Membership at St. George's
St. George's Church is a large parish and spiritual home to many people who are members and a number who are not. While membership is not a requirement to participate in our worship services, classes, programs or ministries, we do encourage it. Regardless of your formal status as a member, we invite you to participate in our community of faith. We hope your family will become committed to being active participants in the church by joining us regularly for worship, participating in the ministries of the church, and generously offering your gifts and service. However, those people wishing to make a formal commitment of membership to the church may use the guidelines below to determine the most appropriate path. You are also welcome to contact Rebecca Teel in the church office (385-2150) to discuss any questions you might have.
Is membership required prior to scheduling a baptism or other major life event?
There are occasions in life that raise the question of membership to St. George's. These include preparation for the baptism of children, confirmation of students, and preparation for marriage. Before any of these rites take place, we believe it is important for a family to have considered together whether St. George's Church will be a spiritual home in the years to come. These special and important events should take place within the community in which you will live out your faith commitments.
What if I’m a member of another Episcopal church?
If you are coming to us from an Episcopal background, contact our Parish Secretary, Rebecca Teel (385-2150), and ask her to contact your previous church to transfer your membership.
What If I'm not a member of an Episcopal Church and have been baptized in another denomination?
Register the date and place of your baptism with our parish secretary, Rebecca Teel (385-2150). You will then be a baptized member of St. George's. You will not, however, be eligible to serve on the vestry or vote in the annual election until you are a Confirmed Communicant.
What is Confirmation and how do I become a Confirmed Communicant?
Confirmation is a sacramental rite in which persons who have been duly prepared make a mature, public affirmation of their faith and a commitment to the responsibilities of Baptism and receive the laying-on-of-hands by the bishop. A member of St. George's Church who has also been confirmed in an Episcopal Church is considered a confirmed communicant and is able to be elected to a leadership position in the vestry and may vote in the annual election process.
The Inquirers/Confirmation Class for adults is offered every year on Sunday mornings in January through May. It is led by the Rev. Malone Gilliam and several lay leaders. Confirmation Sunday is usually in early May. For more information about the class, please contact the Rev. Malone Gilliam (385-2150 x 217).
Students at St. George's traditionally prepare for confirmation in the 7th grade. Classes are offered on Sunday afternoons January through May, and our students also participate in a fun retreat in Sewanee to further develop an understanding of the commitment of confirmation. Student confirmation classes are led by the Rev. Sarah Puryear and other lay leaders. For more information, visit the Student Confirmation page or contact Sarah Puryear or 385-2150 x 248.
What is the Reaffirmation of Faith?
Confirmed Episcopalians who have been away from the church for a long time may choose to participate in the Inquirers/Confirmation class (see above). They will publicly renew those promises made at baptism and confirmation through a Reaffirmation of Faith. This renewal of faith can be a special way to for people to come before the church and be prayed over by the Bishop, but it does not serve as a way to become a member of St. George's Church. Therefore, people who have participated in a Reaffirmation of Faith are still asked to become a member of the church in one of the ways listed above.