First Steps

The first step in considering any new church is to give it several tries. Never judge a church by one service, event, or sermon. Instead, come several times. Get a feel for the place, the people, and the dominant message. What do they truly care about? Check out their programs and offerings: Bible studies, book studies, outreach initiatives, youth activities, fellowship opportunities, etc. Once you've been enough times, you'll know if it's "home" or not.

If St. Anne's feels like home to you, you are welcome to join the church officially through one of the means described below. However, if you find that St. Anne's isn't the right fit, please know that our Rector is more than happy to help you find a church in town that does meet your needs. We are one good vehicle for the pursuit of God, but we're certainly not the only one. It's our pleasure to help you find the right church home, wherever that may be.

If You Are Not Baptized

Baptism with water in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is the age-old sacrament through which we are adopted into Christ's body, the Church. In being baptized at St. Anne's you become a Christian, an Episcopalian, and a member of our local congregation all in one act. Baptism is available to people of all ages, including infants, but is an extremely serious decision and should be made prayerfully and deliberately. If you are interested in baptism, please schedule an appointment with the rector for baptismal preparation. At St. Anne's we generally plan baptisms during regularly scheduled Sunday services four or five times a year. Except in cases of extreme emergency, we do not offer private baptisms.

If You Belong to Another Denomination

Unlike other denominations, we do not re-baptize people since we believe the promises made in one's first baptism last a lifetime. If you have been baptized with water (whether sprinkled or immersed) in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in any Christian denomination, we recognize it. Instead, you may join St. Anne's and the larger Episcopal Church by being confirmed or received by our bishop. If you have made a mature, public declaration of your faith in your previous denomination, then you will be received. If you have not, then you will be confirmed. Either one requires completion of the Rector's Episcopal 101 class, which is generally offered at least once a year at St. Anne's. 

If You Are Already An Episcopalian

Transferring your membership from one Episcopal church to another is easy. Simply contact the Episcopal church where your membership was last recorded or give the information to our church office, and we will contact them for a letter of transfer. It’s a good idea always to maintain an active membership at the church you are currently attending. Should you later move away from St. Anne's, we will forward your letter to your new church home at your request.