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Belonging To Saint James
We are St. James Church, a church of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts (www.diomass.org). St. James is home to a vibrant, inclusive congregation. There are many ways to become involved in the church community: some people prefer to participate in activities and services without formally "joining." What follows are ways to join and belong!!
Topics
Baptism
Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation
Transfer of Membership
Pledging
Baptism
The Episcopal Church recognizes as Christians all persons who have been baptized with water in the name of the Holy Trinity. They are members of the worldwide Body of Christ, as arms and organs are "members" of a physical body.
If the Baptism takes place in an Episcopal church, the person is a member of that particular parish, until death or until his or her records are transferred. IF Baptism took place elsewhere and the person arranges for the fact to be recorded in an Episcopal church register, that person is thereby a member of our church.
One may be baptized either by immersion or by the pouring of water on one's head. The sacrament is usually administered to infants or children, although many persons are not baptized until they reach mature years. Baptism is the beginning or initiation of a new life in Christ, and through it one becomes a member of the family by being adopted or born into it.
New birth does not mean, at any age, instant spiritual maturity. Those who are baptized and their sponsors are expected to be active members of the church, helping one another to mature in discipleship and to conform their lives to the teaching of Christ. For their spiritual growth those who are baptized are encouraged to receive Holy Communion.
Please speak with our Administrative Assistant if you or someone you love is interested in being baptized.
Administrative Assistant
St James Church
119 Washington Street
Groveland, Ma 01834
Phone: (978) 373-1270
E-mail: saintjameschurch@comcast.net
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Confirmation, Reception, Reaffirmation
Members of the church who were baptized as infants may choose to affirm their faith as adults through the rite of confirmation by the Bishop. In addition, those who have been confirmed in other denominations by a bishop in the historic succession (Roman Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or Eastern Orthodox) may be received into the Episcopal Church by the Bishop. Those who have been baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church and wish to recommit themselves to the life of faith may choose to reaffirm their baptismal covenant with the Bishop.
Please speak with our Administrative Assistant if you are interested in being confirmed or received, or wish to reaffirm your baptismal covenant, and particularly if you are uncertain about which of these rites may be appropriate for you.
Administrative Assistant
St James Church
119 Washington Street
Groveland, Ma 01834
Phone: (978) 373-1270
E-mail: saintjameschurch@comcast.net
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to Topics
Transfer of Membership
If you were confirmed in the Episcopal church, or have been a member of another Episcopal church, please contact the parish you last attended to request that your Letter of Membership be transferred here.
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Pledging
All Christians are called to pledge a portion of their time, talent, and treasure toward the work of the Church. The easiest way to give to St. James is to become involved with one of our specific ministries, and to make a financial pledge. Pledging is crucial in enabling St. James to plan its ministries in advance; it provides a stable financial base for the support of our programs and ministries. Pledging also reflects our prayerful response to God's call to be good stewards of our material possessions.
Every fall during the Stewardship Campaign, members of St. James are asked to make their pledges. Those joining St. James during the year can pledge at any time by filling out a pledge card and giving it to our Administrative Assistant. Pledges can be paid weekly, monthly, or annually, in cash, by check, or credit card through our website. For more information on pledging as a form of stewardship, please follow this link. The size of the pledge is less important than your willingness to commit a definite amount towards the support of God's work in this Church.
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