Baptism, Confirmation & Membership

Baptism

There is one Body and one Spirit;

There is one hope in God’s call to us;

One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism;

One God and Father of all.

Just as we are born into a biological family, so also we are born again into God’s family (John 3:3). Through putting our faith in Jesus Christ and repenting of our sins, we are set free from sin and death, and then called to publicly confess this faith in the sacrament of Baptism (Acts 2:38). This sacrament is an outward and visible sign of what has happened when we are 'born again', being united to Christ, who was also baptized, in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4) and made a member of His people, the church. This is both a local and universal reality: baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is recognized by all churches everywhere (Ephesians 4:5) but it is also experienced in the context of a local congregation. At every baptism, the community vows to “do all in our power to support these persons in their life in Christ” (BCP 165). This means we’ll support you as you follow Jesus with us. And if you’re baptizing your children, we’ll be here with you as you raise them to know Jesus personally. Baptisms are done publicly and not privately because this illustrates that our faith exists in the community. To belong to Christ is to belong to His people.

If you are interested in learning more about baptism as Holy Cross please let us know.

Baptism Interest

Confirmation

Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ requires a public and personal profession of the Faith from every believer. Confirmation by a bishop is its liturgical expression, and at Holy Cross anyone who is at least High School age, and is ready to commit their life to following Jesus, can be confirmed. Confirmation is evident in Scripture: the Apostles prayed for, and laid their hands on those who had already been baptized (2 Timothy 1:6-7; Acts 8:14-17; 19:6). In Confirmation, God, through the bishop’s prayer for daily increase in the Holy Spirit, strengthens the believer for Christian life in the service of Christ and his kingdom. Some refer to Confirmation as a "lay ordination" for believers. Grace is God’s gift, and we pray that he will pour out his Holy Spirit on those who have already been made his children by adoption and grace in Baptism. At the direction of the Bishop, and after public reaffirmation of their baptismal promises, those having made professions of faith in other Christian traditions (including those confirmed in other traditions) are received into the Anglican Church with prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop.

Confirmation Interest

Membership

The Church of the Holy Cross loves and welcomes new members. Our membership process is designed to help you get the most out of your life as you follow Christ, grow in him, and serve him. Being connected to Jesus and to his family here at Holy Cross begins with becoming plugged in. Our Newcomer's Lunch helps you get to know folks in the church and some of our leadership. 

Whether you’ve just become a part of Holy Cross or have been attending for a while, Membership is an opportunity to discover who we are as a church and make the next steps by becoming a member. The class is a friendly, enjoyable time to connect with other newer folks and our Holy Cross clergy as we explore who we are as Christians, as Anglicans, and uniquely as the Church of the Holy Cross. After attending, you can fill out the brief paperwork to officially become a member of Holy Cross. You may also have your membership transferred after the course. 

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