Becoming An Episcopalian

Becoming an Episcopalian

The Episcopal Church Welcomes You!

- taken from the standard Episcopal Church road sign

What Does It Mean To Be An Episcopalian?

Who are we? How do we make sensible decisions? How did we become this way? How do we choose a course of action? How do we know what is truth?

For answers, we look to Holy Scripture, we interpret what we read there, and we try to understand using reason and experience.

All persons are born free and inherit the right to grow up and be themselves, to learn, to care, to love, and to live in a just society. Episcopalians believe that these gifts grow out of the good will of God.

The Gospel of John quotes Jesus as saying to his disciples, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." We are taught to be agents of God's love, as God loves us: to spread the Good News and to minister to those in need.

We believe in a loving God, creator of heaven and earth, and in his son Jesus Christ, who was crucified and rose from the dead, and in the Holy Spirit. We believe our sins can be forgiven and reconciliation always possible. We are never alone, no matter what our circumstances, for God is always with us.

How Do I Become An Episcopalian?

A simple answer is to attend church and join in the community of faith you will find there. Fill out a welcome card found in the church pews and mail it to the parish office or hand it to the rector. Introduce yourself to a greeter, who will introduce you to others. The rector will make an appointment to visit you in order to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.

The sacrament of Baptism - whereby a person becomes part of the church and the living Christian community filled with the Holy Spirit - is the beginning of a person's Christian life. If you are not yet baptized, the first step is to meet with the rector, who will explain and lead you through the simple steps necessary for preparation. This is even more important if you are the parent or guardian of an infant that you wish to have baptized.

We are united as Christians through our love, our service, and our commitment to Christ. To support the work of the parish and its ministries, and as a form of Christian stewardship, we ask all members of our community of faith to contribute financially, in the form of a yearly pledge. The amount is a matter between you and God, and is confidential.

St. George's Episcopal Church, One Park Court at 16 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824
Telephone: 603.868.2785 FAX: 603.868.6654
Email: officestg@earthlink.net