worshipping where there is no parish

Discussion in 'Personal Advice, Care & Prayers' started by james sandifer, Feb 15, 2015.

  1. james sandifer

    james sandifer New Member

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    Hello All,

    I and my wife are Anglicans who have lived as expats in places where there was no local Anglican parish and are considering returning overseas once more (China to be clear). I am fairly Anglo-Catholic in my theology, and I missed the sacraments dearly in my time overseas. I am curious if anyone has any advice for Anglicans who wish to worship without the presence of presbyters or communion rails?
     
    Anne likes this.
  2. Deacon Johnson

    Deacon Johnson New Member

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  3. highchurchman

    highchurchman Well-Known Member Anglican

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    Traditionally, in a time of trouble, or when it was impossible to obtain the services of a cleric, Anglicans read the Daily Offices. This was done when the Church in England was banned, or otherwise unobtainable! I'm talking about the struggle against Calvin ,1640/1660 and against Latitude in 1689/ 1805. Even when I sometimes attend a Church within the Fold,,( Orthodox or even Roman,) I never receive unless invited.In protestant churches just prayers.
    One can lose nothing, scripture shows that and two thousand years practice leans towards a strict Catholic understanding of the uniqueness of the sacraments. God Bless & Family in your travels and your new membership of the Anglican Forums.
     
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  4. james sandifer

    james sandifer New Member

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    Thank you both for your replies!

    First, thank you for the welcome. It's good to be known and to know my greater Anglican family.

    I have been reading the Daily Office for the past few months and have found it to be deeply enriching. I expect that to be all the more evident this next venture overseas as I continue in both the rhythm and the connectedness it offers us. I appreciate the advice of clinging to our Common Prayers for what may lack in terms of local church.

    Deacon Johnson, I value access to hymns and canticles spoken and sung, so if nothing else, the cradle of prayer will come to be an asset to my personal and familial worship.

    highchurchman, I hadn't pondered the effects of the struggles you mentioned on church life. More reading to add to the bookshelf, it seems! I would agree, too, that there is something unique to the sacraments that would be utterly lacking were I to lightly receive without consideration. Matters for prayer and conviction, all.

    Again, thank you both.