Often, a visitor will ask us how he or she can become a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church. Some people think that the only way they can claim membership is to go through the Covenant Program and be confirmed by the Bishop. Others think that baptism and a desire to be on the mailing list will do it. Still others think that attending services and pledging time, treasure, and talent is the key. They are all right, but there are some record keeping issues involved. The procedure is simple. Contact the Church office by phone and give us the information we need for your membership.
Note: References in this page are to the 1979 Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (BCP)
Transfer of Membership
If you are already a baptized or confirmed Episcopalian, the office will request your letter of membership from your last Episcopal church. This letter will transfer your membership to Transfiguration.
Baptized Member
If you have been baptized in any other Christian denomination we can recognize you as a baptized member. Let us know the denomination and date of your baptism. In this case, the Book of Common Prayer (BCP) makes clear that the normal expectation is confirmed membership. (BCP page 412)
Confirmation
If you wish to become a confirmed Episcopalian, or to be received into the Episcopal Church from the Roman Catholic, or Orthodox Church, ask her to enroll you in our Inquirers’ Class. Offered twice each year, this series of classes is a survey of the faith and worship of Anglicanism. These classes are fun, informative, and a great way to meet new and interesting people.
If you choose to be confirmed there are some added benefits. You will be able to vote in our annual parish elections, run for a position on the vestry, or serve as a convention delegate. Please know that if this is not a convenient time for you to take the classes, or if you feel that you are not ready for this leap of faith, you can still be on the rolls as a baptized member.
While the church ministers to anyone in crises, only active members of the parish and their immediate families are eligible for infant baptism and weddings. Active members are regular in worship and prayer, and faithful in their giving and working for the building up of the kingdom. Everyone, regardless of membership status is encouraged to be involved in any one of our more than 60 ministries or guilds.
Youth Confirmation
Teenagers 15 years and older attend a weekly instructional course held on Sunday mornings beginning in August. Regular attendance at Sunday worship and the Sunday night Episcopal Youth Community is also a part of this preparation.
What the Episcopal Church Expects of Her Members
1. They will worship God in church every Sunday and every Holy Day unless prevented by serious Illness or other grave cause. (Title II, Canon I.)
2. They will observe principal feasts and fasts of the church calendar. (BCP, pp. 15, 17.)
3. They will say their prayers daily and grace at meals. (BCP, pp. 37-60.)
4. They will take an active part in the ministry and mission of their local parish and give to the work of the church through their parish. (BCP, p. 856.)
5. They will have their children baptized and instruct them in the teachings of the church, exposing them to the Christian life in the family and in the parish. (BCP, pp. 301-302, 304-305.)
6. They will see their marriage as a sacrament of Christ’s love (BCP, p. 423ff.) and they will work for its health – seeking counsel from a priest when marital union is imperiled. (Title I, Canon 18.1)
7. They will own and use a copy of The Book of Common Prayer.
8. They will request a letter of Transfer when they move to another parish (register to serve where they live).
9. They will make wills providing for their final good stewardship for family, church, and charitable concerns. (BCP, p. 445.)
10. They will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. (BCP, p. 305.)