Episcopalian

You're Episcopal and Presbyterian? How does that work?

Ask again in a couple of years! This work of “Nesting” a Presbyterian church alongside an Episcopal one is a unique undertaking, as the governing polities of our denominations are very different. The current ecumenical agreement between TEC and PCUSA (2008) states in part:

We acknowledge one another’s churches as churches belonging to the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church;
We acknowledge that in our churches the Word of God is authentically preached and the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist are duly administered;
We acknowledge one another’s ordained ministries as given by God and instruments of grace, and look forward to the time when the reconciliation of our churches makes possible the full interchangeability of ministers;
We acknowledge that personal and collegial oversight (episcope) is embodied and exercised in our churches in a variety of forms, episcopal and non-episcopal, as a visible sign of the Church’s unity and continuity in apostolic life, mission and ministry.
We agree that authorized ministers of our churches may, subject to the regulations of the churches and within the limits of their competence, carry out the tasks of their own office in congregations of the other churches when requested and approved by the diocesan bishop and local presbytery;

Using these as starting points, and with the agreement of the Bishop of Milwaukee and the Presbytery of Milwaukee, we have entered into a relationship in which we share in common worship, Christian Education, and mission, while maintaining separate governance bodies (Vestry and Session) that relate to our respective denominations. The Vestry of St Matthias Episcopal and Session of First Presbyterian coordinate in decision-making. The Rector of St. Matthias Episcopal serves as the Pastor of First Presbyterian and is a member of both the Episcopal Diocese and Presbytery. New members may join either congregation.

While our 5pm Saturday and 8am Sunday services are Episcopal services following the Book of Common Prayer, our 10am Sunday service is a combined service which uses elements from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship. We use hymns from Glory to God (PCUSA), the Hymnal 1982 (TEC) and all the Episcopal supplements, as well as other sources.
Our relationship is very much a work in progress that supposes a closer relationship growing over the years.

For more information, click here for our page at PCSUA-TEC.org