St. Cornelius Episcopal Church is a welcoming, Spirit-led community in Belton, TX where all are invited to experience the love of God in a deeply authentic way. We are a young and growing community, founded in the fall of 2021. We are rooted in the Episcopal tradition, shaped by contemplative worship, and committed to healing, justice, and transformation. As a women-led, LGBTQ+ affirming parish, we strive to be a haven for all—a place where every story matters, every question is honored, and every person belongs. Our worship is grounded in sacred rhythms, our community is built on real relationships, and our mission is to walk together in the way of Jesus with humility, hope, and joy.
Join us in a welcoming, Spirit-led space where all are invited to encounter God’s love, grow in faith, and belong. Whether you’re new to church or returning with questions, there’s a place for you here.
Our worship is anchored in the beauty of Episcopal liturgy, with candles, Eucharist, and sacred rhythms that draw us closer to the divine.
We joyfully affirm LGBTQ+ individuals and are proudly led by women. At St. Cornelius, every story is honored and every person is embraced.
We believe church is more than a service—it’s a shared life. From small groups to shared meals, we walk the journey of faith together.
In these short video, St. Cornelius community members share their stories of belonging and what the church means to them.
As a women-led, LGBTQ+ affirming parish, we strive to be a haven for all.
Alyssa supports the daily life of St. Cornelius by coordinating communications, organizing events, and helping keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and plans to earn her master’s in social work to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), with a special passion for serving marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. Outside of her work and studies, Alyssa enjoys exercising, relaxing with her wife and their two dogs, and spending quality time together cooking, baking, and watching favorite TV shows and movies.
In addition to our Vicar and Administrative Assistant, St. Cornelius is guided and supported by an Executive Board, appointed by the Vicar to serve one-year terms. This team meets monthly to help shape the vision of our church, steward our resources, and ensure our ministries stay aligned with our mission. In addition, each Sunday one board member serves in a hands-on role, offering oversight, helping to fill in any needed gaps, and making intentional connections with visitors and ministry leaders.
On Sunday mornings, you’ll also find our Sunday Shepherds: warm, approachable leaders who know the facets of our community life and help others connect to the rhythm of our shared life together. They are familiar with the ins and outs of how we create space in our haven for the Spirit to connect us to one another and to God. Shepherds are present to help you discover where your story and gifts meet a facet of our life together, and they work to nurture and support relationships so that no one journeys alone.
St. Cornelius Episcopal Church seeks to be a haven for all: a Spirit-led community of healing, love, and transformation shaped by the way of Jesus. Through discipleship, we welcome, listen, and learn together, deepening our understanding of ‘all’ and living in accountability to God’s boundless grace.
Yes and no. Our worship follows the ancient rhythms of the Book of Common Prayer, but we are not formal or performative. Our liturgy is sacred and rooted, yet Spirit-led and down-to-earth. It’s a space of holy encounter, real connection, and full participation
Our music is a blend of contemporary worship songs, classic hymns, and Taizé chants—creating a prayerful and grounded atmosphere that welcomes different voices and generations.
Yes! We live stream our Sunday worship each week so that those near and far can join us in spirit and prayer.
👉 Watch live here
Yes! Children are always welcome in the worship space. We offer activity bags with learning pages and tactile engagement. Kids 5 and up are invited to carry the cross, ring the bells, and help at the altar. We believe their presence and participation enrich the life of the church.
Whatever helps you feel most at ease. Our vicar often leads barefoot. Some come in Sunday best, others in jeans or sweats. You’ll be welcomed exactly as you are.
Yes—well-behaved four-legged friends are welcome in our worship space and community life.
We have a small parking lot. Just squeeze in wherever you find space—or pull onto the grass. It’s all part of the laid-back rhythm here.
There are many ways to connect and offer your gifts. Come early (at 9:15 a.m.) to help us set the tone of worship—lighting candles, making coffee, tending to beauty. Or speak with one of our Shepherds to explore how your story might intersect with the life of our community.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to belong. We’re a community of seekers and question-askers, walking together with honesty, curiosity, and grace. You are welcome here.
We offer a Foundations Class once a quarter—a welcoming space to explore who we are, what we believe, and how your story might find a home here.
Our next class begins in October. 👉 Sign up here
You don’t need to jump through hoops to belong. In the Episcopal Church, baptism and active engagement in worship, stewardship, formation, and fellowship are the marks of membership. If you’d like to explore confirmation, reception, or renewal of baptismal vows, we’d love to walk that journey with you.
Come as you are, and let’s grow together.
Yes. Fully and joyfully.
We are an affirming church—blessing same-sex marriages, welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals into all roles of leadership, and honoring every person as made in the image of God. This isn’t an add-on; it’s part of our deep Anglican/Episcopal discernment and theological tradition.
We see throughout Scripture the ever-widening circle of God’s embrace—from the prophets, to the radically inclusive life and ministry of Jesus, to the surprising outpouring of the Spirit in the early church. The story of God is always expanding, and we are called to follow that holy pattern of inclusion.
It is! Our vicar is a woman, and we affirm the call of all people—regardless of gender, background, or identity—to lead and serve in the body of Christ.
We take seriously the words of Scripture:
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
We also claim the vision from Acts:
“Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy… even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit.” (Acts 2:17-18)
All voices are welcome here to follow the wild and liberating call of the Holy Spirit.
We use real wine and homemade gluten-free bread, crafted with care and intention.
All, are welcome to receive communion. You don’t need to be Episcopal to come to the table.
If you’re not baptized or aren’t sure where you stand with faith, you’re still invited to come forward for a blessing—we honor wherever you are on your journey.
