Question:

My DH and I have decided to become confirmed Episcopalians. Unfortunately, the classes don't begin until September. We were told basically to jump right in, but WHERE? I mean, I have no problem taking communion. DH and I were both baptized before. Do we jump in from the start? Bowing to the crucifix? Doing the sign of the cross? Bowing before being seated?I truly want to get involved, but we don't even "know how" to make the sign of the cross. I mean we know, but what does it mean? Then the whole using the back of your thumb over your forhead, lips, and heart. We love the church, but I feel silly asking them this! I do want to do all of this. That was a part that drew me to the Anglican Church. I love the Pomp and Circumstance. I just needed to know why I was doing it and since I am not "Episcopalian" yet, is it sacreligous?

Answer:

I understand, 110%25. Processions, incense, candles and plainchant are what lured me to Christ's feet.

First of all, you *are* Episcopalian. There is only one holy and catholic Church, and the means by which one becomes a member of that Church is Baptism. You are just coming to realize that Episcopal tradition is the *best* way of participating in that Church (no bias here, LOL!), and that liturgy is more powerful than dogma any day. Confirmation is the sacrament by which you take up your personal ministry as a Christian laywoman; whatever that ministry may be. A personal ministry is the natural outcome of mature Christianity.

Second, many *Anglicans* are not used to the gestures you describe. They are characteristic of the "high church" tradition. People do them because the actions help people feel more worshipful; people who don't find them helpful don't do them. Speaking as a dancer, I recommend using your body to worship because it is a part of the whole, holy *you*. We are not gnostics, to deny the godliness of our material bodies. In fact, the traditional prayer after communion talks about "committing our selves, our souls and bodies, into Thy service...". The worship gestures are more meaningful, of course, when you understand their relevance:

Bowing as the crucifix passes in procession, and bowing when the name of Jesus is mentioned in the Creed, recall the scripture that "at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow". Some people *do* bow the knee, but most just nod their head. Or not if it feels awkward; the point is to make sure that your *heart* bows to Jesus. For kinesthetic or artistic learners, the gesture helps, that's all.

The sign of the cross recalls the scripture that "as we have died with Him, so we are raised with Him to new life". If the manual act helps you claim that promise, do it. Probably only about half of Anglicans, or fewer, actually use the sign of the cross. It's used, if at all, when the Trinity is named in a doxology ("Glory be to the Father -touch your forehead - and to the Son - touch your chest - and to the Holy Ghost - touch your left shoulder, then your right, or right and then left if you want to show solidarity with the Eastern Church <g>) and when we say "the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting" at the end of the Creed. Most Anglicans don't themselves use the sign of the cross during the blessing, because the priest makes it over them.

Bowing to the altar, the tabernacle (that's the cupboard where the reserved, or already-consecrated, sacrament is stored) or the exposed sacrament (that's the consecrated bread and wine left out on the altar after the service) recognizes the real presence of Christ in the sacrament. You're bowing to the present Christ. Almost all Anglicans do this, even ones who don't use the other worship gestures.

The thingy with the back of the cross is done during the Gospel acclaimation when you say "Glory be to thee, oh Lord" or whatever new-fangled words are in your prayer book. I've never seen the American 1979 book, so I'm a little ignorant there. You draw a cross on your forehead and say to yourself "write Thy word upon my mind" then on your lips "that I may speak it with my lips" then over your heart "and dwell upon it in my heart". Again, less than half of Anglicans actually use this gesture.

Bottom line: the liturgy is by definition the work of the People: *you*. If worship gestures are an important element for you of the treasure that is the Anglican liturgy, claim them. They are yours, to use or not as *you* choose.

Even if you weren't baptised, there would be nothing sacreligious about using worship gestures if you meant them reverently. Make a point of getting to all the special services with all their acoutrements: incense, candle-light, foot-washing and stripping the Altar before Easter, processions, litanies -- you will love them. If you are a needlewoman, consider making hangings or paramets for special festivals. Don't hesitate to give in whatever area God is calling you.

Pamela