Questions About the Church?
Who's Welcome?
This is an easy one. You are. Whether you're old or young, black, white, Latino, rich, poor, middle class,married, single, partnered, gay or straight, wildly religious, or somewhat resistant, it doesn't matter.
Why? Because it didn't matter to Jesus.
For us, Church is a place where all people gather to worship God and to grow in their knowledge and love of God. We are all on a journey and we all have more to learn about ourselves, about Jesus, about the Church, and about how much God loves us.
How Do I Participate? How Do I Formally Join?
We strive to follow the example of Jesus and welcome all to join us on the journey. Part of that commitment to the journey is to seek baptism in which you place your trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. We hope you will choose to be baptized if you have not already been baptized as an infant or as an adult, but welcome you on the journey regardless of your decision.
Those who have already been baptized are invited by Jesus to receive Communion each week.
Through regular attendance at worship, engaging in service to others and the church, participating in spiritual formation, and in some form of giving to the church, you will be considered an active member (communicant) of St. Paul's. We welcome all who come, but expect a conscious commitment to the community from those who stay.
Because we are part of a larger church with rules and records to keep, the Rector will add you to the roll of "communicants in good standing" if you meet the basic criteria listed below. This entitles you to hold church office and vote, if 16 and older. That's the only reason we make this distinction.
If you would like to signify your commitment to life in the Episcopal Church through a ritual action, it is traditional to receive confirmation by the Bishop of the Diocese. If you have already been confirmed, you may choose to be "received" into the communion of The Episcopal Church or you may choose to reaffirm your baptismal vows before the Bishop. These rites are held once a year in the weeks after Easter at a church in southeastern Indiana. Please see Fr. Steve for more details.
Definitions of Commonly-Used Terms
The following discussion will define some terms used in the Church concerning members and will explain the responsibilities and rights of those who attend here.
These definitions are from the Canons (rules) of The Episcopal Church.
Member
Anyone who has received the Sacrament of Baptism with water in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, whether in this Church or in another Christian Church and who has had their name recorded in the records of St. Paul's is a member. Your name will remain in our rolls until you ask us to remove it. Becoming a member is as simple as speaking with the church office or the priest and indicating that you have been baptized in the name of the Trinity.
Communicant in Good Standing
A Communicant in Good Standing is a Member who has received Holy Communion at St. Paul's at least three times in the past twelve months (as determined by the Rector) and who has been faithful in corporate worship, working, praying and giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God. This includes those who are homebound or otherwise keep in contact with the community. Communicants 16 and over have the right to vote at the Annual Meeting of the Parish and those 18 and over may hold elected office in the parish.
Confirmation
In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop. Those baptized as adults, unless baptized with laying on of hands by a bishop, are also expected to make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism in the presence of a bishop and to receive the laying on of hands. Those who have made an adult profession of faith in another church may be received. Members who have been received are considered Confirmed. Our Bishop requires you to be sixteen before seeking Confirmation or Reception. Confirmation and Reception, however, are not required to be considered a Communicant in Good Standing nor to hold office at St. Paul's.
Frequently-Asked Questions
What are the requirements for participating in the life of the church?
Participation in activities at St. Paul's is open to all, and is not restricted to Members, Communicants or those in Good Standing. Confirmation is required for only a few ministries.
Who may be Baptized?
The Sacrament of Baptism is available to anyone requesting it. For adults and older children, there may be a period of instruction. For infants and young children, the instruction will be for the parents. It is expected that a relationship with St. Paul's will continue following the Baptism.
Who may be married at Saint Paul's?
Marriages are celebrated for members, communicants, and those with a significant pastoral relationship with the Church. Both persons in the couple would be expected to participate in premarital counseling as directed by the Rector (including some outside professional counseling). At least one of the parties must be baptized. If you're not currently a member, we'll certainly welcome you to join our community and after some time, we would be glad to help you celebrate your marriage. We do, on occasion, consider renting our facility to non-members who wish to be married by outside clergy in a beautiful traditional setting. Please call the office for more details.
Who may vote at Saint Paul's?
The Parishes of the Episcopal Church are governed by a Vestry which is elected by qualified electors of the parish. According to the By-laws of St. Paul's this is anyone who is a Communicant in Good Standing 16 or over.
May I be a member of the Vestry?
Any qualified elector 18 years of age or older may be nominated for Vestry.
May I participate in the liturgical ministries?
To be licensed by the Bishop as a Worship Leader, Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, or Catechist, you must be a confirmed communicant in good standing. Lectors, acolytes, choir members, and altar guild members need only be communicants in good standing. If you are interested in a liturgical ministry, please contact the Rector.
