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Practical questions about being a member How do I become a member? Participate in worship then decide if indeed St. Mary’s is where you’d like to make your spiritual home. To become officially enrolled as a member, you must “participate fully” which means to be baptized and support our Christian ministry with your time, talents, and treasure. When you’ve decided to join St. Mary’s and choose to serve in Christ’s name, our parish administrator can provide you with a membership form and pledge card. Just call or email your request. Please also introduce yourself to our clergy. Your baptism may have been administered in the Episcopal Church or in another Christian Church. Please talk to the clergy if you have any questions. Do I need to be confirmed to become a member? Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. Although confirmation is not required for membership, it is hoped that all adult members would have made a “mature commitment to Christ.” Contact one of our clergy if you have further questions or are interested in confirming your commitment to Jesus Christ. What are the benefits of membership? Joining a church is NOT like a belonging to a gym – no free tote bags or special offers here. We are not a business and you are not customers. Joining our congregation is joining a spiritual family who engages in various services to the glory of God. In joining, you become part of a spiritual family willing to serve in the name of Christ. You become part of a people actively desiring to grow in knowledge and love of God. All of our classes, events, and services are open to everyone. And, members are seen as the people who serve to provide a safe, vital, and faithful community--joyfully welcoming fellow pilgrims along the way. Working together with the staff and clergy, we all serve Christ through all of our community’s activities. What is a pledge? Ministry can’t happen without the resources of time, talent and treasure. A pledge is your way of saying, “I want the ministry of St. Mary’s to continue and be a strong witness and service to Christ.” Your pledge supports the immediate mission of St. Mary the Virgin and also supports the mission efforts of our diocese and national church. Your pledge of treasure tells the church what resources you are willing to offer to support our witness and service. Each fall everyone who considers St. Mary’s their spiritual home is asked to write down and send in what support they pledge for the coming year. Ministries are built upon your pledge. If unforeseen circumstances arise, please notify us if you are unable to fulfill your pledge. Your financial pledge, as are all financial gifts to the church, is fully tax deductible and you will receive quarterly statements. If I put cash in the plate, am I a member? Not necessarily. Your plate offering is considered an “open” gift unless you have designated a pledge and indicate on your check or offering that it is for your pledge. What are other ways to financially support St. Mary’s? People contribute to our ministries in many ways. All members pledge, and some non-members, in addition to members, give gifts or designated monies. We encourage everyone to remember our ministries in their estate gift plans. The clergy maintain “discretionary funds” which are for assisting people with acute or special needs. Gifts to a cleric’s discretionary fund are often received in thanksgiving for baptisms, weddings, memorials, or anniversaries. Please feel free to inquire of any Vestry member or Clergy if you have questions regarding our financial resources and management. How do I pledge my time and talent? There are many ways to support our ministries through your time and talent. On a regular basis we offer opportunities to serve the community through our Outreach Ministry. You are welcome to serve in the liturgy as a reader, prayer leader, chalice bearer, or Wednesday morning homilist. The Christian Formation program welcomes assistance in their programs teaching our children and adults in the knowledge and love of the Lord. And, our Parish Council supports many ministries that help everyone to grow in their spiritual life. To begin participating, please contact the appropriate Parish Council representative or your clergy and let them know where you’d like to serve. Contact the church office at office@smvsf.org for more information. Our ministries would not happen without you. Your pledge of time and talent are crucial to the vitality of this Christian community. Don’t be shy. Step up and serve! You’ll find good fellowship along the way. |
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