Welcome!

We are thrilled about your interest in being a formal part of the community here at St. John’s! Below are the steps to take to become involved in the life of the church. Newcomers are invited to meet with Mother Marci and explore membership.

Anyone can be involved in our ministry

You do not need to be confirmed or received to participate in most of the ministries at St. John’s.  For instance, you do not need to be a confirmed Episcopalian to participate in Bible studies, help in our outreach ministries, or attend Sunday services.  But much of our work is reserved for confirmed Episcopalians, such as Vestry service, lay reading and select ministries. 

Transferring membership from another Episcopal Church

If you are currently an Episcopalian in good standing somewhere else, you can become a full member of St. John’s by moving your letter of membership.  Contact Mother Marci for more information on how to do this.

Baptism

Holy Baptism is the induction by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church, and is a crucial element of being a Christian.  You must be a baptized Christian, a professing follower of Christ, to receive communion or be confirmed.  We recognize all baptisms from all Christian denominations, regardless of how old you were when baptized.  If you are baptized, but would like to reaffirm your baptismal vows and commitment to the Episcopal Church you may do this before the Bishop as an adult – contact Mother Marci for more information on this.

Confirmation/Reception/Reaffirmation

CONFIRMATION.   When you are confirmed in the Episcopal Church you are confirming your vows to Christ and the Church.  If you were baptized as a child you may want to publicly confirm your Christianity and membership in the Episcopal Church as an adult.  If you come from some other Christian denominations that are not rooted in “apostolic succession” (i.e., Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, non-denominational) you may need to be confirmed as an Episcopalian. 

RECEIVED.  If you are a full member of the Lutheran, Orthodox or Roman Catholic Church, then the Bishop may welcome you into the Episcopal Church by receiving you.  Once you have been received you are a full member of St. John’s and the Episcopal Church.

REAFFIRMATION.  If you are an Episcopalian in good standing, but have been inactive for a period of time, you may want to consider reaffirming your vows to Christianity and the Church.  Words have power, and reaffirming your Christian vows is often a beautiful and meaningful way to begin a new stage in your spiritual life.  This can be done when a bishop visits.

Please speak with Mother Marci if you have any questions about Confirmation, Reception or Reaffirmation.