I’m interested in becoming a member. What do I need to do?
Saint Barnabas welcomes all people to membership. There are couple of ways that can happen.
If your membership is in another congregation, you can request a letter of transfer from the Pastor of that church. If this isn’t possible, and you have been baptized and confirmed, you can request to join by statement or profession of faith.
I’d like to have my child baptized.
Baptism is one of two Sacraments for Lutherans. Baptism and Communion are also referred to as the Means of Grace. In Baptism, we are joined to the family of God. Although Baptism usually happens in infancy or childhood, you can be baptized at any age.
When do children prepare for Holy Communion?
A child seven years of age or older who has been baptized may receive preparation for First Holy Communion. First Communion is usually made in May.
Are persons from Christian traditions other than Lutheranism able to receive Holy Communion?
As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Saint Barnabas welcomes any and all baptized Christians to share in the Sacrament of the Table, Holy Communion. Because our practice is to prepare children ages 7 and older for First Holy Communion, baptized children who have not made First Communion elsewhere (and their parents) would need to prepare to receive the Sacrament for the first time.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the Affirmation of Baptism through which baptized individuals affirm for themselves the promises made at Baptism. Unlike Baptism and Communion, it is not a Sacrament, but an extension of baptismal covenant. Young people in eighth grade and higher usually spend a full Sunday School year preparing for Confirmation. Adults who have been baptized but never confirmed may also request instruction for the Affirmation of Baptism. Pentecost and Reformation Sunday are traditional days for celebrating the rite of Confirmation.
Who is a Voting Member of the church?
According to the Constitution of Saint Barnabas Lutheran Church, Voting Members (those who can vote at the Annual Congregation Meeting and at other special meetings, such as calling a Pastor) are confirmed members who have taken Communion at least once in the previous year and who have made a contribution of record over the previous year.
What is a contribution of record?
A contribution of record is one made using offering envelopes or an envelope that includes your name. A check is also a contribution of record, whether or not envelopes are used. Loose cash offerings that cannot be attributed to an individual or family are not considered contributions of record.
How can I get more information?
Speak with a member of the Congregation Council (names are listed in the bulletin each week) or the Pastor.