Membership
Welcome
We welcome visitors to our church and hope that you will find us to be a vibrant and hospitable faith community. If you have been attending services at St. James’ and have decided that you want to become a member, please complete the online application form below or go to Member Services. You may also pick up a membership form from the table in the Narthex (lobby) of the church or from the church office. As a member, you will commit to attending worship services regularly and to supporting the work of the church with your time, talent, and treasure. The Episcopal Church welcomes people from all faith backgrounds. Today it is estimated that nearly 80% of Episcopalians enter the church from other denominations, meaning that only 20% of us are so-called “cradle Episcopalians.” If you have not been baptized, we will arrange for you to receive the appropriate instruction so that you can take this important step of full initiation into the Church.
Transfer of Membership
If you were confirmed in the Episcopal Church, or have been a member of another Episcopal Church, please contact the office of that congregation to request that your Letter of Membership be transferred to St. James’. You will need to provide the approximate date of your confirmation.
Baptism
Since baptism connects a person to God in a covenant relationship; it belongs in public worship rather than private ceremony. The dates in the church calendar on which baptisms are scheduled are published in the church bulletin, known at “The Call.” The sacrament of baptism establishes an ongoing relationship of full participation in the sacramental life of the Church. People of any age may be baptized. Baptism preparation and instruction is required for adults and families of infants.
Confirmation, Reception, & Reaffirmation
Members of the church who were baptized as infants may choose to affirm their faith as adults through the rite of confirmation by the Bishop. In addition, the Bishop may receive those who have been confirmed in other denominations into the Episcopal Church. Those who have been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church and wish to recommit themselves to the life of faith may choose to reaffirm their baptismal covenant with the Bishop.