About Epworth
Wesleyan-Anglican Conference
On October 23-26, 2003, Epworth Chapel on the Green hosted "Creating a Future Together," A Wesleyan and Anglican Weekend
The Rev. Dr. William M. Greathouse
Wesleyan theologian and author
Archbishop Larry L. Shaver
The Anglican Rite Diocese
of St. Augustine
This conference was the first instance in America for a local congregation to experience simultaneous oversight from both the Wesleyan and Anglican traditions.
A History of Separation
This conference will be a first, tentative step in America toward the eventual goal of removing the divide between Anglican and Wesleyan churches. John Wesley, an 18th-century Anglican priest, formed "Methodist" societies to encourage holy living and faithfulness to God among the Anglicans of his day. He did not want the societies to become separate churches, but after his death that is what happened in 1795.
The two traditions have been separate ever since.
Envisioning a Different Future
Epworth Chapel on the Green envisions a day when, by an act of God's grace, the rift of more than 200 years will be healed. The pathway toward that healing may be through local ecumenism, from the bottom up, rather than from the top down.
Beginning with Spiritual Direction
The oversight sessions during this conference will be in the nature of joint Wesleyan-Anglican spiritual direction, guidance and dialogue for Epworth's pastoral and lay leadership and for the entire congregation, to help us to begin to learn to worship and serve together as both Wesleyans and Anglicans.
Continuing with On-going Joint Oversight
These sessions will not soon result in a legal inter-denominational connection or merger between Wesleyans and Anglicans, but it's clear that one result of this conference will be that this particular congregation will both feel and be responsible to on-going oversight from both sides of the historic divide between Wesleyans and Anglicans.
Reasons to Attend
- Learn about the differences, similarities and emphases of the Wesleyan and Anglican traditions.
- Learn what the the Wesleyan and Anglican traditions have to offer.
- Learn how each tradition can be understood and appreciated by the other.
- Learn what the possibilities and problems are, in the path toward reconciliation,including the matters of ordination and confirmation.
- Experience worship that is both Wesleyan and Anglican, and enriched by being both.
- Learn what the future is likely to hold for the Anglican Communion.
Conference Schedule
Thursday, October 23, 2003
7:00 p.m.: Vespers prayers service
7:30 p.m.: Hymn study and singing
8:30 p.m.: Informal reception, tea & cookies
Friday, October 24, 2003
9:30 a.m.: Morning Prayers
10:00 a.m.: A Conversation Overheard: Dr. William M. Greathouse, Archbishop Larry L. Shaver
10:45 a.m.: Questions and Answers
11:30 a.m.: Luncheon Break
1:30 p.m.: On Being Anglican: Archbishop Larry L. Shaver
2:00 p.m.: On Being Wesleyan: Dr. William M. Greathouse
2:30 p.m.: Replies, Questions and Answers
3:30 p.m.: Free Time
7:00 p.m.: Evening Prayers
7:30 p.m.: The Future of the Anglican Communion: Archbishop Larry L. Shaver
8:00 p.m.: Informal reception, tea & cookies
Saturday, October 25, 2003
9:30 a.m.: Morning Prayers
10:00 a.m.: The Spiritual Role of Confirmation: Archbishop Larry L. Shaver
10:45 a.m.: Future Possibilities for Mutually Recognized Ordination: Dr. William M. Greathouse; Archbishop Larry L. Shaver; the Rev. Dr. Ralph Neil, dean, Northwest Nazarene University's School of Theology and Christian Ministries
11:30 a.m.: Luncheon Break
1:30 p.m.: Oversight Session (private)
2:15 p.m.: Oversight Session (private)
3:00 p.m.: Special Board Meeting (private)
7:00 p.m.: Word & Table Service: Archbishop Larry L. Shaver, celebrant
8:00 p.m.: Informal reception, tea & cookies
Sunday, October 26, 2003
9:00 a.m.: Study, Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail, led by the Rev. Dr. Brook Thelander, rector and pastor, Epworth Chapel on the Green
10:00 a.m.: Word & Table Service: Archbishop Larry L. Shaver, celebrant
11:30 a.m.: Dedication of Chancel Window to Dr. William M. Greathouse and Ruth Nesbitt Greathouse
11:45 a.m.: Refreshments and Post-service Discussion
1:00 p.m.: Catered Dinner with Program (advance reservation and payment only)
3:00 p.m.: Evening Prayers (off-site, following dinner and program)
Photos courtesy of David and Carollen Ryan
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