In the past a parish was a place with geographic boundaries. If you were born within the bounds of a parish, your family had likely lived there forever and you would be baptized and become a member of that parish. It was all rather automatic.

But the world and the pace of life have changed. It now takes a greater level of intention to become connected. People quickly feel at home here because the members at Saint James work at being hospitable. When we feel welcomed and "at home" most of us feel that we are members of the community. And of course, on one level, we are.

But we may not actually be members of the church. Does that matter?

Yes! All relationships that have value require commitment from us if we want discover the full potential of that relationship. Think about the difference between dating and asking someone to marry to you. A formal commitment allows the relationship to move to a new level. A ceremony held in the church recognizes and blesses the new status. Commitment makes it safe for the couple to search for new depths. The pooling of resources strengthens each party. The promise of companionship for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health gives married persons the resolve to go forward, with God's help, through whatever they may encounter.

Similarly, more than a casual commitment is required to discover the spiritual riches and depth of relationship offered by the Episcopal Church and by this parish. The journey begins with the desire to know God more fully. But it deepens as one commits to journey in that direction with others. Christ promised to be with us whenever two or three are gathered in His name. We rejoice when people join the church, which is the body of Christ.

So how does one become, or remain, an active member of the church?

1. One becomes a member through baptism, confirmation by a bishop of the Episcopal Church, or by reception from another denomination. If you are coming to us from another Episcopal parish, you need to request a letter of transfer from your previous parish so that we know you desire to be here and they know that your spiritual wellbeing will become our responsibility. Call the office at 410-771-4466 to schedule a meeting with Art, Loree or Charlie, our priests. We'd like to get to know you better and will help you with the details.

   Why go through these processes? Because doing so clearly states your desire to be in relationship and gives Saint James the chance to make a commitment to you.

2. Active members worship regularly and receive communion weekly. Why? Because we are formed as we pray. Word, Sacrament and fellowship draw us closer to each other and to God.

3. Active members participate in the work of the church. Saint James has nineteen different Ministry Communities - priests and people, working together in faith, hope and expectation. There's a place for you to offer your talents for the benefit of others. Ask us one of the priests how we help people find a place at St. James.

4. Active members pledge. What's that? A pledge is a formal commitment to give regularly to the work of the church. It states an annual amount and the frequency of giving. Pledge cards are in the pews and available in the church office. Why pledge? Because a firm and formal commitment strengthens our connection to one another and to God. Because everything the church does is funded by the money given by its members. We cannot pursue our mission (BCP 855) or fund our ministries without each person's meaningful participation. When we loosen our grip on earthly things it frees the spirit to use those resources as God wills. Unsure about how to determine a reasonable pledge? Learn more by visiting our Stewardship Community's page. Then come and talk to a vestry person or a priest.