Joining St. James Church

Belonging to St. James reflects a deep commitment of presence to the community of the church. People that count St. James their spiritual home offer their time, talent, and treasure to the life of the church. There are many different ways to pray and participate at St. James—the arms of this church are wide. The Belonging Class is offered annually, introducing the history, theology, liturgy, and Biblical perspectives of the Episcopal Church.

Formal membership at St. James Membership can occur in the following ways:

• By Transfer/Reaffirmation: Those who have been members of another Episcopal Church, or a full communion partner church with the Episcopal Church contact their previous church and to request their Letter of Membership be transferred to St. James Episcopal Church. People transferring membership are invited to reaffirm their commitment of faith at an annual Service of Confirmation.

• By Reception: Baptized persons who have been confirmed by a bishop, are welcomed into the fellowship of the Episcopal Church by Reception. At the annual service of Confirmation, these persons make a public affirmation and renew the Baptismal Covenant. Since they are already confirmed, the bishop does not lay hands upon them.

• By Confirmation: Those who were not baptized in a full communion partner church, with the laying on of hands by a bishop, make confirmation and receive the laying on of hands by our bishop. At the annual Service of Confirmation, the confirmand makes a public affirmation of faith and commitment to their baptismal vows.