What do I need to do to become a member?

Anyone who has been baptized, regardless of denomination, is considered a member of the Universal Church. The Episcopal Church recognizes baptisms in nearly all denominations. The criteria is that water and the name of the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is used. Generally speaking, people join in one of three ways: transfer from another Episcopal Church, transfer from another Christian Church, or are baptized into the faith. See below for more information regarding each pathway.

Transferring from another Episcopal Church?

Simply transfer your membership using this form. While we will write the official letter of transfer, we always recommend you notify the rector or priest-in-charge of your former parish directly.

Joining Ascension from a different denomination?

You can declare membership using this form. Unless otherwise requested, we will also notify your former parish that you have transferred your membership. Again, we recommend you notify the pastor of your former parish directly.

What if I haven't been baptized?

The Episcopal Church baptizes people of all ages — infants, children, and adults — in the context of the Sunday worship service, surrounded by the whole congregation. Our Rector, the Rev. Jack Alvey, is available to talk with you about the sacrament of Holy Baptism, where you are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as Christ's own forever. Reach out to our Rector, Rev. Jack Alvey directly at jalvey@ascensionepiscopal.org.

What is Confirmation and how do I become confirmed?

Confirmation is a sacramental rite in which a baptized Christian makes a mature, public affirmation of their faith before the bishop. It is both a personal commitment — "I own for myself what was promised at my baptism" — and a communal one, as the bishop lays hands on each person in the presence of the congregation.

At Ascension, we offer a confirmation class for adults each winter and spring. The class is open to anyone who wants to explore the Episcopal faith more deeply, whether or not you ultimately choose to be confirmed. You don't have to have it all figured out to begin — the class is designed to be a place of honest inquiry as much as formal preparation.

If you have already been confirmed in another denomination — Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Orthodox — and received the laying on of hands from a bishop in apostolic succession, please speak with our Rector, the Rev. Jack Alvey. He will arrange for you to be received by our bishop rather than confirmed.

To enroll in the confirmation class or to ask questions about the process, contact our Rector, Rev. Jack Alvey directly at jalvey@ascensionepiscopal.org.