Is it the right time for you to be formally received into the Episcopal Church?
By the Reverend Noah H. Evans, Rector
Last fall, we had many adults make the decision to make a public formal commitment to the Episcopal Church. I remember after the service, I heard from many of you how moving it was to see this happen. And some even wondered whether now the right time for themselves to do this as well.
In my estimation less than 25% of the adults in the St. Paul’s community grew up in the Episcopal Church. Most everyone has come to the Episcopal church at some time or another from another tradition. Some came into the Episcopal Church because they married an Episcopalian. Some found the Episcopal church as a “midway” point between protestant and Roman Catholic spouses. Some came from more evangelical traditions drawn by the openness and liturgy of the Episcopal Church. Many came from the Roman Catholic church, looking for a sacramental expression of Christianity that also values lay leadership, the ordination of women and broader theological views. And some came because St. Paul’s just felt like a good fit, and denomination wasn’t really part of the question. And for many, many more reasons, and sometimes a mix of all these ways. I know everyone’s story is different. What is yours?
At St. Paul’s and in the Episcopal Church, membership is not something we make a big deal about. Our parish bylaws say you are a member if you are 1.) registered with the parish 2.) active in its life 3.) are baptized and 4.) materially contribute to the parish. Basically, if you have made St. Paul’s a part of your life – you are a member!
Some people choose to more formally mark their commitment to the parish and the Episcopal Church through being Received into the Episcopal Church by the Bishop, when the Bishop makes an annual visitation to the parish. Some people do this shortly after becoming a part of St. Paul’s, some after many years. If you have never been confirmed, in any tradition, then instead of being received you are confirmed. There is no “right” time, except for when it is right for you.
Reception happens at the same time that people are confirmed – the Bishop shakes your hand, and lays hands on your head, and prays “…we recognize you as a member of the one holy catholic and apostolic Church, and we receive you into the fellowship of this Communion…” Many people find this deeply meaningful, and a way of saying this is the community where I will continue to grow in my faith in Jesus Christ, as well as inviting the Holy Spirit in a particular way to continue to work in us through the life of St. Paul’s and the Episcopal Church.
Being received into the Episcopal Church does not at all mean that you need to leave everything that has formed your faith from other religious or Christian traditions at the door. All those things are important and have shaped you into the person you are today. It is, though, a recognition that now you are looking to the faith tradition of the Episcopal Church as you continue to grow in your life in Christ.
Our Bishop, the Right Reverend Dorsey McConnell will be coming to St. Paul’s on Sunday, November 22th for our 10:45AM livestreaming That will be the next opportunity to be confirmed or received at St. Paul’s. That Sunday, our service will be a Collaborative Service, beaming in musicians, readers and those being confirmed and received from their homes. Following the service, each person being confirmed or received will come to the church one at a time after the service for the Bishop to lay hands and confirm or receive you.
If at this time you are feeling called to be received into the Episcopal Church, please let me know. As preparation, we invite you to either attended St. Paul’s 101 or Laura or I are glad to meet with you to discuss one of the intro to the Episcopal Church books we recommend. Let us know if it is the right time for you, or if you want to meet to explore this more.
Peace,
Noah
The Reverend Noah H. Evans, Rector
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