Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can you tell me a little about Grace Anglican Church?
  2. What is the Anglican Church?
  3. What do you believe?
  4. What’s unique about Grace?
  5. How do you worship?
  6. Is everyone welcome to receive Communion?
  7. Are you Catholic or Protestant?
  8. Are you an independent or connected church?
  9. Is Grace a “safe” church?
  10. How can I find out more?

Can you tell me a little about Grace Anglican Church?

Though presently located in Carlsbad, Grace Anglican Church is one of Oceanside’s founding congregations, tracing its history to Grace Mission (Episcopal), founded in 1883 – the same year as Oceanside.

The congregation is deeply committed to, “Extending Christ’s grace to all, one person at a time,” and the historic Christian faith by making disciples of Jesus Christ that make disciples, training missional leaders who reach out to their communities and multiplying missional communities (congregations).

Originally located at Seagaze and Pacific Coast Highway South, Grace physically moved its historic building to the present site in 1947. To accommodate expanding community ministry, the congregation added to its buildings and property.

What is the Anglican Church?

The Anglican Church is the third-largest group of Christians in the world – following Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches – and is found in every nation on the globe.

It was founded in England during the English Reformation, and is one of Christianity’s most diverse racial, cultural and generational expressions.

What do you believe?

We believe as Christians have all throughout history. We believe God is One in unity yet three in Persons, the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We affirm that God took on humanity in the Person of Jesus Christ. We understand the Scriptures of the Jewish (Old) and Christian (New) Testaments to be the inspired Word of God, and we form our life and worship, using the Scriptures as our foundation. We believe therefore in the authority of the Word of God as it has been received generationally from the Apostles teachings and writings of the early centuries.

A summary of Anglican Church belief is found in the three, historic Creeds of the Church – the Apostle’s, Nicene and Athanasian Creeds. The 39 Articles of Religion, are another helpful guide to Anglican faith.

What’s unique about Grace?

We’re a great “church home” for anyone who wants to, “stay CURIOUS, THINK well and ADVANCE good!”

How do you worship?

Anglicans are a “contemporaneous” church at worship, always innovating by using the best of “ancient-modern” forms of worship.

The service is engaging and relies on everyone’s participation. On Sundays, we combine music, prayer, teaching and celebrating Communion. Communion is typically called “Eucharist,” a word Jesus used which means “thanksgiving.”

We also have Christian Education – meeting in large and small groups – for children and adults on Sunday and throughout the week.

Worship is also how we do life together in our community, living out our faith in innumerable practical ways.

Is everyone welcome to receive Communion

Yes. Grace’s Eucharist/Communion is open to all people who confess faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

We receive both bread – the sacrament of Christ’s Body, and wine – the sacrament of Christ’s blood, at Eucharist. Just place your hands out to receive the bread and either sip wine or dip your bread in the chalice. (You may also simply receive bread.) Receive with thanksgiving for the Lord and in reverence of Him.

Are you Catholic or Protestant?

Both. Anglicans are described as catholic and protestant.

We are catholic in the sense that we universally recognize all Christians as members of Christ’s church and we affirm all historic Christian truths.

We are protestant in our commitments to salvation by grace, justification by faith, Jesus Christ as our only mediator, Scripture as our authority for Christian life and practice, and giving glory to God in everything that we do.

Are you an independent or connected church?

Both. Grace Anglican Church is an autonomous congregation, and we are also a member of the Diocese of Western Anglicans, a regional expression of the Anglican Church in North America, in fellowship with the global Anglican Church.

Is Grace a “safe” church?

Absolutely! Everyone working with children and adults are required to have an annual background check and onsite policies are in place to keep everyone safe.

How can I find out more?

If you would like to know more, please: give us a call at 760.730.9900 during business hours; connect via email at office@graceanglicanchurch.com; continue scrolling through this website; or visit us on FaceBook.