Visiting & Joining Questions
Welcome to St. Michael’s. Whether you are “church shopping” or know you want to become a member of our community, we are glad to have you worship with us and join with us as we endeavor to live out the calling and mission of Jesus Christ. Below you will find some commonly asked questions about visiting and joining our parish, you may also check out our User-Friendly Guide to Worship.
- How do I join the community of St. Michael’s?
- What does it mean to be a member of St. Michael and All Angels?
- What do I do if I have a pastoral emergency?
- What if I was raised in a different denomination?
- Can I receive Communion at Worship?
- How do I receive communion?
- How do I become a Christian?
- What if I am not baptized or I want my child baptized?
- How do I move my membership record to St. Michael’s from another parish?
- What if I would like to be married at St. Michael’s?
- What should I know about funerals at St. Michael’s?
- What is the Episcopal Church?
How do I join the community of St. Michael’s?
You are a part of our parish community by worshiping with us. Worship is the central thing we do in the Episcopal Church. By giving us your contact information you are able to participate in all that our church, offers for example, Sunday school, adult educational offerings, fellowship opportunities, and other organized ways of living out our promises to God. You will also be invited to attend a new member class.
What does it mean to be a member of St. Michael and All Angels?
To become a member of St. Michael’s makes you a full participant in the life of our church. St. Michael’s members are expected to help the Church carry out its mission to be faithful witnesses of Christ in our world. Members are expected to worship regularly and remain faithful in working, praying and giving toward growing the Kingdom of God. Pledge cards are accepted throughout the year and are an opportunity for your household to pray and determine what part of your money is to be given back to God. Pledges are important to the life of our parish so that we can make a budget for the coming year to fulfill the mission Jesus left to the church.
What do I do if I have a pastoral emergency?
Please let the church know by calling the office if you are experiencing a crisis in your life. We have clergy and laity who are trained ministers to meet the pastoral needs of all in our congregation.
What if I was raised in a different denomination?
We recognize that many of our visitors have a large range of prior experiences with the church. Many come from different denominations, perhaps different faiths, or may not have had much experience with church. All are welcome.
Can I receive Communion at Worship?
The Episcopal Church practices an open communion. Whenever Communion is offered in our church, all baptized Christians, no matter the denomination, are welcome to receive both the bread and the wine.
How do I receive communion?
All baptized Christians, even small children, may receive communion. You may stand or kneel at the altar to receive communion. To receive the sacrament simply put your hands out one on top of the other, palms up, and a person will place a round host in your hands. You may receive the wine after by intinction (dipping the bread) in the wine or taking a sip of the wine. If you are not baptized, place your arms in a crossed position over your chest and the clergy will say a brief prayer of blessing on you. If your child is too young or not yet baptized, the clergy will say a brief prayer of blessing on them as well.
How do I become a Christian?
Baptism marks the beginning of a new life in Christ. Baptism is the entrance rite into any church, including St. Michael’s. Baptism is the first step.
What if I am not baptized or I want my child baptized?
If you have never been baptized or if you wish to have your infant/child baptized, we do public baptisms at particular times throughout the year. Adults are baptized at Easter, and children are baptized during our two main services at five separate times throughout the year. If you are interested, please contact Rhonda Beisel, our parish administrative assistant. 913-236-8600, ext.303 or rhonda@stmaa.com
How do I move my membership record to St. Michael’s from another parish?
If you have previously been a member of another church and would like to transfer your membership, contact Rhonda, the parish administrative assistant. You’ll be asked to provide some basic information about yourself so we can notify your previous parish.
What if I would like to be married at St. Michael’s?
There is no greater sense of God’s goodness than when we find someone who loves us and whom we love. Marriage is a sacrament of the Episcopal Church. As a sacrament it is an extension of your Christian faith. The first step to getting married here is to call the office and make an appointment with a priest.
What should I know about funerals at St. Michael’s?
Funerals are a celebration of the gift and hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ. Making plans in advance of your death is always a good idea. To do that, make an appointment with a priest. If someone should die in your family, please call the church immediately and a priest will talk with you. There are two places to be buried here at the church; in our garden and in the columbarium. If you want to know more about those options, please contact Rhonda Beisel, 913-236-8600, ext. 303 or rhonda@stmaa.com
What is the Episcopal Church?
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