Joining St. Luke's
The body does not consist of one member, but of many. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you", nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you".
I Corinthians 12:14, 21
St. Luke's invites you to become a formal member of our parish family. Joining our parish family starts either by talking to any member of the clergy or staff, or filling out the New Member Information Sheet. Depending on your previous church membership, there are several options available to join St. Luke's.
Transfer Membership
If you have previously been confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, we will request a letter of transfer from your previous congregation.
If your previous church was of a different denomination, we cannot formally transfer your membership, but can join St. Luke's through confirmation, reception or baptism.
You can still be considered an active member of St. Luke's even if you wish to retain your previous church membership.
In all cases, contact the office for further steps in becoming an active member of St. Luke's.
Bishop’s Visitation
We encourage new members to confirm or reaffirm their faith in Jesus Christ in worship on the Sundays our bishop visits St. Luke’s. This is done in one of three ways, all of which include the laying-on-of-hands and prayer by the Bishop:
- Confirmation is for those who have never before made a mature, public affirmation of faith in Christ.
- Reception is for those who have previously been confirmed in the Roman Catholic or Christian Orthodox churches.
- Reaffirmation of baptismal vows is for those who have previously been confirmed in or received into the Episcopal Church but wish to acknowledge a new spiritual beginning.
We make our profession of faith before the Bishop because he symbolizes the fact that as Christians we are part of God’s universal Church and not only St. Luke’s Parish. Please let us know if you want to begin preparing for membership.
Baptism
This public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ can take place at St. Luke’s at Easter Vigil, Day of Pentecost, All Saints Day or Sunday thereafter, the First Sunday after Epiphany, and also on other special occasions. Through the pouring on of water and invocation of the Holy Trinity, we are cleansed of our sins, incorporated into the Body or Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit and called to ministry in the name of Jesus. If you or a member of your family desires to be baptized in the near future, please contact the Rector.