Over the last few years, many adults at St. Paul’s have decided to make a public, formal commitment to the Episcopal Church. After each Bishop’s visitation service when this takes place, I have heard from many of you how moving it is to see this happen. Some have even wondered whether now is the right time to do it themselves.
In my estimation, less than 25% of the adults in the St. Paul’s community grew up in the Episcopal Church. Almost everyone has come to the Episcopal Church from another tradition at some point. 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 Episcopal Church’s openness and liturgy. 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. For many, many more reasons, sometimes a mix of all of them. 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.) baptized, and 4.) materially contribute to the parish. Basically, if you have made St. Paul’s part of your life, you are a member!
Some people choose to more formally mark their commitment to the parish and the Episcopal Church by being received into the Episcopal Church by the Bishop during the Bishop’s annual visitation to the parish. Some people do this shortly after becoming part of St. Paul’s; others do so 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 as confirmation; the Bishop shakes your hand, 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,” while also inviting the Holy Spirit to continue working in them through the life of St. Paul’s and the Episcopal Church.
Being received into the Episcopal Church does not mean 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 you now look to the faith tradition of the Episcopal Church as you continue to grow in your life in Christ.
This year, on November 22, our Bishop Ketlen Solak will visit St. Paul’s annually. That will be the next opportunity to be confirmed or received at St. Paul’s.
If you feel called at this time to be received into the Episcopal Church, please let me know. Let us know if this is the right time for you, or if you’d like to meet to explore it further.
Peace,
The Reverend Noah H. Evans, Rector