Membership
Membership at St. James, as with any other Episcopal parish, is governed by Canonical requirements of the Episcopal Church. Membership begins with the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, it continues with confirmation or reception by a bishop of the Episcopal Church, and it envisions a commitment to the mission and ministries of the local parish.
Baptism
Membership in the Episcopal Church is simply gained through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. If you have not been baptized, please speak to the clergy at St. James to arrange for Baptism. If you were baptized in another Christian denomination, please speak to the Parish Coordinator to arrange to record your Baptism in the parish register of St. James.
Confirmation
Adults and youth who have been baptized at St. James or in another Christian Church, but have not been confirmed, are expected to be confirmed during the annual visit of the Bishop to St. James or at a confirmation service within the Diocese of East Carolina. Those who have been confirmed in a Roman Catholic, Lutheran, or Orthodox Church and who wish to make a commitment to the Episcopal Church may be "received" by the Bishop at a confirmation service. If you are an adult seeking confirmation please join Praying Shapes Believing. Confirmation classes for youth are offered each year in the 8th Grade Sunday School Class. Please speak to the Parish Coordinator about arranging for confirmation or reception by the Bishop.
Transfer from Another Episcopal Parish
Members of the Episcopal Church are customarily recorded in the parish register of the church at which they regularly worship. If you are transferring to St. James from another parish, please speak to the Parish Registrar to arrange for a certificate of membership from your prior parish to be sent to St. James. When the certificate or "letter", as it is often called, is received at St. James, your membership will be recorded in the parish register at St. James. If a certificate is not available from your prior parish, the clergy may approve appropriate registration in the parish register.
Communicants in Good Standing
Members of St. James who have received Holy Communion at least three times during the preceding year are considered to be "communicants". Communicants "in good standing" have been faithful in corporate worship, and in working, praying, and giving of financial and other resources for the spread of Kingdom of God.
Newcomers and New Members
Newcomers and new members at St. James are invited and encouraged to attend the St. James orientation class. The orientation class includes 3 weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings and is usually offered each year beginning in September.
If you have questions about any aspect of becoming a member of St. James Parish, please speak to any member of the clergy or staff of St. James. We appreciate your prayerful consideration of becoming a member of St. James, and we look forward to welcoming you into the Community of this historic parish.
I'm New
Newcomers and New Members
Newcomers and new members at St. James are invited and encouraged to attend the St. James orientation class. The orientation class includes 3 weekly sessions on Tuesday evenings and is usually offered each year beginning in September.
If you have questions about any aspect of becoming a member of St. James Parish, please speak to any member of the clergy o…
Read More »Membership
Membership at St. James, as with any other Episcopal parish, is governed by Canonical requirements of the Episcopal Church. Membership begins with the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, it continues with confirmation or reception by a bishop of the Episcopal Church, and it envisions a commitment to the mission and ministries of the local parish.
Baptism
Membership in the Episcopal Churc…
