What do I need to do to become a member of Manakin Church?

Dear Friends,
For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12)

I am so excited that over the next few months, we will have several baptisms. This is a wonderful time for our church, and we are thankful for these opportunities. We are also welcoming into our church new members and visitors from other denominations. This raises the question – “What do I need to do to become a member of Manakin Church?”

Church membership is not like a social or professional organization, the Episcopal Church does have membership criteria. These are meant to establish who has taken an intentional step to be part of a worshiping community. Church membership is defined by the canons of the Episcopal Church, specifically Title I, Canon 14 and Title 1, Canon 17.

There is only one standard of membership in the Church, which is Baptism. In the Episcopal Church a member is a person who has received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism (with water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit) whether in the Episcopal Church or another Christian Church, and whose baptism has been duly recorded in the Episcopal Church.

Individuals who are on the register of another Episcopal Parish may have their Letter of Transfer sent to Manakin. This is a very simple process that Wendy DeHart, our Parish Administrator, can take care of for you. She can also check to see if you are listed on the church register, if you are not sure.

It is expected that adult members of the church will have made a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and will have been confirmed or received by the laying on of hands by the Bishop. Those who have previously made a mature public commitment in another Church may be received by the laying on of hands by a Bishop of this Church, rather than confirmed.

Bishop Haynes will be coming to Manakin next spring and our preparation with instruction for youth and adults will begin now. The youth will meet twice a month after worship for Confirmation Class.  An Inquirers Class for adult visitors and new members will be held monthly between services in Denny Hall.  Our first Inquirers Class will be held on October 8. If you want to know more about the Episcopal Church, this is your opportunity. Participating in this class does not mean that you have to be confirmed or received, it is simply a way to find out more about the Church.

Regardless of membership, if you worship at Manakin Episcopal Church, you belong.  We welcome you and appreciate your support of our faith community.

If you have any questions regarding this, please let me know.

Blessings,
Gini+