Beliefs

The essential doctrines of the Anglican Church and more specifically SJE are contained in the 39 Articles of Religion.

39 Articles of Religion Prayer Book of Canada

39 Articles of Religion Modern rendition of Articles

At SJE we believe in the authority of scripture to define our ministry as a church.  As an Anglican church in fellowship with the Worldwide Anglican Communion we adhere to the following foundational doctrines of the Anglican Church. (click on the Bible image to link to a searchable English Standard Version web Bible).

The creed used at SJE in our Book of Alternative Services, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles' Creed. It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament.  The Apostles' Creed focuses on the true humanity of Jesus, including the material body, as this was the heresy of the day, which denied that Jesus was truly human (Gnostics, Marcionites, and Manicheans).

The Apostles' Creed

This is the creed most often used in our Book of Common Prayer Services.  This Creed dates back to the Council of Nicea (325 AD), summoned under the Emporer Constantine, and written by the assembled Bishops to repudiate the false teaching of Arius who held that Jesus was created by God and not pre-existant.  This Arian heresy has been revived in modern day and is the current belief of the Watchtower Society (JW's).  In short, the Nicene Creed affirms the full deity of Jesus Christ.

The Nicene Creed

What about Communion?  All who are baptized and believers in Jesus Christ as Saviour are welcome to come and receive communion with us at any of our services. You do not have to be an Anglican. We share our communion with all baptized believers regardless of denomination. If you prefer not to take communion and instead would like to receive a blessing, please come up to the Altar rail. (Below, we’ll explain how you communicate your wishes to the priest).  If you are physically unable to come to the front for communion and would like to receive communion, please choose a seat directly on the centre aisle and let one of our Greeters know your wishes.  Near the end of the communion, a priest will come to your location and administer communion to you.

Communion Etiquette:  If you wish to receive communion, kneel at the rail and hold your hands, palms up, above the rail to receive the bread. You will then be given the wine out of a large cup called a Chalice. You may sip directly from the Chalice.  If you wish to have a blessing, simply keep your hands below the Altar rail and the priests will know to give you or your child a blessing rather than communion.

This sacrament is the great foundational sacrament of the Church.  It is an integral part of the Christian life therefore, active participation in the life of the Christian community is expected of all candidates and sponsors.  Preparing for baptism is an important part of the process.  To explore this life-transforming sacrament, please call our Baptism Coordinator, Janice Adamson at 438-9168.   Baptism celebrations are held several times a year.

On-line Canadian Book of Common Prayer (1962)

On-line Prayer Book