Membership at Good Shepherd is open to all baptized Christians. Whether you were baptized in the Episcopal Church or in another Christian denomination, you are welcome to become a member here at Good Shepherd. A member is anyone who has been baptized and participates regularly in Grace Church's corporate worship; commits herself or himself to serve Christ at Grace Church through the investment of time, talents, and an annual pledge of financial support.
Q: How to I Join Good Shepherd?
A: When you tell us that you wish to be a member, we, from that moment, will work with you to make your wish a reality.
So the best way to let us know you wish to become a member is to write a note, make a phone call, send an email or speak with a member of the clergy or contact the parish. One of the clergy will speak with you about your religious history; then direct you to the courses offered for membership. There are two levels of membership 1) Baptized Members and 2) Confirmed Members.
Q: What is a Baptized Member?
A: Baptized members are persons who have been baptized into the Christian faith either in the Epsicopal Church or another Christian denomonation who wish to be members of Good Shepherd. Again, simply make your wish to join as a baptized member know to a member of the clergy or to the church office. Providing us your baptismal information (date & place) is requested, but if you do not have it, your word is good enough. Baptized members have a voice but no vote at the Parish's annual meeting and are not elibable to serve on the parish governing body called, "Vestry."
Q: What is a Confirmed Member?
A: Confirmed members are persons who have made a public profession of faith before the Bishop of the Episcopal Church. The bishop visits Good Shepherd once every 18 months and at each visit you have the opportunity to be "confirmed." If you have made a public commitment of faith as an adult in another Christian denomonation ("confirmation") we honor that event and the bishop will simply "receive" you into this branch of Christ's Church. Classes for confirmation are held twice a hear. If you're a member of another Episcopal Church, you can contact that church (or ask us to do it) and ask that a Letter of Transfer of membership be sent from that church to Good Shepherd. Our "Confirmation Class" is called The Episcopal Church Explored. Click Here for more information.
Q: What if I am Not Baptized?
A: You are still welcome at Good Shepherd. In many ways we especially welcome you and encourage you to speak with a member of the clergy to explore the Christian Faith. We are here to help you in your journey of discovery.
Q: What is Expected of Me as a Member?
A: We expect that you want to be among us for the primary purpose of being part of our community in order to worship God in joy and power. That you commit to worship as regularly as possible in your life. That you believe that God gives us all that we have and are, and that the people of God, including you, learn how to be a giver--to the church for its work, and to the needs of others. That life, and church, are not about being right, but about being open. We expect that you commit to living a life oriented towards God, and are called to continuous conversion, to rethink and re-do when they fail, and to believe that God is open to such "repentance" again and again. That you help spread the Good News of God in Christ whenever and however possible for you. That you join with others not only in prayer, but in working for justice and peace in the human family. We expect that you respect the dignity of every human being. Spread the word and serve others. It is our expectation that you lead generous lives and pledge your time, talent and treasure for the building up of the Christian community here at Good Shepherd.
