A path to membership

After attending service and other programs for a while, many people think about becoming official members of St. Luke’s Luke’s Episcopal Church. This, of course, is an individual decision to make when you are ready.

When you decide to join St. Luke’s, it’s an important moment for you, and for us. This is a time for you to get to know us and a time for us to help you find a place in the community where you can make friends and continue on your spiritual journey.

Joining St. Luke’s works on several levels:

1. All baptized Christians of any denomination are welcome to receive communion, participate fully in our worship, and even become pledging members. For Episcopalians, the baptismal covenant is our primary commitment to what we believe and how we live out that belief and is thus the entry point into the church family. Those who wish to be baptized are asked to contact one of our clergy. 

2. Episcopalians who have been confirmed or received in the Episcopal Church are able to serve on the vestry, our board. People from many different Christian backgrounds participate in the life of the cathedral. Confirmation (or reception for those who come from a Catholic or Lutheran background) is the rite of officially becoming an Episcopalian and is required for those in leadership positions. Confirmation is done during the annual visitation of the bishop and must be preceded by a class led by one of the clergy. 

3. Episcopalians who come to St. Luke’s from other Episcopal congregations are asked to request a transfer of membership to the cathedral. This is done through our parish office.

What are are the responsibilities of a member?  The canons of the Episcopal Church state that members are expected to be faithful in worship, working, praying, and giving for the Kingdom of God. Very simply, this means that members are expected to come church and participate in the church’s life. Part of this is an expectation that  members commit (or “pledge”) to give of their time, talent, and treasure to support the cathedral and its work. This is done by filling out what is known as a “pledge card.”

There are some tangible benefits to being a member. An important one is the right to vote at congregational meetings. Only members can serve on the vestry. Members also have reduced rates for using the facilities and services of the clergy for weddings, funerals, and other services.

The intangible benefits speak more to the heart of why we gather in the first place. Becoming a pledging member is an acknowledgement that we are in this together, that we can make a greater difference together than we could ever alone.

The responsibilities of membership lead directly to the benefits. Making a financial pledge as you are able means that the cathedral is able to maintain the facilities, hire the staff, and create the programs that make a difference in the lives of the members of the cathedral and of the greater community. Taking part in shared ministry with your volunteer time means that you are making the cathedral’s mission your own.

Of course, the amount of time one is able to spend doing volunteer work and the amount one is able to pledge financially varies from person to person. Give when and what you can, so that you may know that the cathedral will continue to be there, both for you when you need it, and to serve as a spiritual home for future generations.

Becoming a Member

When you feel ready to join St. Luke’s, contact the office or one of the clergy. You may want to talk about what you’d like from St. Luke’s and where you might fit in. A good preparation for becoming a member is to attend newcomers or inquirer’s classes, held in the spring. These are usually held during our 9:00 education hour and conclude with a festive newcomers lunch or dinner designed to celebrate your presence in our midst and help us get to know one another better.   

Finding out more about St. Luke’s

- Look at our bulletin and other materials in the newcomer’s bag or information table

- Read our church newsletter

- Check out our website https://stlukeseasthampton.org/

- Speak with one of our clergy

- Speak with a member of the newcomers committee

Ways to get connected

- Enjoy conversations after the services

- Come to concerts or other events

- Get involved in a committee or group of interest

- volunteer to participate in worship or other activities

- Participate in outreach

- Go to Adult or Children and Youth Education classes

Finding out More about the Episcopal Church

- Welcome to the Episcopal Church  by Chris Webber

- What is Anglicanism by Urban Holmes

- The Episcopal Church’s home website www.episcopalchurch.org

- Anglicans Online www.anglicansonline.org

- The Diocese of Long Island’s https://www.dioceseli.org/