Saint James welcomes all whether new to the faith or lifelong Episcopalians. Following are some guidelines for those interested in joining our parish family.
You must be baptized to be a member of an Episcopal Church
Baptism is the sacrament by which we are adopted as God's children and become members of the Church. At baptism you publicly renounce evil, repent your sins and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. You are baptized with water in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed officially into the fellowship of believers, your church family. Your baptism need not have been in an Episcopal church.
If you have not been baptized...
Phone the parish office at (717) 397-4858 or email us at office@stjameslanpa.org to make the necessary arrangements.
If you have been baptized ....
Phone the parish office at (717) 397-4858 or email us at office@stjameslanpa.org and let us know where you were baptized. Once we have located your baptismal record you will be a baptized member of Saint James and welcome to participate in all programs and ministries.
Coming from another Episcopal Church...
Phone the parish office at (717) 397-4858 or email us at office@stjameslanpa.org and ask to have your membership transferred from the church where it was previously recorded. Our office staff will take it from there.
Confirmation
If you are a baptized member of our church, but have not been confirmed, you may wish to do so. Confirmation is a sacrament in which participants, having been duly prepared, make a mature, public affirmation of their faith. They commit to the responsibilities of baptism and receive the laying on of hands by the bishop. Preparation traditionally begins during Lent.
Reception
If you were previously confirmed in the Roman Catholic, Orthodox or Evangelical Lutheran Churches, you will not be confirmed again. Instead you will be formally received into communion with the Episcopal church by the bishop at his next visit to the parish.
What is expected of a member of Saint James?
Members of Saint James are expected to support and participate in the vision and ministries of our church family by offering time, talent and treasure as they are able.
If you have questions or need further information please phone the parish office at 717 397-4858 or email us at office@stjameslanpa.org and we will contact you.
