Dear Friends,

What does it mean to be a member here at St. John’s? There are actually many ways to answer that question. As we prepare for our Annual Meeting on February 2nd, the following information may be helpful:

Membership in the Body of Christ: According to The Book of Common Prayer, “Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church. The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble.” Any baptized Christian then, is a member of Christ’s church. But that church manifests itself in a myriad of ways throughout the world, and different traditions have different ways of defining what it means to belong.

Membership in the Episcopal Church: Adult members of the Episcopal Church are those who have made a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism. If your membership is still in another Episcopal Church it can be transferred to St. John’s. If you come from another tradition, you can be received or confirmed in the Episcopal Church. During Lent and the Easter season, we will offer an Inquirer’s Class so that those who wish to join may do so. Reception and Confirmation occurs at a service at a large service in the spring, presided over by the bishop.

Membership in St. John’s Church: You can also be a member of this local parish, even before joining the Episcopal Church. St. John’s, like every parish, has a Constitution (or set of bylaws) – and membership is defined this way:

 Any baptized person of the age of sixteen years or more, who acknowledges in writing the authority of the Constitution of the Parish, and by declaring his or her intention to support the parish by regular attendance in public worship, and by contributing time, talent, and treasure, shall be considered a member of the Parish and entitled to vote in its affairs.

In other words, membership at St. John’s involves a commitment to be engaged in the worship life here, and to contribute one’s time, skills, and financial gifts to the life of the parish. Each year, those who wish to become members are given an opportunity to sign the Parish Register at the Annual Meeting and become voting members. (This can also take place at another time if you cannot be here on February 2nd.)

If you are not yet a member here, I hope you will consider joining us as we live out our call to follow Jesus Christ. And if you are a member, I hope that in the weeks to come the commitment of new members will lead you to remember and reaffirm your own commitment and your own calling.

Faithfully,

Tom