Reverence
Community
Compassion
Commitment
Reconciliation
Our Three Values
A MEDITATION ON FAITH, FELLOWSHIP, AND RECONCILIATION
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In Genesis 32:28 Jacob is blessed and allowed to continue on the way back home only after he has wrestled with God. Faith is not unquestioning, rather it arises out of questioning, and for every individual the faith thus found is a uniquely experienced incomplete understanding of the ultimate reality of being. To understand that the ultimate reality is under no obligation to conform to our limited understanding is the wisdom of faith that is equally true for the humble worshiper and the celebrated scientist.
Science and religion are not at odds, rather the deeper one looks into either the more acutely aware we become of how much more there is to learn.
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We follow Jesus‘ example of radical relationship to others. He modeled radically equal treatment of persons rich and poor, open to culture bursting acceptance of all tribes and nations regardless of observed status or gender. Jesus modeled an ability to grow and change through relationships with those different from himself.
In the book of Matthew Jesus first refuses a gentile woman who asks him to heal her daughter because, understands his purpose was exclusively to lost sheep of the house of Israel,
Matthew 15:25-28 NKJV
Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
So as we follow Jesus into a radical relationship with one other we, too will experience our mission and purpose expand.
The very last time Jesus shared food and wine with the disciples he declared:
“I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” - John 15:15
Every Sunday we celebrate this world and life changing moment with thanksgiving in the sacrament of holy communion.
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We live in a world where broken people need reconciling inside themselves, with family members, with neighbors inside and outside communities. Can opposing parties reconcile for the good of the nation, can nations reconcile with one another and with nature for the good of life on this planet?
Reconciliation IS the work of the church through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Everyone is Welcome
We are an inclusive, reconciling and greening congregation serving Whidbey Island, a 52-mile-long island in Puget Sound, 25 miles north of Seattle. We are part of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, which encompasses all of Western Washington, from the Cascades to the Pacific Ocean.
Our Episcopal Church follows in the way of Jesus, under the direction of Bishop Melissa Skelton of the Diocese of Olympia. The cross of Jesus and the shepherd’s crook of the Bishop are the symbols of our faith.
We believe God suffered the pain of Death on the cross to be reconciled with us in perfect love. Our bishop wields a shepherd’s crook, a tool designed to lead without harming any members of the flock under her care.
If you seek a Church fellowship, where you can be yourself, come worship with us at St. Augustine’s in the woods.
People of the Rain and the Promise of the Rainbow
God said, ‘My bow I set in the cloud, sign of the covenant between myself and earth. When I cloud the sky over the earth the bow shall be seen in the cloud.
Then will I remember the covenant which I have made between myself and you and living things of every kind.’ – Genesis 9:8
Our Episcopal Church follows in the way of Jesus, under the direction of Bishop Provisional Melissa Skelton of the Diocese of Olympia. The cross of Jesus and the shepherd’s crook of the Bishop are the symbols of our faith.
We believe God suffered the pain of Death on the cross to be reconciled with us in perfect love. Our bishop wields a shepherd’s crook, a tool designed to lead without harming any members of the flock under her care.
If you seek a Church fellowship, where you can be yourself, come worship with us at St. Augustine’s in the woods.
How We Worship
At St. Augustine’s, our shared worship is at the center of our community life. Our services follow many of the worship traditions and seasons of the liturgical year. For newcomers, some elements of a service might seem confusing. The most important thing to remember is that ALL are welcome here and you can’t do anything wrong! We are just happy you are here!
What We Believe
The Episcopal Church is rich in history and tradition. However, the center of our faith is belief in a risen Jesus Christ whose teachings and life bring wholeness, hope, and love to us as individuals and to the world. As Episcopalians, we believe that God loves you – No exceptions! As Episcopalians, we are part of the worldwide Anglican Communion and share a common following of the Holy Scriptures and seek to live our lives in the faith and practice of bringing God’s love to each other and our world. Our active faith is grounded on tradition, scripture, and reason.
Episcopal Church on Whidbey Island
The communities of Whidbey Island are served by two Episcopal churches: St. Stephen’s (Oak Harbor) and St. Augustine’s In-the-Woods (Freeland). While located respectively on the North and South ends of the island, our members come from across the island. The two congregations work hand-in-hand and share a common commitment to serving our Whidbey Island community and our amazing natural resources.
To see the locations of all the Episcopal Churches in the Diocese of Olympia (Western Washington), click below
During the pandemic, St. Augustine’s pivoted to ensuring our community remained connected and supported. Our worship services on Sunday, Monday Evensong, and Wednesday morning Healing Service are both in-person and live-streamed. We continue to explore and develop ways we can use technology and social media to keep us connected.
In-person and Virtual at St. Augustine’s
A Prayer for Our Parish
Based on the words of Saint Augustine of Canterbury
Good and Gracious God, we know that you desire to bestow your grace upon us. You are our portion and our joy, and you offer us the inheritance of your love and peace. We pray, in this spirit and sentiment of love, that we may do your will, and bide your time, and see your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
