Becoming A Member of St. Paul's
We are frequently asked how to become a member of St. Paul's. The answer to that depends on where you started. In general, membership in the church happens in one of the following ways:
Transfer of Membership
If you are already a baptized or confirmed Episcopalian, the office will request your letter of membership from your last Episcopal church. This letter will transfer your membership to us.
Baptized Member
If you have been baptized in any other Christian denomination we can recognize you as a baptized member. Let us know the denomination and date of your baptism. All baptized members are welcomed to full participation in the life of the parish, except for serving on Vestry or voting at the Annual Parish Meeting.
Confirmation and Reception
Confirmation is the rite of adult profession of faith. It is administered by the Bishop and consists of prayers and laying on of hands. In this Rite a person gives witness to their faith and their commitment to live their Christian life following the doctrine, discipline and worship of the Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer makes it clear that the normal expectation for all adult members is confirmed membership. Only confirmed members may serve on Vestry or vote at the annual parish meeting.
Persons who were confirmed in the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Churches, or certain Lutheran Churches in the Apostolic Line of Bishops, are Received by the Bishop. Normally, persons who were confirmed in one of the recognized Churches of the Anglican Communion are welcomed into our fellowship by the Bishop. All other persons are Confirmed.
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