Becoming a member of St. Stephen’s can happen in several ways, depending on your experience with either other Episcopal congregations or other denominations. However, you need not have ever been a church-goer before to become a member of our church. Here are the categories of membership we recognize at St. Stephen’s:
Confirmed Communicants: These are adults (persons over 16 years of age) who have been baptized and confirmed in, or received into, the Episcopal Church either by confirmation, reception, or letter of transfer from another Episcopal Church. If you are coming from another Episcopal Church, simply request that Fr. Jamie send a request for a letter of transfer to your last parish and you can be enrolled as a member when that letter is received.
Baptized Members: These include baptized persons, of any age (including children), whose names are enrolled either by baptism, letter of transfer, or personal request. Adults can have their names enrolled as Baptized Members, but still not be Confirmed Communicants. If you are an adult and have been baptized in and Episcopal or other Christian denomination, again, simply ask Fr. Jamie to request a letter of transfer from your last parish and you can be enrolled as a member.
Associate members: These are persons who are active in the life of this congregation (through worship, giving or program participation), but their official membership remains elsewhere.
Prospective members: These are persons who are visiting our church and are deciding whether to become a Confirmed or Baptized member.
Why become a member?
While everyone is welcome at St. Stephen’s and invited to participate in the life of our community, becoming a member is an outward sign of commitment that formally joins you and your family with us in this congregation. Membership does bring some additional benefits, but more importantly is a statement that you intend to become part of the congregation in a deeper and more meaningful way. Only active members in good standing can vote in the annual meeting and be elected to the Vestry.
What if I have never been baptized?
Adults and their children may join St. Stephen’s by being baptized at any t ime. You can find out more about baptism by talking with Fr. Jamie.
Do I need to be confirmed to be a member?
Not necessarily. To be a member in good standing in an Episcopal Church, you must be confirmed, attend and give regularly, and actively join in the life of the church. But anyone can attend services, receive communion and participate in programs and classes without being confirmed.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is a sacramental rite that enables adults and young adults, to make their own profession of faith and be formally received into the Episcopal Church. An Inquirer’s Class is essential as preparation for this step. Confirmation is held when the Bishop visits our parish, usually once a year.
What if I have been confirmed in another denomination?
If you have made an adult profession of faith in another Christian denomination, you may be received into the Episcopal Church. This is also done when the Bishop visits each year. Need more information? Contact Fr. Jamie for details.
Joining St. Stephen’s.
If you are interested in becoming a member of St. Stephen’s please contact Fr. Jamie to receive a membership form. After we receive your completed form, we will contact you to discuss your options for membership and make a plan together that meets your interests and needs.
Please contact Fr. Jamie Parsley for more information.
