About Episcopalians

The Episcopal Church and Anglican Practice

All baptized person are invited to receive Holy Communion in the Episcopal Church, and we recognize baptism as the only formal qualification essential for being a Christian.

The Episcopal Church is one of many national churches that belong to the Anglican Communion. We and our Anglican brethren trace our heritage to the Church of England and recognize the Archbishop of Canterbury as our spiritual head, though he (or, perhaps some day, she) has no direct authority over us.

As Anglicans, many of our practices may seem very "Catholic." We are also very tolerant about theological matters.

Some Anglicans are very liberal, others very conservative regarding theological and social issues. We have "high church" or "Anglo-Catholic" members who stress the sacraments as means of grace. We have evangelicals who believe in reaching out to convert others. We have charismatics, who feel that God speaks to or through them, perhaps in "tongues." We also have social activist and social justice Christians in our midst. We believe that our communion is big enough to hold us all -- though the strains brought on by our diversity are sometimes very evident.

Anglicans profess no peculiar beliefs not shared by the whole Church Catholic. We are not a "confessional" church founded on any particular doctrine, such as justification by faith alone, predestination, "transubstantiation," scriptural "inerrancy," the necessity to have a "born again" experience, or the like.

We do endorse the creeds of the early church — particularly the Apostle's and Nicene creeds — as essential statements of the faith. We also believe in the primacy of Holy Scripture as a definitive account of God's revelation to us. And we recognize the Book of Common Prayer as the normative guide for our worship. But we recognize that different people will have different interpretations of the meaning of all of these embodiments of faith.

Episcopalians celebrate the Holy Eucharist (also called Holy Communion, mass, or the Lord's Supper) as our primary Sunday service and we believe in the "real" presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in the bread and wine that we receive.

We make the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance or Confession) before a priest available to those who find it helpful to bare their sins before another Christian and receive an authoritative assurance of God's forgiveness (an "absolution). Confession is not, however, mandatory for anyone: "All may; some should; none must." We practice fasting at certain times and some clergy and laity feel called to lead lives of service or contemplation as monks or nuns. Such monks or nuns may take vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience.

Though we call our ministers deacons, priests and bishops, we celebrate the essential role of the laity in the faith and governance of the Episcopal Church on a local, regional and national level. Both men and women may hold church office and may be ordained as clergy. Our historic relation to the Church of England, headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, does not interfere with our autonomy as an American church, but makes us a part of a worldwide fellowship of every conceivable race and ethnicity.

The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America are also now in full communion with each other. That means that both churches mutually recognize each other's ministry and sacraments.

For more information about the worldwide Anglican Communion visit Anglicans Online.

Our Worship

If you’re not accustomed to the ceremony when you attend an Episcopal service and the action distracts you, just open your heart and worship in your own way. In time, the meaning of our liturgy — the form of worship we do together — should become clear, and the rituals will take on meaning. Although our customs may be unfamiliar to you, remember that most Christians worldwide — including the Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, Roman Catholics and other Anglicans — worship in similar ways. For now, just understand that our primary purpose for being here is to glorify God, to manifest the saving presence of Christ among us and to be open to the power of the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist

The term Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” It is an ancient term for our principal act of worship, the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. Other names for the Eucharist include Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Divine Liturgy and the Mass. The Book of Common Prayer (BCP or Prayerbook) is the red book in the rack of most pews. (The hymnal is blue.) The BCP contains the text for most of the services that we share in “common.” Because we believe that the way people pray is the measure of their belief, the Prayerbook is also regarded as an important statement of our faith. Kneeling, crossing, bowing, etc.

Do whatever feels comfortable. Generally, we stand to pray, sing and listen to the Gospel. We sit for other scripture lessons, the psalm and the sermon. And we kneel for confession and other devotions. Some Episcopalians make the sign of the cross or bow at particularly times and kneel for prayer on entering a church. Silence is usually kept in the nave (our primary worship space) before services. The Episcopal Church welcomes all baptized persons to receive communion. You may receive either kneeling or standing. You should cup your hands in front of you to receive the bread. When offered the wine (we do not use grape juice), either guide the cup to your lips or take it in your hands and drink. If you wish, you may dip your bread in the wine and receive both together.

The Church Year

Like Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and some "high" Protestant churches, Episcopalians mark the church year by various seasons that reenact the story of our salvation. The hangings and vestments of our churches change color from season to season, and the Bible readings, hymns and sermons reflect the special themes of each time in the year. Purple is used in penitential seasons; white is used in celebratory seasons; red is used to mark seasons and sacraments related to the Holy Spirit or to martyrdom; green is used for "ordinary time," actually most of the church year.

The Church year is a drama. It begins in Advent, a penitential (purple) season in which we prepare ourselves for the coming of the infant Christ but also for his Second Coming in glory. Advent is a time of special prayer, fasting and other spiritual disciplines. Next comes Christmas (white), which lasts for 12 days, from the traditional midnight mass to the feast of Epiphany (sometimes called 12th Night). Epiphany celebrates the "manifestation of Christ to the gentiles," symbolized by the coming of the wise men; it is also the season in which we mark Christ's baptism by St. John the Baptist. Note: Advent, Christmas and Epiphany carols are distinct: "O come, O come, Emmanuel" is an Advent Carol. "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," is a Christmas Carol. And "We Three Kings of Orient Are" is an Epiphany carol.

Epiphany is followed by a stretch of "ordinary time" (green) that lasts until Ash Wednesday, that great day of penitence that marks the beginning of Lent. (The day before Ash Wednesday is Mardi Gras, the last blowout before Lent.) Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and penitence that culminates in Holy Week and that greatest of all festivals, the Feast of the Resurrection, commonly called Easter. Then follow the Great 50 Days, that culminate in Pentecost Sunday (red), celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. This is followed by Trinity Sunday and then a long stretch of ordinary time (green) leading to the next Advent. For devout Episcopalians, the rhythm of the Church year becomes a part of their lives, informing their spirituality at every step.

Despite the dictates of popular culture, both Pentecost and Easter are regarded as more important feasts than Christmas. Because commercial Christmas culture so intrudes into Advent, many Episcopalians are beginning to make a special effort not to hang their Christmas decorations or start playing Christmas carols until Christmas Eve, or at least Christmas Week. Traditionally, the 12-day Christmas celebration would extend from Christmas Eve until Twelfth Night or Epiphany; many people are trying to recapture this tradition.

Becoming a Member and the Catechumenal Process

One does not "join" our Church instantly; we believe that the Christian life is a process that ebbs and flows. The Episcopal Church marks the Christian journey with two rites: Holy Baptism and Confirmation. At St. Ann's, we ask that all adults who wish to become full members participate in the Catechumenal Process. This is an extended period of instruction, meditation, prayer and formation.

The Catechumenal Process

Cradle Episcopalians usually receive Holy Baptism in infancy and their faith is affirmed in the rite of Confirmation by the bishop when they become more mature. Those who wish to become members as adults should be both baptized and confirmed. In all cases, however, to become a full member of St. Ann's, we ask people to go through a process of prayer, reflection, study, examination and openness to the Holy Spirit over a period of several months. This process takes its name from a Greek word for an ancient period of instruction before new Christians were baptized. At St. Ann's, the process culminates in Baptism, Confirmation or Reception into the church by the bishop, depending on what is appropriate. If you are interested in learning about the process, contact the Rector at (615) 254-3534 or by email.

Holy Baptism

Traditionally, membership in the church happens through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. When a member is baptized, he or she is a full member of the Christ's Church. For some, baptism occurs as an infant and others are baptized as adults. If you have been baptized (at any time, in any place) with water in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, it is not necessary to be baptized a second time to become an Episcopalian. In fact, we do not rebaptize.

Confirmation

Confirmation is another rite that marks our journey of faith in the Episcopal Church. This rite is for adults who wish to "confirm" their faith as more mature Christians. Confirmation is appropriate for those coming to the Episcopal Church from another denomination that does not practice the rite or for those baptized as infants. After undergoing the Catechumenal Process, adults and high school youth are presented to the Bishop for Confirmation. Through this rite, one makes a mature statement about one's faith that is affirmed by the church and blessed by the Bishop.

Reception

Reception is appropriate for people coming to the Episcopal Church from the Roman Catholic Church or any of the Eastern Orthodox churches, where they were baptized and confirmed. A great deal of theology and sacramental thought is shared between the Episcopal Church and the Roman and Eastern Orthodox traditions. Like Baptism, Confirmation by a Bishop is not repeated. In theory, conformation is the laying on of hands by a bishop who has been ordained into the "historic episcopate." The historic episcopate traces it's line of bishops back to Apostles of Christ. This line has continued unbroken, many people believe, to this day as bishops have consecrated new bishops into the "apostolic succession."

Transferring

Transferring from another Episcopal Church is also an avenue for membership. When a child or an adult is baptized or confirmed, they become a "communicant." Moving communicant status is a simple procedure. Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out which parish holds the records. Once the baptismal and confirmation information is found, the individual can make a request to send the records to the new parish. If you are interested in transferring your letter in or out of St. Ann's, contact the Rector's secretary at (615) 254-3534 or by email.

Other Issues

Who is St. Ann?

St. Ann is the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although the name is not found in the Bible, legend concerning her can be traced to the 2nd century. Though "Anne" is the most common English spelling (following French use), a founding family of the parish requested the spelling "Ann" to honor their daughter.

What does "Episcopal" mean?

We are called Episcopalians because our form of church governance recognizes the diocese (usually a large geographic region) as the primary unit. A diocese is presided over by a bishop (from the Greek word episcopos), who has his "seat" (Greek cathedra) in the cathedral. Bishops often wear a large, pointed hat called a "mitre" and carry a shepherd's crook called a "crozier." Though bishops have great authority and trace their lineage back to the Apostles, individual Episcopalians do not always agree with them on matters of policy or doctrine. St. Ann's is in the Diocese of Tennessee, which has its diocesan seat at Christ Church Cathedral, 900 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. The current (11th) bishop is the Rt. Rev. John Bauerschmidt.

What are Bishops, Priests and Deacons?

Though bishops preside over a diocese, priests are usually the primary ministers in local congregations, often assisted by deacons. Bishops ordain priests; priests are empowered to celebrate the Eucharist, pronounce absolution and perform other sacraments. Deacons are ordained ministers charged with reading the gospel at the Eucharist and preparing the altar. The lay governing board of a congregation is called the "Vestry." Congregations are usually called parishes if they are self supporting and missions if they are not.

What are the titles of the clergy?

The chief minister of a parish is a rector, while a vicar presides over a mission; the chief minister of a cathedral is the dean. Bishops are titled "the Rt. Rev." (as in "right good" or "right much"), deans are "the Very Rev."and priests and deacons are simply "the Rev." Priests are sometimes called "Mother" or "Father" and bishops are called "Bishop." It is always correct to address a priest as "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Ms.," or whatever is preferred, and deacons are usually called by such a title. But our clergy are never called "Reverend." And they are not referred to as "preacher" unless they are in the actual act of preaching. While presiding at the Eucharist, they are called the "celebrant." In some dioceses, the bishop's administrative aide is an archdeacon, who is called "the Venerable." Other aides to the bishop or priests on the staff of a cathedral may be called "Canon." Monks and nuns who are not ordained clergy may be called "brother" or "sister."

Some Episcopalians take much delight in using these titles to the bafflement of other Christians. It's not uncommon to see something like this in a church bulletin: "The celebrant today is the Ven. John Sisk, Archdeacon of Chicago, assisted by the Very Rev. Todd Simmick, Dean of the Cathedral, and the Rev. Canon Joan Black of the Cathedral staff. Today's preacher is the Rt. Rev. Anne Remmick, Bishop of Maine." Remember that these are ancient titles for servants of Christ.

The Parts of the Church

The center of attention an Episcopal church is not the pulpit, the minister, or the choir. It is the altar, where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. We call the main part of the church where the people sit, stand and kneel the "nave." The word may be derived from the Latin word for ship (as navy) or from the Greek word for temple (navos). The part of the church around the altar -- the most sacred area -- is called the "sanctuary." In some churches, following monastic tradition, the choir sits between the altar and the congregation, usually facing inward toward the center isle. In such churches, the choir space is called the "choir." In other Anglican churches, the choir is placed at the back of the nave in a loft, to the side of the altar, or even behind the altar.


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Newcomers St. Ann's Mission Finding St. Ann's Services Music Prayers About Episcopalians Newcomer Information	About Episcopalians The Episcopal Church and Anglican Practice All baptized person are invited to receive Holy Communion in the Episcopal Church, and we recognize baptism as the only formal qualification essential for being a Christian. The Episcopal Church is one of many national churches that belong to the Anglican Communion. We and our Anglican brethren trace our heritage to the Church of England and recognize the Archbishop of Canterbury as our spiritual head, though he (or, perhaps some day, she) has no direct authority over us. As Anglicans, many of our practices may seem very "Catholic." We are also very tolerant about theological matters. Some Anglicans are very liberal, others very conservative regarding theological and social issues. We have "high church" or "Anglo-Catholic" members who stress the sacraments as means of grace. We have evangelicals who believe in reaching out to convert others. We have charismatics, who feel that God speaks to or through them, perhaps in "tongues." We also have social activist and social justice Christians in our midst. We believe that our communion is big enough to hold us all -- though the strains brought on by our diversity are sometimes very evident. Anglicans profess no peculiar beliefs not shared by the whole Church Catholic. We are not a "confessional" church founded on any particular doctrine, such as justification by faith alone, predestination, "transubstantiation," scriptural "inerrancy," the necessity to have a "born again" experience, or the like. We do endorse the creeds of the early church — particularly the Apostle's and Nicene creeds — as essential statements of the faith. We also believe in the primacy of Holy Scripture as a definitive account of God's revelation to us. And we recognize the Book of Common Prayer as the normative guide for our worship. But we recognize that different people will have different interpretations of the meaning of all of these embodiments of faith. Episcopalians celebrate the Holy Eucharist (also called Holy Communion, mass, or the Lord's Supper) as our primary Sunday service and we believe in the "real" presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in the bread and wine that we receive. We make the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance or Confession) before a priest available to those who find it helpful to bare their sins before another Christian and receive an authoritative assurance of God's forgiveness (an "absolution). Confession is not, however, mandatory for anyone: "All may; some should; none must." We practice fasting at certain times and some clergy and laity feel called to lead lives of service or contemplation as monks or nuns. Such monks or nuns may take vows of poverty, celibacy and obedience. Though we call our ministers deacons, priests and bishops, we celebrate the essential role of the laity in the faith and governance of the Episcopal Church on a local, regional and national level. Both men and women may hold church office and may be ordained as clergy. Our historic relation to the Church of England, headed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, does not interfere with our autonomy as an American church, but makes us a part of a worldwide fellowship of every conceivable race and ethnicity. The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America are also now in full communion with each other. That means that both churches mutually recognize each other's ministry and sacraments. For more information about the worldwide Anglican Communion visit Anglicans Online. Our Worship If you’re not accustomed to the ceremony when you attend an Episcopal service and the action distracts you, just open your heart and worship in your own way. In time, the meaning of our liturgy — the form of worship we do together — should become clear, and the rituals will take on meaning. Although our customs may be unfamiliar to you, remember that most Christians worldwide — including the Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans, Roman Catholics and other Anglicans — worship in similar ways. For now, just understand that our primary purpose for being here is to glorify God, to manifest the saving presence of Christ among us and to be open to the power of the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist The term Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” It is an ancient term for our principal act of worship, the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ. Other names for the Eucharist include Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, the Divine Liturgy and the Mass. The Book of Common Prayer (BCP or Prayerbook) is the red book in the rack of most pews. (The hymnal is blue.) The BCP contains the text for most of the services that we share in “common.” Because we believe that the way people pray is the measure of their belief, the Prayerbook is also regarded as an important statement of our faith. Kneeling, crossing, bowing, etc. Do whatever feels comfortable. Generally, we stand to pray, sing and listen to the Gospel. We sit for other scripture lessons, the psalm and the sermon. And we kneel for confession and other devotions. Some Episcopalians make the sign of the cross or bow at particularly times and kneel for prayer on entering a church. Silence is usually kept in the nave (our primary worship space) before services. The Episcopal Church welcomes all baptized persons to receive communion. You may receive either kneeling or standing. You should cup your hands in front of you to receive the bread. When offered the wine (we do not use grape juice), either guide the cup to your lips or take it in your hands and drink. If you wish, you may dip your bread in the wine and receive both together. The Church Year Like Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and some "high" Protestant churches, Episcopalians mark the church year by various seasons that reenact the story of our salvation. The hangings and vestments of our churches change color from season to season, and the Bible readings, hymns and sermons reflect the special themes of each time in the year. Purple is used in penitential seasons; white is used in celebratory seasons; red is used to mark seasons and sacraments related to the Holy Spirit or to martyrdom; green is used for "ordinary time," actually most of the church year. The Church year is a drama. It begins in Advent, a penitential (purple) season in which we prepare ourselves for the coming of the infant Christ but also for his Second Coming in glory. Advent is a time of special prayer, fasting and other spiritual disciplines. Next comes Christmas (white), which lasts for 12 days, from the traditional midnight mass to the feast of Epiphany (sometimes called 12th Night). Epiphany celebrates the "manifestation of Christ to the gentiles," symbolized by the coming of the wise men; it is also the season in which we mark Christ's baptism by St. John the Baptist. Note: Advent, Christmas and Epiphany carols are distinct: "O come, O come, Emmanuel" is an Advent Carol. "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing," is a Christmas Carol. And "We Three Kings of Orient Are" is an Epiphany carol. Epiphany is followed by a stretch of "ordinary time" (green) that lasts until Ash Wednesday, that great day of penitence that marks the beginning of Lent. (The day before Ash Wednesday is Mardi Gras, the last blowout before Lent.) Lent is a time of fasting, prayer and penitence that culminates in Holy Week and that greatest of all festivals, the Feast of the Resurrection, commonly called Easter. Then follow the Great 50 Days, that culminate in Pentecost Sunday (red), celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church. This is followed by Trinity Sunday and then a long stretch of ordinary time (green) leading to the next Advent. For devout Episcopalians, the rhythm of the Church year becomes a part of their lives, informing their spirituality at every step. Despite the dictates of popular culture, both Pentecost and Easter are regarded as more important feasts than Christmas. Because commercial Christmas culture so intrudes into Advent, many Episcopalians are beginning to make a special effort not to hang their Christmas decorations or start playing Christmas carols until Christmas Eve, or at least Christmas Week. Traditionally, the 12-day Christmas celebration would extend from Christmas Eve until Twelfth Night or Epiphany; many people are trying to recapture this tradition. Becoming a Member and the Catechumenal Process One does not "join" our Church instantly; we believe that the Christian life is a process that ebbs and flows. The Episcopal Church marks the Christian journey with two rites: Holy Baptism and Confirmation. At St. Ann's, we ask that all adults who wish to become full members participate in the Catechumenal Process. This is an extended period of instruction, meditation, prayer and formation. The Catechumenal Process Cradle Episcopalians usually receive Holy Baptism in infancy and their faith is affirmed in the rite of Confirmation by the bishop when they become more mature. Those who wish to become members as adults should be both baptized and confirmed. In all cases, however, to become a full member of St. Ann's, we ask people to go through a process of prayer, reflection, study, examination and openness to the Holy Spirit over a period of several months. This process takes its name from a Greek word for an ancient period of instruction before new Christians were baptized. At St. Ann's, the process culminates in Baptism, Confirmation or Reception into the church by the bishop, depending on what is appropriate. If you are interested in learning about the process, contact the Rector at (615) 254-3534 or by email. Holy Baptism Traditionally, membership in the church happens through the sacrament of Holy Baptism. When a member is baptized, he or she is a full member of the Christ's Church. For some, baptism occurs as an infant and others are baptized as adults. If you have been baptized (at any time, in any place) with water in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, it is not necessary to be baptized a second time to become an Episcopalian. In fact, we do not rebaptize. Confirmation Confirmation is another rite that marks our journey of faith in the Episcopal Church. This rite is for adults who wish to "confirm" their faith as more mature Christians. Confirmation is appropriate for those coming to the Episcopal Church from another denomination that does not practice the rite or for those baptized as infants. After undergoing the Catechumenal Process, adults and high school youth are presented to the Bishop for Confirmation. Through this rite, one makes a mature statement about one's faith that is affirmed by the church and blessed by the Bishop. Reception Reception is appropriate for people coming to the Episcopal Church from the Roman Catholic Church or any of the Eastern Orthodox churches, where they were baptized and confirmed. A great deal of theology and sacramental thought is shared between the Episcopal Church and the Roman and Eastern Orthodox traditions. Like Baptism, Confirmation by a Bishop is not repeated. In theory, conformation is the laying on of hands by a bishop who has been ordained into the "historic episcopate." The historic episcopate traces it's line of bishops back to Apostles of Christ. This line has continued unbroken, many people believe, to this day as bishops have consecrated new bishops into the "apostolic succession." Transferring Transferring from another Episcopal Church is also an avenue for membership. When a child or an adult is baptized or confirmed, they become a "communicant." Moving communicant status is a simple procedure. Sometimes the hardest part is figuring out which parish holds the records. Once the baptismal and confirmation information is found, the individual can make a request to send the records to the new parish. If you are interested in transferring your letter in or out of St. Ann's, contact the Rector's secretary at (615) 254-3534 or by email. Other Issues Who is St. Ann? St. Ann is the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although the name is not found in the Bible, legend concerning her can be traced to the 2nd century. Though "Anne" is the most common English spelling (following French use), a founding family of the parish requested the spelling "Ann" to honor their daughter. What does "Episcopal" mean? We are called Episcopalians because our form of church governance recognizes the diocese (usually a large geographic region) as the primary unit. A diocese is presided over by a bishop (from the Greek word episcopos), who has his "seat" (Greek cathedra) in the cathedral. Bishops often wear a large, pointed hat called a "mitre" and carry a shepherd's crook called a "crozier." Though bishops have great authority and trace their lineage back to the Apostles, individual Episcopalians do not always agree with them on matters of policy or doctrine. St. Ann's is in the Diocese of Tennessee, which has its diocesan seat at Christ Church Cathedral, 900 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. The current (11th) bishop is the Rt. Rev. John Bauerschmidt. What are Bishops, Priests and Deacons? Though bishops preside over a diocese, priests are usually the primary ministers in local congregations, often assisted by deacons. Bishops ordain priests; priests are empowered to celebrate the Eucharist, pronounce absolution and perform other sacraments. Deacons are ordained ministers charged with reading the gospel at the Eucharist and preparing the altar. The lay governing board of a congregation is called the "Vestry." Congregations are usually called parishes if they are self supporting and missions if they are not. What are the titles of the clergy? The chief minister of a parish is a rector, while a vicar presides over a mission; the chief minister of a cathedral is the dean. Bishops are titled "the Rt. Rev." (as in "right good" or "right much"), deans are "the Very Rev."and priests and deacons are simply "the Rev." Priests are sometimes called "Mother" or "Father" and bishops are called "Bishop." It is always correct to address a priest as "Mr.," "Mrs.," "Ms.," or whatever is preferred, and deacons are usually called by such a title. But our clergy are never called "Reverend." And they are not referred to as "preacher" unless they are in the actual act of preaching. While presiding at the Eucharist, they are called the "celebrant." In some dioceses, the bishop's administrative aide is an archdeacon, who is called "the Venerable." Other aides to the bishop or priests on the staff of a cathedral may be called "Canon." Monks and nuns who are not ordained clergy may be called "brother" or "sister." Some Episcopalians take much delight in using these titles to the bafflement of other Christians. It's not uncommon to see something like this in a church bulletin: "The celebrant today is the Ven. John Sisk, Archdeacon of Chicago, assisted by the Very Rev. Todd Simmick, Dean of the Cathedral, and the Rev. Canon Joan Black of the Cathedral staff. Today's preacher is the Rt. Rev. Anne Remmick, Bishop of Maine." Remember that these are ancient titles for servants of Christ. The Parts of the Church The center of attention an Episcopal church is not the pulpit, the minister, or the choir. It is the altar, where the Holy Eucharist is celebrated. We call the main part of the church where the people sit, stand and kneel the "nave." The word may be derived from the Latin word for ship (as navy) or from the Greek word for temple (navos). The part of the church around the altar -- the most sacred area -- is called the "sanctuary." In some churches, following monastic tradition, the choir sits between the altar and the congregation, usually facing inward toward the center isle. In such churches, the choir space is called the "choir." In other Anglican churches, the choir is placed at the back of the nave in a loft, to the side of the altar, or even behind the altar.