The Episcopal Church is the American branch of the Anglican communion. We trace our heritage back through all the 16 or more centuries of Christianity in England.
We understand ourselves to be catholic - along with Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Churches and a number of other smaller bodies. This means that we hold to the essentials of Catholic and Apostolic Faith and Order, the Creeds, the Sacraments, Holy Scripture and the ordained ministry of bishops, priests and deacons.
In a certain sense, we are also Reformed. We accepted some of the important reforms of the Reformation that occurred in the 16th century; worship in the language of the people, a renewed emphasis on Holy Scripture, a concern for personal commitment to Jesus Christ, a mode of Church governance which includes lay persons, etc. These reforms were possible after the Church of England declared itself to be a self-governing body within the Holy Catholic Church, and not under the direct control of the Pope.
St. Nathaniel's first service was held in the Community Center Building on January 6, 1963. Three acres of land was purchased on Biscayne Drive on September, 1965 and ground was broken for an all-purpose building on November 17, 1968. The first service in the new building was held on June 8, 1969 and the parish house in 1983. St. Nathaniel's achieved Parish status in 1984. We are now in the final process of a building update and expansion.
St. Nathaniel's is a family oriented church on the move, growing along with North Port, with varied opportunities to express your faith. Organizations include Episcopal Church Women, Daughters of the King, Men's Action Group and Youth Ministries.
We are an active church family, reaching out not only to our members but to the community through ministries such as Helping Hands, Parish Nurse, Thrift Shop, Food Bank, USDA distribution, self-help groups and a small scholarship to youth members entering college.
