Welcome to Sunday: An Introduction to Worship in the Episcopal Church Paperback – December 1, 2002

Christopher Webber writes in an easy, conversational style that makes this book an easy read. Even so, there is a lot of good information here. Several studies suggest that approximately 70% of Episcopalians came from another church, so there is a lot of room for people who have been to church, but not a church with the particular liturgical format of the Episcopal Church. Webber frequently reminds the reader that he is speaking in generalities, and that any given congregation may do things a bit differently from what he describes. That is a good reminder. There are a lot of "right" ways to do liturgical worship, and this book helps the new Episcopalian (or the person who may be interested in the Anglican tradition) to get oriented. It is not for theologians or deep thinkers. It is for those who wonder, "I wonder why they do that." Even long-time Episcopalians may find refreshing reminders here. All in all, this is a great read.

My wife and I are former Methodists who have attended an Episcopal church for the past 18 months. We are attracted by the Eucharistic service but don't wish to "check our brains at the door", as would be required by the Bishop of Rome. I bought this book because I wanted basic information on the background and meaning of the service we so recently found. The book didn't disappoint me. The author explains the traditional architectural styles and floor plans, the roles of the Ministry and the Laity, and the Christian year as it is observed in the Episcopal church. The author systematically works his way through a typical service, explaining in adequate depth for all but the budding theologian, the origins and meanings of each part. He also discusses trends within the church, for example, to include more elements of the Eastern Orthodox service. Each chapter ends with questions for thought and further discussion. This would make it a great book for an adolescent or adult discussion group. If you want a book to explain the Episcopal (Rites I and II) service in a methodical and easily understood fashion, this is a great start.

Great learning tool for a lay person. Information I didn’t know and how it is really put together and why.

I was looking for a different church experience than the Baptist tradition that I had been raised in so I decided to try an Episcopal Church. My first visit was fascinating to me and left me wanting more information so I bought this book. It explained the service in a way that was easy for me to understand. I appreciated the fact that each element of the worship experience was addressed in clear terms. I felt much better equpped to participate in worship the next time I visited rather than merely spectate, I would recommend this book to any newcomer interested in learning the basics of the Episcopal way to worship. Next read for me is Welcome to the Episcopal Church by the same author. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book and the Episcopal Church.

We have been members of the Episcopal Church for a year now, after being in another denomination all of our lives, and we have found this book very helpful in developing a better understanding re: what and why we do things the way we do as Episcopalians. It is written in a very readable manner and was a delight to read. I would highly recommend this book to Newbies - you will feel even more at home once you've read this book.

I like all of the books in the Welcome to the Episcopal Church series. They are clear, concise books that are perfect for helping people understand the Episcopal/Anglican tradition. I use them to help people who want to go a little deeper - these books allows them to go a little deeper. I recommend them to anyone who wants to know more about the Episcopal Church.

This book is so very good-- all the Welcome To books are excellent. This one causes one to actually feel they are in church on Sunday. It explains absolutely everything, and is never boring. I really loved it...and plan to re-read often. If a book is that good, one does tend to re-read it and find information that one missed the first reading. Very well worth the purchase.

By the time you finish this book, you will understand all elements of the service as well as the history. Well written.