ABOUT US

Pic The Mission became a parish in 1931. The Parish House, now the Kent Room and Library, were added in 1936, and the Fellowship Hall, Sunday School rooms and kitchen were added in 1951. The Church nave was expanded in 1952. St. Paul’s became incorporated under state law in 1966. St. Paul’s started and financially supported St. Timothy’s Episcopal in Kingsport beginning in 1960. St. Paul’s current membership numbers about 600, with 20% of the total under 16 years of age.

What does "Episcopal" mean? The word Episcopal comes from a word meaning Bishop.

Is the Episcopal Church Protestant or Catholic? We are a Protestant Church that still worships using many of the rich traditions of our Catholic and Anglican heritage.

Who may receive communion (the bread and wine)? Any baptized Christian.

What is the proper way to take Holy Communion? The bread is customarily received in crossed and outstretched palms, the wine from a chalice. It is helpful if you help guide the chalice by holding its base. Children may receive Communion but are asked to attend Communion instruction at our Church or elsewhere with the consent of their parents. Contact the Church office for information. Another option for children is to receive the blessing instead of receiving Communion. Signal the server by crossing the arms across the chest.

What is the role of the prayer book in the Episcopal Church? The prayer book (We call it the Book of Common Prayer) is central to our Worship. The majority of the prayer book is itself formed by scripture. The Bible is central to our belief.

What is a rector? The rector is the priest in charge of a congregation.

Does the rector run the church? The rector works together with the vestry (governing board of lay people) to make decisions and set policy for the church.

Are all Episcopal Churches the same? No, there is great variety to be found within Episcopal churches. The architecture of the buildings varies widely. The services may range from traditional organ music to contemporary music with guitars. All Episcopal churches do share the Book of Common Prayer. No matter what Episcopal Church you enter the setting and music may be different but the service comes from the same prayer book.

Is there an Episcopal Pope? No, there is no one single person who exercises authority over the Episcopal Church the way the Pope does in the Catholic Church. We do have a Presiding Bishop who is the elected administrator of the National Church.

How do I become a member of St. Paul’s Church? If you are already an Episcopalian then you simply need to contact the church office and request a transfer from your previous church. If you are not an Episcopalian then you need to be confirmed. Confirmation is a reaffirmation of your baptismal vows. You do not need to be re-baptized because we consider the baptisms of all Christian churches to be valid.