Please call 408-564-2435 for more information. "The first message of all our helpers is to the Lost Sheep of the Church of England".
Greetings:
We warmly invite all conditions of men to worship with us, offering these our imperfect prayers to Gracious Father. Whether an Episcopalian or friendly hearer, please call or visit our family--"For every home is a little parish", the Rev. G. Whitefield.
South Bay (Fremont & north San Jose) UECNA:
William E. Littlewood Memorial Chapel is a lay-led Anglican community in Fremont with overlap in northern San Jose CA, since 2014 providing the United Episcopal Church (UECNA) a physical presence, and meeting point, in the lower Bay Area. We serve under our Missionary Bishop, the Most Reverend Peter Robinson (his biography), and as an official UE congregation we have a single vote at District and National Conventions.
For worship we use the standard 1928 Book of Common Prayer (BCP), the King James Bible (& 1901 Revised Translation), and the 1804 hymn book (includes New Version Psalms). We are one of the few Christian congregations on the Pacific Coast to have regular class meetings (see definition below). Together, with our Episcopal leadership, the liturgy of common prayer, & metered psalms, we're made a truly Apostolic people.
For worship we use the standard 1928 Book of Common Prayer (BCP), the King James Bible (& 1901 Revised Translation), and the 1804 hymn book (includes New Version Psalms). We are one of the few Christian congregations on the Pacific Coast to have regular class meetings (see definition below). Together, with our Episcopal leadership, the liturgy of common prayer, & metered psalms, we're made a truly Apostolic people.
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matt. 18:20
Our Ethos:
Since we are lay-led, it's no surprise our ceremony is relatively low-- having neither crosses nor candles. This is partly due to the solitary, or destitute, condition of our small company or 'extended family circle'. But "low" also indicates a willingness to keep "the unity of Spirit and bond of peace" with all Christians-- a principle important for early Episcopalians.
Bishop Robinson described the making of the Prayer Book from the Episcopalian conventions of 1785/89, "What resulted was an abbreviated and slightly more Protestant version of the 1662 that left out many of the customs that had offended moderate Puritans" (Glad Tidings 8/2019, p. 10). Keeping this purpose in mind, we use our BCP in a plain and universal manner as possible, connecting all sorts & conditions of men to the American Book.
Bishop Robinson described the making of the Prayer Book from the Episcopalian conventions of 1785/89, "What resulted was an abbreviated and slightly more Protestant version of the 1662 that left out many of the customs that had offended moderate Puritans" (Glad Tidings 8/2019, p. 10). Keeping this purpose in mind, we use our BCP in a plain and universal manner as possible, connecting all sorts & conditions of men to the American Book.
"Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord" p. 37, BCP
Episcopalian Services:
Judy-Faye's Home Baptism, 3/30/19
Our little company convenes in a public way about twice a year, either enjoying Holy Communion or the Daily Office in San Jose CA (at the Quaker Meeting House). The remainder of time is given to class meetings (see below) and family prayer at nearby homes, usually the Bartlett's residence in Fremont. Evening Prayer tends to be our usual service, and we typically conclude this office with the church catechism. Holy Communion (and Baptism if desired) occur upon UE clergy availability.
When doing Public Worship, we observe Days and rites often missed, especially Patriotic or National Occasions. Our meetings are generally in the afternoon, reserving Sunday morning for friends belonging to other denominations within the Church of God. More can be read about our chapel-in-formation here, and we'd love you to visit the residue of our holy Church (p. 281, BCP).
When doing Public Worship, we observe Days and rites often missed, especially Patriotic or National Occasions. Our meetings are generally in the afternoon, reserving Sunday morning for friends belonging to other denominations within the Church of God. More can be read about our chapel-in-formation here, and we'd love you to visit the residue of our holy Church (p. 281, BCP).
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart," Acts 2:46
Class Meetings:
Today, class meetings are nigh extinct among Anglicans. However, although only a private service, during the 18th-century such meetings were fairly common among pious Churchmen. In order to make "our calling and election sure", we follow the plan of societal gatherings known by evangelical Anglican clergy like the Revs. Vincent Perronet, John Fletcher, William Grimshaw, Thomas Charles, and (on our side of the 'water') Laurence Coughlan & Thomas Vasey. Class meetings are a category of private worship, so they are held between Public Services.
Our class members follow a General Rule (or Rule of Life) pledging three parts. First, to avoid evil of every kind; second, doing good of every possible sort to all men; and, third, attending upon all the Ordinances of God. The general rule is a convenient way of monitoring our improvement in the Christian walk. The class meetings are inter-denominational in character, only asking attendees “to flee the coming wrath, and be saved from their sin". Given right opportunity & season, we gently encourage hearers at our Public Worship, and other events, to consider Class Meetings.
Our class members follow a General Rule (or Rule of Life) pledging three parts. First, to avoid evil of every kind; second, doing good of every possible sort to all men; and, third, attending upon all the Ordinances of God. The general rule is a convenient way of monitoring our improvement in the Christian walk. The class meetings are inter-denominational in character, only asking attendees “to flee the coming wrath, and be saved from their sin". Given right opportunity & season, we gently encourage hearers at our Public Worship, and other events, to consider Class Meetings.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord”. Heb. 12:14