The Rev. Cynthia Brust, rector of Christ Church, Suntree-Viera, is helping highlight Episcopal church tradition with a study aimed at new and longtime church members. “A Taste of Anglicanism,” which has spread to additional churches, offers an overview of the church in a fresh, fun way.

“I think many people don’t fully appreciate the richness of our expression of faith,” Brust said. “It’s an overview of our heritage as Episcopalians, which by default makes us Anglicans. I like to describe it as a smorgasbord of the various components of our expression of faith.”

The study begins with an introduction and discussion of Anglican identity and goes on to cover the history, theology, spirituality and liturgy of The Episcopal Church. Although Brust says some people believe Anglican identity is difficult to pinpoint, she disagrees, reinforcing her position by explaining the unique nature of its structure, polity, theology and worship.

“It doesn’t cover every detail, but it serves as a brief introduction, a mini course, on the various threads and pieces of fabric that make this beautiful tapestry called Anglicanism,” she said. “And then I end with bringing it down to the local level, and that’s how it can be used as a new members’ piece.”

The study, which Brust first developed 15 years ago, was born out of a love for the church and to help those who are unfamiliar and may question why certain traditions exist. She became a church member at age 16 and was ordained as a priest 11 years ago.

“I developed such a love for every aspect of our heritage,” she said. “I want others to love and appreciate it as much as I do. We often hear comments such as, ‘I don’t like all that liturgical stuff’ or ‘Why do we say the same things?’ And I think this comes from not having a full understanding of who we are and what we do.”

Brust typically kicks off the study with a British Fare dinner featuring steak and Guinness pie, cottage pie, minty mushy peas and English trifle. She is running the series at her church on Wednesday nights leading into the Thanksgiving holiday.

In addition to her local congregation, Brust has presented the course in other churches, including St. David’s-by-the-Sea, Cocoa Beach, which used it in its Oct. 2 Newcomers class. She said that in addition to being a guest presenter, she has received encouragement to package the course for wider distribution for any interested churches. If needed, “I can make that happen,” she said.

“A Taste of Anglicanism was an instant success for our parish,” said The Rev. Porter Taylor, rector at St. David’s-by-the-Sea. “Mother Cynthia brings a vibrant energy and passionate knowledge to this important subject, and she made an immediate connection with her audience.

“One of the aspects I most appreciated about the course was the way she provided an oversight of the breadth of the Anglican Communion and our heritage as Episcopalians in one day,” he said. “Participants left with a deeper understanding of our local, national and international gospel partnerships, and for that I am deeply thankful.

“From church history to aspects of our Anglican identity, the development of the Book of Common Prayer and the role that parishioners play in the kingdom of God, this course covers all the bases and was a great stepping-stone into our upcoming spiritual gifts workshop,” Taylor said.

He added that not only does he intend to invite Brust to teach the class again, but he also highly recommends it for “anyone in our diocese.”