Newcomers and Membership
All are welcome and invited to take part in the life of St. Mark's, Troy. There are many ways to become involved in the community and, although we would very much like you to join the parish, “official” membership is by no means a requirement.
Hospitality lies at the very heart of our identity as a community of faith. At St. Mark's, we strive to extend a spirit of warmth and welcome to all who enter our doors - especially to those who are visiting or who are new to the parish. If you fall into either of these categories, and even if you don’t, we encourage you to join us for one of the opportunities for fellowship that is offered each Sunday.
Hospitality lies at the very heart of our identity as a community of faith. At St. Mark's, we strive to extend a spirit of warmth and welcome to all who enter our doors - especially to those who are visiting or who are new to the parish. If you fall into either of these categories, and even if you don’t, we encourage you to join us for one of the opportunities for fellowship that is offered each Sunday.
What does it mean to be a MEMBER of St. Mark’s?
For Christians, the most important “membership” we have is our membership in the Body of Christ, offered through Baptism. All are eligible for this membership, there are no dues, and it never expires. To be a member of St. Mark’s is to take up the responsibilities of Baptism through the worship, mission, and ministries of this church: to pray, work, and give at and through St. Mark’s for the spread of the Kingdom of God.
Pray
Make prayer with the gathered community a part of your personal spiritual practice by
participating in Sunday and weekday worship whenever you are able.
Work
Look for a way, however modest or ambitious, to offer your time and talents in
God’s service as we seek to share the love of Jesus Christ with each other, our city, and the world.
Give
Prayerfully commit a portion of your personal or household budget to our common
life and ministries by making an annual financial commitment.
Learn more about life in faith – from Baptism
into Christ and membership at St. Mark’s Church
to faithful witness in the world.
For Christians, the most important “membership” we have is our membership in the Body of Christ, offered through Baptism. All are eligible for this membership, there are no dues, and it never expires. To be a member of St. Mark’s is to take up the responsibilities of Baptism through the worship, mission, and ministries of this church: to pray, work, and give at and through St. Mark’s for the spread of the Kingdom of God.
Pray
Make prayer with the gathered community a part of your personal spiritual practice by
participating in Sunday and weekday worship whenever you are able.
Work
Look for a way, however modest or ambitious, to offer your time and talents in
God’s service as we seek to share the love of Jesus Christ with each other, our city, and the world.
Give
Prayerfully commit a portion of your personal or household budget to our common
life and ministries by making an annual financial commitment.
Learn more about life in faith – from Baptism
into Christ and membership at St. Mark’s Church
to faithful witness in the world.
Becoming a Baptized Member
What does it mean to be a baptized member of St. Mark's?
According to the Canons, or governing rules, of the Episcopal Church, membership is open to any person who has been baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, whether in the Episcopal Church or in another Christian denomination, and whose baptism has been duly recorded in the register of an Episcopal parish.
Confirmation and Reception into the Episcopal Church
Baptized members of the Episcopal Church are eligible for Confirmation, the sacrament in which a candidate receives strength from the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by a bishop. All adult members of St. Mark's, after appropriate instruction, are generally expected to make this mature, public affirmation of faith and commitment to the promises of Holy Baptism.
Baptized persons who wish to join the Episcopal Church, and who have already made a mature, public affirmation of faith in another Christian denomination are frequently welcomed by the bishop through a sacramental rite known as Reception (as opposed to Confirmation). For more information about Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church, please speak with the office. Receptions specifically designed for those who are new to the parish are held on a periodic basis.
What does it mean to be a baptized member of St. Mark's?
- Regularly attend worship
- Offer yourself in service to the Church and take part in opportunities for mission and outreach to those beyond the boundaries of the parish community
- Grow in faith through prayer and take part in opportunities for study and formation
- Make an annual stewardship pledge in support of the mission and ministry of the parish
According to the Canons, or governing rules, of the Episcopal Church, membership is open to any person who has been baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, whether in the Episcopal Church or in another Christian denomination, and whose baptism has been duly recorded in the register of an Episcopal parish.
- If you are a baptized member of another Episcopal parish, you may transfer your membership to St. Mark's by contacting the Parish Office and arranging for a Letter of Transfer. Upon receipt of the Letter of Transfer, your name will be entered into the parish register.
- If you are baptized, but not a member of another Episcopal parish, or are coming to St. Mark's from another Christian denomination, contact the parish Office to obtain the appropriate paperwork. Once completed, your name will be entered into the parish register.
- If you have not been baptized, contact our clergy to begin discussion about and preparation for reception of the sacrament.
- If you have questions about any of the procedures detailed above, the Episcopal Church in general, or St. Mark's in particular, please do not hesitate to speak with a member of the Vestry or our Rector.
Confirmation and Reception into the Episcopal Church
Baptized members of the Episcopal Church are eligible for Confirmation, the sacrament in which a candidate receives strength from the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands by a bishop. All adult members of St. Mark's, after appropriate instruction, are generally expected to make this mature, public affirmation of faith and commitment to the promises of Holy Baptism.
Baptized persons who wish to join the Episcopal Church, and who have already made a mature, public affirmation of faith in another Christian denomination are frequently welcomed by the bishop through a sacramental rite known as Reception (as opposed to Confirmation). For more information about Confirmation or Reception into the Episcopal Church, please speak with the office. Receptions specifically designed for those who are new to the parish are held on a periodic basis.