Anglican Church of the Incarnation - Richmond, Virginia

Why do Anglicans use real wine at Communion rather than grape juice? In this edition of Ask the Church, we trace the story from the temperance movement and the invention of pasteurization, to the historical reasons Port became common in Anglican churches. We also address the question of what to do if you struggle with alcohol or gluten, and discuss why, if receiving only bread or only wine, we still participate fully in Communion.

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 146; 1 Timothy 6:11-21; Luke 16:19-31

Do Anglicans believe in Purgatory? Article XXII of the Anglican Articles of Religion rejects the medieval doctrine as “repugnant to the Word of God.” But that doesn't end the conversation. In this edition of Ask the Church, we explore what Anglicans believe about Purgatory, why Christ's sacrifice on the cross is sufficient, and how God's sanctifying work continues in the lives of His people.

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 138; Amos 8:4-12; Luke 16:1-13

Do Anglicans believe in transubstantiation? This edition of Ask the Church explores why Article 28 of the Anglican Articles of Religion rejects the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, while still affirming that Christ truly offers His Body and Blood in the Eucharist. Drawing on the Anglican idea of “efficacious signs,” we see how the Sacrament both signifies and accomplishes what it promises (Christ's "Real Presence" in the Eucharist). Rather than speculating about how the mystery works, Anglicans emphasize the gift itself: Jesus offering Himself to us in the Eucharist.

This fall in Sunday School, we are taking a deep dive into some of the most frequently asked questions that have been sent in for Ask the Church. In this first session, we look at the biblical and historical roots of ordination—what it means to be a bishop, priest, deacon, or lay person—and why these roles matter. Far from being “super-Christians,” clergy exist to equip the whole body for ministry. Every believer is called, gifted, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve God, one another, and the world.⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:

Rev. Michael Davis // Exodus 32:1,7-14; Psalm 51:1-17; Luke 15:1-10

Is it normal for a Christian to lose interest in prayer or Scripture reading? This edition of Ask the Church explores the reality of spiritual dryness—seasons where our devotional life feels like “just going through the motions.” Far from being unusual, these times can actually become opportunities for God to deepen our trust and faith. Listen now for practical encouragement on walking with Christ through dry seasons.

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 1; Philemon; Luke 14:25-33⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:

Can Christians pray to saints who have died—or speak to loved ones who have gone before us? This edition of Ask the Church explores why the Anglican Articles of Religion reject the medieval doctrine of the Invocation of Saints and what Scripture teaches about prayer and intercession. It also addresses an important question many Christians wrestle with: can those who have died in Christ actually hear us now? Rooted in Scripture and tradition, we discuss how Anglicans honor the saints' example while keeping Christ as our only mediator.

Rev. Justin Hendrix, Psalm 112; Hebrews 13:1-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14

What is an Anglican Province, and why are some church leaders called Primates? If you've ever wondered how the Anglican Communion is structured around the world, this episode offers a clear and simple explanation. Learn what makes up a Province, what the role of a Primate is, and how these pieces fit together in the global Anglican family. Listen now to deepen your understanding of Anglican life and governance.

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 46; Hebrews 12:18-29; Luke 13:22-30⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:

What do Anglicans believe about Mary, the mother of Jesus? This edition of Ask the Church explores the Anglican view by asking three key questions: What must we believe? What may we believe? And what do we set aside as inconsistent with Scripture and tradition? From Mary's role as Theotokos (God-bearer) to questions about perpetual virginity, the Assumption, and the Immaculate Conception, this teaching shows how Anglicans honor Mary as the greatest of the saints while keeping Christ at the center. Listen now to gain clarity on this important aspect of Christian faith and tradition.

Very Rev. Charles Alex Riffee // Psalm 82; Hebrews 12:1-14; Luke 12:49-56

Why pray words that aren't your own? From the Psalms to the Lord's Prayer, the Bible is filled with examples of God's people using pre-written prayers in worship. Far from stifling authenticity, these prayers connect us to the wisdom, breadth, and unity of the Church through the ages—helping us pray in ways we might never think of on our own. In this edition of Ask the Church, we explore the biblical roots of pre-written prayers and how they can enrich both personal and corporate prayer today.

Guest Sermon // Psalm 33:10-21; Hebrews 11:1-16; Luke 12:32-40

Jesus said, “when you fast,” not “if.” From the Sermon on the Mount to Acts 13, Scripture describes fasting as a normal part of Christian life—joined always to prayer, directed always toward God. This episode unpacks the biblical foundations of fasting, its purpose in seeking God's presence and expressing repentance, and how to begin the practice faithfully and sustainably.

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 49; Colossians 3:1-17; Luke 12:13-21

Ever wondered why clergy wear that distinctive white “dog collar” or tab collar—and what all the shirt colors mean?In this episode of Ask the Church, we dive into: - How the 19th-century “dog collar” (clerical collar) was invented and why it stuck- What the tab collar mimics and why- The difference between clergy shirt colors in Anglican and Roman Catholic traditionsWhether you're curious about church history, clerical attire, or simply spotting clergy in the wild, this video offers a thoughtful, accessible take.

Rev. Justin Hendrix // Psalm 138; Colossians 2:1-15; Luke 11:1-13⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:

In this episode of Ask the Church, we unpack one of the most debated lines in the Nicene Creed: “who proceeds from the Father and the Son.” Why did the Western Church add “and the Son”? Why do Eastern Christians omit it? And what does it tell us about the dynamic life of the Trinity?In the next five minutes, we'll discuss: - The biblical basis for the Spirit's procession (John 15:26)- How the concepts of “eternal source,” “eternal begetting,” and “eternal procession” help us understand the three Persons of the Trinity- The history and impact of the Filioque controversy and the Great Schism- Anglican flexibility in confessing or omitting the “and the Son” (Filioque) clause

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 15; Colossians 1:15-29; Luke 10:38-42⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:

In this episode of Ask the Church, we explore the meaning, history, and practice of the sign of the cross. Is it biblical? Is it required? And why do so many Christians—especially Anglicans—use this gesture in worship?In under five minutes, you'll learn:- How the sign of the cross helps unite our heart, mind, and body in worship- When it's commonly used during worship- How it functions as a “physical prayer” rather than a rote ritual- Why it's not required—but can be spiritually enrichingWhether you're new to liturgical worship or just curious to learn more about Anglican practice, this video offers clarity and encouragement.

The Rev. Michael Davis // Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-15; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37⛪ Church of the Incarnation is an Anglican (ACNA) parish in western Henrico, Virginia, committed to:

What is the Apocrypha—and why should Christians read it? In this episode of Ask the Church, we explore the history, purpose, and spiritual value of this “second canon” of books written in the centuries before Christ. Often overlooked or misunderstood, the Apocrypha offer rich insight into Jewish heritage, wisdom literature, and the cultural backdrop of the New Testament.Whether you're curious about the Anglican view of the Apocrypha, Early Church history, or simply wondering where to begin, this 5-minute overview offers clarity, guidance, and encouragement to dig deeper.

In this episode of Ask the Church, we tackle a common but often confusing question: What should I call a member of the clergy? From "Father" to "Parson," "Pastor" and "Minister" to "The Reverend," we explore the historical, theological, and cultural reasons behind various titles—and why sometimes, just using a first name is perfectly fine.Whether you're new to church life or navigating Anglican tradition, this 5-minute video offers clarity, context, and a touch of humor.

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 66; Galatians 6:1-18; Luke 10:1-20

Guest Sermon // Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 63; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 9:18-26

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Isaiah 6:1-7; Psalm 29; Revelation 4; John 16:5-15

Very Rev. Charles Alex Riffee // Psalm 104:24-35; 1 Corinthians 12:4-13; John 14:8-17

The Rev. Michael Davis // 1 Samuel 12:19-24; Psalm 47; Revelation 22:10-21; John 17:20-26

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Joel 2:21-27; Psalm 67; Revelation 21:1-4, 22-27; 22:1-5; John 14:21-29

Rt. Rev. Dr. Steve Breedlove // Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18; Psalm 145; Revelation 19:1-9; John 13:31-35

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Acts 13:14b-16, 26-39; Psalm 100; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Acts 9:1-19a; Psalm 33:1-11; Revelation 5; John 21:1-14

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Isaiah 51:9-11; Psalm 118:14-17, 22-24; Colossians 3:1-4; Luke 24:1-12

Rev. Justin Hendrix // Job 42:1-6; Psalm 111; Revelation 1; John 20:19-31

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 78:15-26; I Corinthians 11:23-34; John 13:1-15

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Genesis 22:1-18; Psalm 69:1-22; John 18:1-19:37

Rev. Michael Davis // Luke 19:29-40; Psalm 22:1-11; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Luke 23:1-49

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 126; Isaiah 43:16-21; Luke 20:9-19

Very Rev. Charles Alex Riffee // Psalm 34; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Luke 15:11-32

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 103:1-22; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-17

The Rev. Justin Hendrix // Genesis 15:1-18; Psalm 27:7-14; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:22-35

The Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 91:9-16; Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Luke 4:1-13

The Rev. Michael Davis // Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 103:8-22; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21; Psalm 51

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13; Luke 9:28-36

Rt. Rev. Alan Hawkins // Genesis 45:3-11, 21-28; Psalm 37; 1 Corinthians 15:35-49; Luke 6:27-38

Rev. Steven Breedlove // Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:5-10; Luke 6:17-26