OUR CHURCH: Become a Member

 

How do I become a member of St. Paul's?

It is easy and we welcome new members at any time.  If you have been attending St. Paul's for a while and contributing financially we would like you to become a member and participate fully in the life of the church.  Let the Rector or church office know that you would like to become a member.  If you are an Episcopalian and belonged to another Episcopal church we can request a transfer from your prior church and then, after receiving a transfer letter, we will include you on our Parish Register.  Every Episcopal church maintains a parish register.  This is the book in which all baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and burials are registered. 

 

If you are not Episcopalian but have been baptized in another recognized denomination you can become a member of St. Paul's and the greater Episcopal Church by being confirmed.  Confirmation is a process in which you learn about church and its beliefs and make a decision to confirm these beliefs.  Our Rector offers instruction classes usually in the Spring (May) and Fall (November) to coincide with the dates scheduled by the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul when confirmations are performed by bishops.  If you were a member of the Catholic or Lutheran church you can be received into the Episcopal Church at the same time.

 

To become a voting member at St. Paul's you must be 18 years or older, contribute financially on a regular basis and be listed in the parish register.  Meeting these criteria allows you to vote at the annual parish meeting when Wardens and Vestry members are elected.  It also allows you to run for these offices.  Often, parishioners who attend regularly, are active in the life of the church, and make a financial donation are surprised to learn that they cannot vote.  Almost always it is because they did not take the steps to be listed in the parish register through baptism, confirmation or transfer.  Call the church office and we will be happy to guide you through the membership process.