We invite you to consider making Emmanuel your church home.  One of the more confusing points is the difference between becoming a member of a parish and being confirmed or received into the larger church.  Baptism is a prerequisite to both.

The waters of Holy Baptism are how all of us join in God’s one holy Church.  As Episcopalians, we believe that Holy Baptism is full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s Body the Church.  The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 298).

Baptism

In our tradition, Baptism is offered to infants and younger children, as well as adults.  We celebrate baptisms in the context of the parish’s Sunday morning worship at the Easter Vigil (in late March of April), the Day of Pentecost (in late May or early June), the Sunday after All Saints’ Day (the first Sunday of November), the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (early January), and on the occasion of a bishop’s visitation (varies).  Please contact Fr. Matthew at the parish office if you are interested in preparing for baptism or sponsoring an infant or younger child for baptism.

Membership

Who?

Any baptized person may decide to join Emmanuel.  We periodically offer a Newcomer’s Class, but it is not a prerequisite to joining.

                How?

If you are ready to join – or interested in discussing membership – contact the rector.

                What?

The information we ask for is very basic: dates of birth for you and family members, your anniversary date, if married, name and location of your last church of membership (if applicable), when you were baptized and confirmed (if applicable).  We will take care of transferring membership from your previous church.

                When?

Even though we have certain days when new members are welcomed during the service, you can join at any time during the year. 

                Why?

At Emmanuel we think of membership in the church as a commitment to our common journey of faith.  While there are no specific requirements members, we believe that certain commitments will strengthen your spiritual life and our common life together.

·         We believe that the regular participation in worship will nurture you and will nurture our common life.  Participation in the fellowship of word and table links us to Christ’s body.  If long term illness makes this impossible, the parish offers regular home communion.

·         We believe that every Christian is called to service and fellowship, and that finding your place at Emmanuel enhances your life and the life of the world.  There are many ways to get connected to the community and ministry of Emmanuel.  We can help you become as involved as you would like.

·         We encourage every member to make a financial pledge to our common life.  Your gifts make our community more able to live out its mission and ministry.

Know that all are welcome in this place. 

Confirmation/Reception

(Adults)

Those who come from non-Episcopal traditions may choose to be confirmed or received.  This is always done by one of the Bishops of Alabama who represent the wider Church as opposed to a single parish.  Classes to prepare for confirmation/reception are offered as announced. 

FAQ: Who should be received and who should be confirmed?      

Reception is for persons who have already made a mature profession of faith, regardless of the denomination.  Most adults will fall into this category.  An exception would be one who has no religious background.