Membership at St. James Episcopal Church – Join us!
St. James Church welcomes new members! Those interested in joining St. James Church should complete the Member Information form and a Nametag Request form.
Q: What does being a member of St. James require?
A: Simply put, all membership rests on a public affirmation of membership by you, or, in the case of small children, by parents or godparents, and incorporation into the church through the Sacrament of Baptism.
Q: What if I am already baptized?
A: Any person baptized in any church with water in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit may register with us to be counted as a baptized member of St. James Church. Again, all baptized Christians are welcome to partake of Holy Communion. A baptized member of St. James Church who receives Holy Communion at least three times a year is considered a communicant member.
Q: What if I have not been baptized?
A: Contact Pastor Beth so you can discuss what baptism means to you and to set a date for your baptism. Baptisms are usually done at regularly scheduled celebrations of The Holy Eucharist on the feast days specified by The Book of Common Prayer: Baptism of Our Lord (early January), Easter Eve (the evening before Easter Sunday), Pentecost (late May/early June), and All Saints (first Sunday in November). Other Sundays can be discussed.
Q. What if I am presently a member of another Episcopal parish?
A: If you are or have been a member of another Episcopal congregation, or were ever confirmed in an Episcopal Church, you can transfer your membership. Please provide our Parish Office with the name and location of the Church and the approximate dates of your membership or the year of your confirmation. We will then send for a letter of transfer, or you may wish to contact your previous parish yourself.
Q: What if I am coming from another denomination or church?
A: If you are seeking to join the Episcopal Church from another Christian church or denomination, and if you have been baptized with water and in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you may become a baptized member of St. James. Just provide the Parish Office with your birth date and place, baptismal date and place. At some point, you will need to be “received” (see below) into The Episcopal Church, when the bishop visits.
Q: What about Confirmation and Reception?
A: The Book of Common Prayer defines Confirmation as “The rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from The Holy Spirit through Prayer and the laying on of hands by a Bishop.” Confirmation classes are scheduled once we know when the bishop will be visiting St. James. Any baptized adult, and any baptized youth in the seventh grade or higher, is eligible. Persons who have been confirmed in another denomination by a Bishop in the Apostolic Succession (most often Roman Catholic or Orthodox) are received by The Bishop rather than confirmed. Those who have been confirmed or received are classified as “confirmed communicants.” Speak with the Pastor Beth if you are interested in Confirmation or Reception.
To reach Pastor Beth: [email protected] or cell: (503)863–4006
To reach Cindy in the Parish Office: [email protected] or (503)639-3002