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Becoming A Member of Saint Augustine's Church by The Rev. Joyce Stickney
What does it mean to join a church? People become members of churches for all sorts of reasons. At St. Augustine's there is process for becoming a member. It entails a time of visiting, attending the Newcomer's class, discernment, making a commitment, and celebrating - a party. Becoming a member is not an end product, but the beginning of a life together that starts with you deciding that you "belong" here, you have a place here.
The Newcomer's class is very informative and is like a mini-retreat. What does "Episcopal" mean? How is the Anglican Church different from the Roman Catholic Church? Where is the playground? How old is this church? are some of the questions that are addressed. We meet Friday evening and all day Saturday to spend time getting to know one another, worship together, tour the church and grounds, and learn about Church History, the Sacraments, Church Polity, the BCP and Hymnal … it's a crash course and then we talk about what it means to be a member. We even play a game called, "Stump the Clergy" and the winner gets a prize.
This class is open to everyone, whether you've been visiting St. A's for a short time or you've been a member for years and want a refresher.
Copyright © 2002 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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