Members
of the church are baptised persons. Contrary to the language
we
often use, it is not possible to be "baptized Episcopal" or "baptized
Roman Catholic". Christian baptism belongs to Christ and not
to
any particular church.
Baptism the sacrament of Christian
initiation. A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of an inward and
spiritual grace. The "sign" in baptism is the water -- whether baptism
involves a little water or a lot (Christian baptismal customs vary).
The "inward and spiritual grace" is described as forgiveness of sins,
full inclusion in the body of Christ and eternal life.
Baptism
is an assurance of salvation but it is also a call to live as a
follower of Jesus and a servant of God., caring for creation, serving
Chrsit in our neighbor, sharing the good news of God's love and
forgiveness, striving against evil and seeking forgiveness from God and
our neighbor when we (inevitably) sin by hurting ourselves or others or
by turning away from God.
In many traditions, including the
Episcopal Church, people are baptized as infants. Their parents and
godparents make the baptismal promises for them. Then, when they are
older, they make some kind of public affirmation of faith, known in
many traditions as "Confirmation."
Sometimes, in the course of
people's lives, they decide that they can live out their Christian life
better as Episcopalians than as Lutherans or whatever tradition they
grew up in. Such people can be "received" by the bishop, into the
Episcopal Church, or confirmed if they have not been confirmed earlier
in their lives.
Resources and Links for Members and Friends
This page contains "administrivia" which may be of interest to members
and friends of St Mark's
- Participants
in Worship Schedule.
- Reimbursement Form.
- If
you need to be reimbursed for an expense made for any parish activity
or program, please fill this out and leave it in the office with your
receipt.
- Link to New
Photo Directory ( password protected and not active yet)
- Sign-up for
Prayer List
- Sign-up for
St Mark's Yahoo Group
- This
is a place for conversation among parishioners. It is not as active as
we would like it to be. Sign up and start a conversation! Please sign
all posts with your real name.
- Sign -up below for Markings (weekly
email.)
Email Marketing You Can Trust
Lectionary
Page ---What are the lessons for the coming Sunday?
Sign-up for
Diocese of Missouri weekly email here.
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