Our Christian Heritage

Ancient and Future: An Interesting Tension

The Rev. Dr. John Richardson wrote, “The adjectives “ancient” and “future” seem to be an elusive description for something as well known as the church. But the church we see today is a far cry from what Jesus started. An ancient church without future elements is mired in traditionalism and will fossilize and die like the languages of antiquity. Likewise, a contemporary church that is too closely tied to the culture around it will also pass into oblivion.” 

 I think that adequately explains the tension we experience in the liturgical church. At issue is relevance. What is relevant? What is right, biblical worship and what is otherwise extraneous and can get in the way? A simple answer is that the Gospel is relevant, and will always be relevant. God's self revelation stands the test of time:

Your Word, O Lord, is eternal;
   it stands firm in the heavens.
Your faithfulness continues through all generations;    
   you established the earth, and it endures.
Your laws endure to this day,    
     for all things serve you. 

(Psalm 119:89-91)

At the same time we desire to worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth, and we bring to our worship elements that have endured for centuries in the Christian church. So, how do we do that?

An Ancient-Future Faith

Anglican Christianity is rooted in the ancient faith and practice of the first century church, tracing its history through missionaries to the British Isles and the development of Celtic christianity early in the first millenium A.D. Anglicanism, and St. Patrick's, upholds the authority of Scripture, is guided by Apostolic Tradition and is instructed by the English Reformation. Its essential statement of faith is expressed in both the Nicene and Apostles Creeds. It has received the English Book of Common Prayer, originally published in 1549, as its beautiful liturgical worship resource. We, at St. Patrick's use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, a distinctly American version of that 1549 prayer book.

Today

At St. Patrick’s we blend the ancient form of the church with the eternal truth of the Gospel to engage the modern person. We have a rich, authentic worship experience and a thoughtful liturgy. This liturgy provides a connection to our ancient roots.