Belonging at All Saints Parish
All Saints Parish is a community of faith in the Episcopal tradition formed by worship, committed to spiritual growth and the reconciliation of all people to right relationship with God and one another. If you are here, we believe it is because you are being led by the Holy Spirit into fuller life. Your seeking, questions, and convictions will be welcomed and honored here. Over time people move in and out of our common life, as they grow and as their lives change—taking on and then laying down commitments; consequently, there are many ways to belong to All Saints.
What is required to belong at All Saints?
All are welcome. 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 the requirements for belonging are simple: attend worship, participate in one of our small-group ministries (choir, book groups, stitching groups, Geography of Grace, etc.), help out with one of our many outreach opportunities, meet with the clergy, get to know others here, contribute your time or treasure—any or all of these. In short, 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 been baptized and want to make a commitment to becoming a voting member at All Saints, you simply need to sign the Parish Register during one of our services. 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. Anyone 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. A person may also 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 the Rector.
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 the Rector.
What is required to become a voting member of All Saints?
Per the church bylaws, if you are baptized and older than 16, all that is required to be considered a voting member is to sign the Parish Register in the presence of the Rector and answer a few simple questions.
May I transfer my membership from one Episcopal Church to another?
If you are a voting member of another Episcopal Church, or if you are a voting member here and move to another Episcopal Church and would like your voting membership transferred, a Transfer of Membership form may be arranged through the Parish Administrator.
Wherever you are in your journey of faith…
Typically, the journey of belonging and becoming a voting member is one of increasing commitment and involvement over time driven by the inner promptings of the Spirit. Wherever you are on that journey, as a person growing in faith you will want to:
- Be faithful in worship:
- Celebrating the Eucharist together is essential to our life together as the Body of Christ.
- Participate in opportunities for fellowship and learning:
- We encourage ongoing growth and learning in what it means to be Christian and the building of right relationships and community.
- Be dedicated in service:
- We believe that God calls and empowers each of us for ministry in a variety of ways, and shared ministry is a core value here. Sharing our gifts sustains our common life at All Saints, our families, and our larger community. Sharing our gifts is an essential part of the life Jesus calls us to.
- Be responsible in pledging to and supporting the work of the parish in carrying out God’s mission in this world.
We also know that All Saints will not be the right fit for everyone. We honor that and will do what we can to help you find a spiritual home where you can grow in faith, even if it is not All Saints. Wherever you are on your journey of faith, and wherever that journey takes you, we give thanks to God for you, and bless you and your journey.