Faith Episcopal Church

If you are looking for a small, welcoming, loving church, I would advise you to visit Faith Episcopal Church. What started as a congregation of few has blossomed into a full-blown community. Led by the vicar, Reverend Sharon Gracen, Faith will only continue to grow in size, in spirituality, and in outreach. On the outside, Faith doesn't look like much, as it is located in a business park in Laguna Niguel, CA. However, what makes this church so special is the warmth one feels upon entering the doors. The smiling faces and the members who are so eager to get to know each newcomer are what inspires a feeling of belonging in everyone.

Faith Episcopal has several programs dedicated to education, including Bible studies, "Episcopal 101," a thriving section about Catholicism called Rome to Canterbury, Newcomer and Inquirer's classes for those who want to know more about the Episcopal tradition, Thursday Night Theology Cafe for discussions about anything and everything, and even its own book club known as Books and BBQ.

Faith is an active part of Habitat for Humanity and supports this organization in many ways. By passing around the helmet worn in Vietnam by an actual member of the congregation, members are encouraged to put in one dollar to raise money to build houses for veterans. Building days are also organized, which give people a chance to lend a hand in the building of the houses. South County Outreach is another organization that the congregation supports. Weekly food donations are made to SCO to prevent hunger, aid in alleviating homelessness, and assist families in need.

Kids are a major part of the church, as they are the future of the congregation. Nursery, Sunday School, and other youth programs are designed to enhance the feeling of belonging. Journey to Adulthood is a program of spiritual journey for the older ones and is comprised of two youth groups: one for middle schoolers and one for high schoolers.

The members of Faith also know how to have fun. Through several fellowship opportunities, the congregation has fostered a close-knit community environment. Faith Game Nights are on the last Friday of the month, where games for all ages are played during a good old fashioned pizza party. An annual women's Christmas brunch, a fantastic Mardi Gras celebration, and Bingo nights throughout the year are a chance to come experience the lively atmosphere created by a wonderful church.

If you are looking to get involved, there is a place for each and every person. The altar guild welcomes new members, as does the fellowship team, the education team, the outreach committee, and the Bishop's Committee.

I encourage you to visit the Faith Episcopal Church website to learn more, at www.faithepiscopal.org