Becoming a Member

Becoming a Friend of St. Stephen’s – Sharing Our Home

 

A few people participate in the life of our parish family without ever becoming official members of the congregation. Sometimes, for example, one spouse belongs to St. Stephen’s while the other spouse belongs to a church in another tradition of Christianity (Lutheran, Roman Catholic, etc.). These friends of St. Stephen’s, however, cannot serve as elected parish leaders or vote at annual parish meetings in accordance with the canons (i.e., rules) of the Episcopal Church. Questions about adding your name to our list of friends may be directed to the Rev. Nancy Brantingham at 952-920-0595 (ext. 104).

 

Of course, most people participate fully in the life of our parish family as members of St. Stephen’s. Only members, for example, can normally have a child baptized here. Below you will find information about membership and how to make that commitment.

 

 

Becoming a Member of St. Stephen’s – Joining Our Family

 

All baptized Christians – those who have been baptized with water “in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” – belong to Christ’s Church throughout the world. This is our adoption into the household of God. This marks us as Christ’s own for ever. So membership at St. Stephen’s involves having information about your baptism recorded in our parish records. Membership also brings you into fellowship with our extended family in the Episcopal Church and the world-wide Anglican Communion.

 

Please contact the Rev. Nancy Brantingham at 952-920-0595 (ext. 104) to explore any of the following options:

 

  • If you are already a member of St. Stephen’s and desire to have your child baptized, she is available to discuss with you the requirements and the dates when baptism will be offered throughout the year. You will be required to attend a Baptism Workshop, unless you have previously done so for the baptism of another child.

 

  • If you are a member of a church in another tradition of Christianity (Lutheran, Roman Catholic, etc.) and desire to become a member of St. Stephen’s, she can explain how to obtain the date and place of your baptism for our parish records. You will be encouraged to attend a Membership Workshop.

     

  • If you desire to transfer your membership to St. Stephen’s from another congregation of the Episcopal Church, she can explain how to request a “Letter of Transfer” from your previous congregation. Doing that would automatically record information about your baptism and your confirmation, if applicable, in our parish records.