Becoming a member

What we believe and practice
The Episcopal Church has been called the “bridge church” between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism because our beliefs embrace both traditions. We are firmly grounded in the authority of Holy Scripture, which infuses our study, worship and corporate life. The Episcopal Church is also deeply sacramental, believing that baptism is the door into the church and that Holy Eucharist is the central act of Sunday worship.  At St. David’s we use both the traditional Book of Common Prayer and alternate liturgical texts, and enjoy music from the Hymnal and other sources.
 
Get involved
The first step to membership is involvement in parish life! A good place to start is to join us for fellowship after one of the worship services.  Fill out one of the visitor cards in the church pews or contact the church office to have your name added to our mailing list.  That will insure that you get our monthly newsletter. Weekly news and announcements are in the Sunday bulletin and at this web site.
Short-time visitors to our area may also be added to our mailing list — please contact the church office.

Letters of transfer
If you’re a member of another Episcopal church, contact the church office so we can help you with a letter of transfer to St. David’s. This should be done as soon as possible after you move.
 
Reception into the Episcopal Church
If you’ve been baptized and confirmed in another church (Roman Catholic, Lutheran, etc.), you may be formally received into the Episcopal Church at a Sunday service.  Contact the church office if you are interested in being received.

Time, talent and resources
Membership in the Episcopal church and at St. David’s is a commitment to the service of Christ in tangible ways. There are many opportunities for spiritual growth and participation through offering your personal time, talent and financial resources. A financial commitment card may be obtained from the church office. Memorial gifts and bequests may also be made to the honor and glory of God.

My other church didn’t do financial pledges.  What’s that about?
In the Episcopal church, financial support for each parish comes primarily from its own members.  Making a pledge gives the vestry an idea how much income to expect so they can budget for the year. 
Our diocese includes 35 congregations in eastern Washington and northern Idaho.  The diocese provides some money for a few very small ones which cannot support themselves, but most churches do not receive operating funds from the diocese.  In fact, it flows the other way — member churches pay an annual assessment to the diocese, which is the primary funding for the diocesan budget.  In turn, each diocese provides funding toward the national Episcopal Church budget.