What does it mean to belong at All Saints?
People of any faith or of no faith can feel a sense of belonging to All Saints. People walk different paths and come from different backgrounds so feeling a sense of belonging is relatively simple: attending worship, participating in a small-group (choir, book groups, stitching groups, community hikes, etc.), helping out with one of our many outreach opportunities, or simply attending a concert or event. Meeting with the clergy, getting to know others, contributing your time or treasure—any or all of these, are ways of deepening a sense of belonging. Do what your soul calls for so that you feel that you are part of this diverse community of faith. As you continue to grow in faith you may find the Spirit urging you to make one or more of the formal commitments below.
What is required to be considered a Christian?
You need not be baptized to feel you belong at All Saints, but baptism is the sacrament required to be considered a Christian. If you are baptized, your baptism, no matter how long ago it was, or in what denomination it was, is recognized by the Episcopal Church. If you have not been baptized, or are unsure if you have been baptized, you will want to speak to the rector to explore this option. Everyone who is baptized is welcome to receive Communion in the Episcopal Church. You might also want to explore confirmation or reception.
What is required to be considered an Episcopalian?
Any person whose baptism has been recorded in the records of a particular Episcopal parish is considered an Episcopalian. If you were baptized in an Episcopal Church, you are considered an Episcopalian. If you were baptized in another denomination, you may become an Episcopalian through Confirmation or Reception.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is an adult profession of faith made in the presence of a bishop. It involves a period of preparation and a laying on of hands by a bishop. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please speak to a clergy person.
What is Reception?
If you have received the laying on of hands by a bishop and been confirmed in another tradition (e.g., Lutheran or Roman Catholic), you may be formally “received” into the Episcopal Church by a bishop. If this sounds like something you would be interested in, please speak to a clergy person.
What about officially becoming a member?
To become a voting member please see How to Join All Saints.