It is common in churches to have those who attend services yet are not actual members, assuming that they are members of that parish. Ascension is no exception to this phenomenon. Every year, Ascension amends our membership roll to determine a fuller account of inactive members, active members and active members in good standing. An accurate account of membership is helpful toward determining pastoral care (including wedings, funerals, and baptisms) and participation in responsibilities of parish life (including parish meetings and parish or diocesan leadership).
How does one become a member of the Episcopal Church?
One becomes a member of the Episcopal Church by Baptism, Confirmation by an Episcopal bishop, or Reception by an Episcopal bishop. If you were baptized, confirmed, or received at Church of the Ascension then your membership was duly recorded. If you formally transferred your membership from another Episcopal parish or church in communion with this church then your membership was duly recorded at Ascension.
If you are already an Episcopalian…
If you are a baptized or confirmed member of another Episcopal parish, you are invited to transfer your membership to Ascension. Provide the church office with the name and place of your previous parish, and we will request your letter of transfer. A member of the clergy will contact you to discuss membership at Ascension.
If you were baptized in another Christian church…
If you were baptized with water in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in any Christian Church, you are invited to become a baptized member of Ascension. Please contact the church office, and a member of the clergy will meet with you to discuss becoming a member at Ascension. It is expected that all adult members, after appropriate instruction, be confirmed or received by a bishop.
If you wish to be confirmed or received…
“Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.” (The Book of Common Prayer, 860) It is expected that all adult members of this Church, after appropriate instruction, make public affirmation of their faith and be confirmed by the laying on of hands by a bishop. Confirmation classes are offered annually at Ascension for adults and teenagers. Persons who have been confirmed in another Christian church by a bishop in Apostolic Succession (Roman Catholic or Orthodox) are received by bishop rather than confirmed.
If you have not been baptized…
Call the parish office to speak with one of the clergy if you desire to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Baptisms are also administered to children of active members in good standing.