Becoming a Member

When you're ready to make Grace your church, it's time to become a member. Membership moves you from just "showing up" at church to growing as a disciple of Christ within this particular community.

Being a member of Grace Church means, first and foremost, that you are willing to discover God's special ministry for you. It means that you are ready to deepen your spiritual life through Christian formation, worship, fellowship and service. It also means that you are prepared to help share the financial responsibility of this faith community through pledging a proportion of your income-- to support our mission--the amount is up to you.

We're here to help you at each step of the way. Welcome to the Grace Church family!


How Do I Become a Member?

At Grace, we recognize that our members come from many different backgrounds. There are several ways to become a member. Look through the list below and find the one that best fits you.

Baptism: For Those New to the Christian Faith

If you are not yet baptized, this is the place to start. Baptism is the ancient means of entry into the Christian community. Jesus himself was baptized in the river Jordan before beginning his ministry. In baptism, we profess our faith, are ordained as ministers of Christ and marked as his own forever. (In the case of infants, the parents and godparents profess the faith on behalf of the child.) Baptisms for adults and children are held regularly at Grace.

Confirmation: Adult Commitment for the Baptized

If you are already baptized, confirmation is an opportunity to make a mature, public affirmation of faith before the bishop and congregation. If you were baptized as an infant, this is a time to say for yourself what others may have said for you then. Adults prepare for confirmation through the Sealed and Sent Forth course. Youth are prepared for confirmation through their own program, which includes coursework and a mission experience. Diocese-wide confirmations are held by the bishop.

Reception: For Those Confirmed in another Denomination

Reception into the Episcopal Church is for those who have been baptized and confirmed in another denomination. Those who wish to be received prepare by taking the scheduled Confirmation class.

Reaffirmation: Recommitment for Confirmed Episcopalians

Reaffirmation is an opportunity for Episcopalians who have already been confirmed to publicly renew and recommit to their faith before the bishop and congregation. Preparation is through the Confirmation class.

Letter of Transfer: For Members of Episcopal Churches

If you have already been a member of another Episcopal church, you may have your membership transferred to Grace by downloading and filling out the Request for Membership form. We will request a letter of transfer from your previous congregation or you may provide a copy of your confirmation or reception certificate. We will then add you to our membership rolls.