We hope visitors to St. Francis will ask "How do I become a member?"  There are a number of answers that might be given.

Perhaps the simplest answer is purely a procedural one.  Click here for more information.

More meaningful membership would also involve becoming involved in parish activities, giving of your time and talents, and supporting the parish's ministries financially by pledging a portion of your treasure.

There is, however, a more complete answer which speaks also of membership in the broader church.

• Baptism

  Baptism is the sacrament of initiation into the church.  The Episcopal Church recognizes as valid any baptism administered with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

  Any person already baptized can be registered as a baptized member of St. Francis.   If you have previously belonged to an Episcopal Church, ask us to contact that church to request a Letter of Transfer of Membership from your previous parish to St. Francis.

  If you have been baptized but have not belonged to an Episcopal Church, fill out the information form giving details of when, where, and in what denomination you were baptized.

  If you have not been baptized and wish to be, please speak to the Rector.  We have regularly scheduled baptismal dates.
   

• Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation

  All members of the church who were baptized as infants are encouraged to affirm their faith as adults through the rite of Confirmation by the Bishop.

  In addition, those who have been confirmed in other denominations in the apostolic succession (Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ECLA), or Eastern Orthodox), who need not be confirmed, may choose to be received into the Episcopal Church by the Bishop.

  Those who have been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church but for some special reason want to recommit themselves to a life of faith may choose to reaffirm their Baptismal Covenant with the Bishop.

  If you wish to be confirmed or received, or wish to affirm your Baptismal Covenant, and particularly if you are uncertain about which of these rites may be appropriate for you, please speak to the Rector.
   

• Pledging

  All gifts come from God, and all Christians are called to contribute a portion of the gifts they have received towards the work of the Church.  The gifts include time, talent and money.  The simplest way to give to St. Francis is to become involved in our ministries, and to make a financial pledge.   Pledging reflects your prayerful response to God's call to be a good steward of your material possessions.  Pledging is also crucial to enabling St. Francis to plan its ministries in advance; it provides a stable financial base for the support of our programs.

  If you have any further questions, please ask the Rector or any member of the Vestry.