F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Do I have to be Episcopalian to attend your church or receive communion?
Every one is encouraged to participate in the life of our congregation and in the communion. There are no restrictions of any kind for receiving communion. What we do ask is that you are seeking Jesus Christ, because you will find him here!
2. How do you feel about gays or lesbians coming to your church?
The Episcopal church welcomes everyone equally, without distinction to race, sexual orientation, gender, age, marriage status, politics, or ethnicity. We are “a house of prayer for all people.”
3. If I am not a member of your church, will you baptize my baby?
Yes. While the Episcopal Church encourages adult baptism, many people still want to have their babies baptized into the Christian church, and we rejoice at each baptism. We do however, take the Baptismal vow very seriously and would expect that you would begin to worship with us and to raise your child as a Christian.
4. If I am not a member of your church, will you do a funeral service or wedding service for a member of my family?
Membership in Church of the Ascension is not a requirement for burial from the Church. We view marriage as a sacramental union of two people in community. So we ask that at least one of the couple be an active member of this congregation for at least six months prior to the wedding. Exceptions may be made for couples who are active members of other Episcopal congregations or for pastoral reasons.
5. If I get married at the Ascension, may a member of my fiancé’s clergy join in the wedding service?
Yes, arrangements can be made for both clergy to participate.
6. What if I were divorced, would you marry my fiance and myself?
Many divorced people have been married in the Episcopal church. Rules concerning this practice vary from place to place and church to church. In the diocese of Delaware each case, where one or both of the marrying couple are divorced, is reviewed and a determination made as to whether or not the priest and bishop feels they may marry the couple.
7. Do I have to contribute a certain dollar amount each year to be a member of your church?
There is no set amount. We understand financial support to be part of our commitment to follow Christ in community. In addition we encourage, and support, our members as they minister with-in the congregation and to our communities.
8. Where do the deceased from your church get buried? Is there an Episcopal cemetery?
There are Episcopal cemeteries, usually surrounding some of the older Episcopal churches. However, a Christian can be buried in any cemetery. Those who are cremated can either be placed in a columbarium (special boxes, usually in a wall) or in an ash or memorial garden. Some prefer to scatter ashes in special places such as a meadow or at sea.
The Episcopal belief is that our body is a mere “tent” waiting to cross over into eternity and into a “mansion with many rooms.” Therefore, we commit the body to the ground, and commend the spirit (that is the person) into God’s care.