How can you become a member of St. David’s? First of all, we would love to have you visit St. David’s to experience our love and liturgy.
Just show up. That’s the beginning of the journey in Christ.
Baptism makes us members of the Universal Church. And we can then live into the meaning of our baptism within specific congregations and Christian denominations.
The points below will spell this out more fully.
- Most importantly, the sacrament of Holy Baptism makes you a member of the Universal Christian Church. The Episcopal Church recognizes as Christian all persons who have been baptized with water and in the name of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
- If you were baptized into the Universal Church in an Episcopal congregation, then — in addition to becoming a member of the Universal Church — you were enrolled as a member of that congregation and became an “Episcopalian.” You are member at the church where you were baptized until death or until you transfer to another congregation. So, if you were baptized at St. David’s, you are a baptized member here. If you have asked that the record of your baptism be transferred here, then you are a member here as well.
- If you were baptized with water and in the name of the Holy Trinity in another Christian communion or denomination, you can become a member of St. David’s by asking that your letter of baptism be transferred so that you can be enrolled on the books of this parish. This makes you a baptized member of The Episcopal Church in general and a member of St. David’s.
- All baptized members are encouraged to receive the sacrament of confirmation, either when they reach maturity or in connection with baptism if they are baptized as adults. In confirmation, “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.” After confirmation, a person is a confirmed member.
- If you were baptized and confirmed in another church, you may be received (rather than reconfirmed) by a bishop of The Episcopal Church. This makes you a confirmed member of The Episcopal Church.
- If you have been thinking about being baptized, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Fr. Dave Blank to discuss your journey in Christ and the Universal Church.
We hope these points answer some of your questions. And we encourage individuals to contact us with any questions.
All are welcome at St. David’s!