcopalian and/or Christ Church member.

Persons seeking to become members should contact the Pastor, either to be baptized, or so that the date and place of their baptism can be recorded in our register (770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org). You may also fill out our "Join Us!" form on-line.

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What are the Responsibilities of Membership?

The Episcopal Church expects all of its adult members to make a "mature public affirmation" of their faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ. This is done through:

Confirmation and Reception occur during the Bishop's visit to Christ Church, or at a regional celebration at which the Bishop is present. Baptisms occur according to the parish's baptismal policy. (Click here for information).

Formation classes are held on an ongoing basis which prepare people of all ages and backgrounds for meaningful membership in the Church through baptism, confirmation, or reception. The Pastor in conjunction with other staff and volunteers lead them.

Contact the Pastor at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org for more information about any of the above.

All Members (established and new) are expected to take the vows and responsibilities of the Baptismal Covenant (Book of Common Prayer, p304) seriously. The Catechism (Book of Common Prayer, p856) describes what this entails:

The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week
By week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the
Spread of the kingdom of God.

To work and pray for the spread of God's kingdom involves a daily discipline of prayer, Scripture reading, and devotion. It means a commitment to live each day as a witness and disciple of Jesus Christ. Not only is our time volunteered for the work of the Church, but each hour of our home and work lives is consecrated to Jesus and lived according to His will.

The standard of giving established by the General Convention and Canons of the Episcopal Church is 10% of one's income. All Episcopalians are urged by the Church to pursue this Biblical measure as an act of faith, trust, commitment, and thanksgiving.

Thus, all members at Christ Church are encouraged and enabled to be enthusiastic, essential parts of our common life as we make real the healing love, spiritual vitality, and eternal life of God's kingdom in Jesus Christ.

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What Would Membership Do for Me?

At Christ Church, you can expect to receive:

What Is Expected of Your Parish Leaders?

All who enter into leadership positions at Christ Church are asked to sign, and work to keep, our parish "Rule of Life." The language "Rule" comes from an old monastic term, and does not imply a legalistic requirement, but rather an ideal and a goal. We know that no one can perfectly keep our Rule all of the time. Yet it is a standard towards which we strive. We believe that in the journey towards it, our life is enriched and our experience of God made more profound. As leaders, it also enables us to model a daily Christian practice for our congregants.

The Parish Rule of Life

By the grace of God, I affirm that as a baptized minister of Christ Church I commit myself to strive to journey toward the full living of the following Christian Rule of Life:

What About Your Parish Finances?

Complete financial information, including (but not limited to) the following, is available upon request:

Christ Church operates with a balanced budget annually, and considers its fiduciary responsibilities to be of paramount importance. To this end, we have on staff a professional bookkeeper and we conduct an outside audit annually. We also utilize a volunteer treasurer as well as a finance committee to assist the Vestry in overseeing the wise stewardship of parish finances.

The parish has organized an endowment board whose sole responsibility is to receive and administer planned gifts. Income from donations may be utilized for special ministries outside of regular parish operations (except in cases of extreme emergency as determined by the board), or as designated by the donor.

A variety of planned gifts can be arranged which will maximize the donor's tax benefit in ways advantageous to the donor's current financial needs and position. For more information, please contact Pastor Schuler at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org.

To make a financial donation to Christ Church, click here

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Can You Tell Me about Your Parish History?

Yes. The Diocese of Atlanta sponsored three mission organizational meetings in 1978. By the third meeting, a committed core group had formed and the Rev. Joel Hudson was recommended as the organizing pastor. He accepted and formed the initial congregation, which gathered for its first Communion service in the home of Ida and Gary Cobb on June 11, 1978.

Significant dates followed:

August 1978: Services are moved to the cafeteria of Norcross High School; the mission is officially named "Christ Church Episcopal, Norcross."

December 7, 1980: After purchasing the Galilean Baptist Church in Norcross, the congregation holds its first service in the new facility.

Easter 1982: The refurbishment of the sanctuary is completed.

1983-1985: Under the positive strain of continued growth, the parish hall and basement are refurbished to accommodate expanding programs.

Fall 1987: A second Sunday morning service is added; two priests are added to the staff.

April 1989: A new parish hall is dedicated.

1991: Rainbow House, the parish's primary outreach ministry, begins with the donation of a home from Georgia Power. The home is dedicated for the use of a homeless female-headed household.

July 1993: Church offices are relocated to a newly purchased home behind the Church.

1995: "Rainbow House" becomes "Rainbow Village" with the addition of seven homes.

1998: Given substantial actual growth and continued growth potential, the congregation sells its location and purchases the church at its current site, 400 Holcomb Bridge Road in Norcross. This allows for the addition of significant program space, parking areas, and a larger worship area. Immediately, an education wing is added and major refurbishment is accomplished.

1999: Christ Church Episcopal School opens on site; Rainbow Village grows to 16 homes; the parish youth center is built.

2003: The Rev. Joel Hudson retires; Christ Church Episcopal School closes due to financial hardships and declining enrollment; a full time youth pastor is added to the staff.

2004: The Rev. Dr. Rock H. Schuler becomes Christ Church's second rector in the midst of great hope for continued congregational growth.

2005: A new youth service is added monthly; refurbishment of the parish offices begins; Rainbow Village, now an independent non-profit, moves its offices back to Christ Church; plans begin for a major refurbishment of the parish kitchen and hall.

2006: Parish kitchen is renovated.

2009: March, The Rev. Ceci Duke was called as new rector.

 

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What Is Your Worship Schedule?

Please see the Worship section of this web site.

Where Can I Park?

For first-time visitors, there are reserved "Guest" spots along the front row of the parking lot, next to the Church building. There is also ample parking in front of and to the side of the Church building.

What Christian Education Opportunities are Available?

Please see the Spiritual Formation section of this WEB page.

I Have A Baby – Can She Stay with Me in Church?

Absolutely! We welcome the cries of life a young child can add to our service! However, if your child is in a particularly cantankerous mood one Sunday {we’ve all been there :-) }, feel free to come and go from worship as needed.

There is a soft area with quiet toys and books in the entryway. A changing table and a comfortable chair for nursing are also in this room. Audio from the service is broadcast into it.

What If I Would Prefer to Use a Nursery – Do You Have One?

Of course! Our nursery is staffed by trained, paid personnel. It is located through the entryway, into the Parish Hall, at the far end of the kitchen.

My Child is a Little Older but Gets Bored During the Sermon – Is There Anything for Him?

Indeed! For children too old for the nursery yet too young to be attentive in Church, we offer the "Children's Assembly" during the sermon. Please see the Worship section of this web site.

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If I have An Emergency, Whom Do I Contact?

Call the Church office at 770-447-1166.

Christ Church also offers a Stephen's Ministry program, a group of caring Christian friends who can offer a listening ear to help others through the tough times of life. Stephens Ministers are not counselors or therapists, yet are trained by the national Stephens Ministers program. To learn more about being involved with, or receiving assistance from, Stephens Ministers, please contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org.

What Expectations Do You Have for Financial Giving?

Guests and newcomers are welcome to attend without any expectation on our part that any donation will be made – we are more than happy to offer our services as a gift that we pray will be a blessing for you.

Members (as noted above) are expected to make a financial pledge annually in order to support our ministries. While the amount of the pledge is always a prayerful decision involving the pledger and God, and can be of any amount (pledges range from less than $1 per week to several hundred per week, the Church has established the Biblical tithe of 10% of income as the standard toward which Christians should strive.

To obtain a pledge card, contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org.

As each one has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace…(1 Peter 4.10).

To offer a financial gift,

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How Can I Get Involved in Christ’s Church’s Recreational, Fellowship, and Ministry Opportunities?

Please contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org in order to get more detailed information about anything described in this WEB page, or in order to offer your talents and time for a new ministry, or to join any of our activities.

How Can I (or My Child) be Baptized?

Click here for detailed information about our baptismal preparation process for adults and children.

What is the Next Step?

Contact the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org to discuss your questions, learn more about our parish, and/or experience our worship.

And please, join us at one of our worship services. You will be warmly welcomed! Our parish greeters and ushers will also be happy to show you around, introduce you to folks, and get you whatever information can be of service to you.

Christ Church also offers regular orientation sessions called "Dinner with the Pastor " (monthly) and "Newcomers' Orientation and Welcome ('NOW')" (quarterly). These informal gatherings give you the chance to get to know the pastor while learning firsthand about how our dynamic, vibrant church family can enrich your life, help meet your needs, and empower you for deeper living. You will have the chance to share whatever you would like about your individual spiritual journey as you meet other newcomers to Christ Church.

Check out the next "Dinner" by looking at our parish calendar, or by contacting the office at 770-447-1166 or office@ccnorcross.org. We’d love the opportunity to get to know you better!

Of course, you can take all the time you want to decide about joining Christ Church. We just appreciate having you here, worshipping with us, whether or not you ever make the commitment to become a member.

Yet if you have decided to take this step of dedication and support, please fill out our "Join Us!" form in order to transfer your membership and begin the process of renewing your faith in this particular Christian family.

Is God calling you to Christ Church?
Become an active, committed disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ
and a vital part of our congregation's mission.

God wants you, and so do we!