The Sacraments: Who We Are
Baptism
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is how membership in the church traditionally occurs.
When a member is baptized, he or she is a full member of the church. Baptism is membership in the body of Christ. For some it occurs as an infant; others are baptized as an adult. If you have been baptized in the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, it is not necessary to be baptized a second time in order to join.
Through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, God makes us members of the Body of Christ, the Church. Jesus set the example for us, as he himself was baptized. Through the water of Baptism, we are buried with Christ in his death, raised to share in his resurrection and reborn by the Holy Spirit. The entire worshipping community takes part in the Baptism liturgy and pledges to uphold the newly baptized in his or her life in Christ. Children, as well as adults, are welcome to receive this Sacrament and share citizenship in the Covenant, membership in Christ, and redemption by God. Each candidate for Holy Baptism is to be sponsored by one or more baptized persons. Sponsors of adults and older children present their candidates and thereby signify their endorsement of the candidates and their intention to support them by prayer and example in their Christian life. Sponsors of infants, commonly called godparents, present their candidates, make promises in their own names, and also take vows on behalf of their candidates. Parents and godparents are to be instructed in the meaning of Baptism, in their duties to help the new Christians grow in the knowledge and love of God, and in their responsibilities as members of his Church.
Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist – Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper – is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death and resurrection, until his coming again. We are both physically and spiritually nourished at this meal, and through it we receive forgiveness of our sins, a strengthening of our union with Christ and with one another, and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life. All baptized persons are invited to come and receive this Sacrament.
Confession/Reconciliation
Reconciliation of a Penitent is the rite in which those who repent of their sins may confess them to God in the presence of a priest, and receive the assurance of pardon and the grace of absolution. The Reconciliation of a Penitent is available for all who desire it. It is not restricted to times of sickness. Confessions may be heard anytime and anywhere.
Confirmation
Confirmation is for those who are baptized making a mature commitment to the Church by reaffirming their baptismal vows for the first time.
After participating in classes about the history, tradition, teachings, and experience of The Episcopal Church, adults and high school youth are presented to the Bishop for Confirmation. Through this rite, there is a public statement of one’s faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Classes to prepare individuals for Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation are normally offered in the fall and spring of each year. The timing of these classes is determined by the date for the annual visitation of the Bishop of the Diocese. For more information please contact the church office.
Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism through Confirmation. Those baptized as adults are also expected to make a public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism through Confirmation. An Inquirers’ Series is offered each year before the Bishop’s scheduled visit for confirmation.
Download Youth Confirmation Form
Download Adult Confirmation Form
Membership
Membership Means Ministry
All baptized Christians are called to share in the ministry of the Church, according to their gifts. The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church.
You are invited to explore the many ministries at St. George’s and the ways in which you may share your gifts in this worshipping community and to the glory of God.
How to Become A Member of St. George's
1. HOLY BAPTISM
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is administered to adults and to the children whose parents seek a relationship with Christ in the fellowship of St. George’s. We celebrate Holy Baptism around the times of Easter, Pentecost, All Saints Sunday, the feast of the Baptism of our Lord, and on other Sundays as scheduled by the Rector. For more information on becoming a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church, please contact the church office or Priest-in-Charge.
2. LETTER OF TRANSFER
Any person who has been a member of another Episcopal church or any other part of the Anglican Communion may become a member of this parish by indicating on the New Member Registration form that a Letter of Transfer should be sent to their former church.
3. CONFIRMATION OR RECEPTION
In the Episcopal Church it is expected that all adult members will, after appropriate instruction, make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their Baptism and will be Confirmed or Received by a Bishop of the Church. Confirmation or Reception grants one the privilege of voting in parish business sessions and holding elected office. Adults and youth who are able to make a mature affirmation of faith may prepare for Confirmation through a series of classes offered by the Rector. More information may be obtained by contacting the Church Office.
Baptized persons who have been Confirmed by a bishop in a Christian Church within the historic episcopate (such as the Roman Catholic or Orthodox Church) or by a bishop of a Church in communion with the Episcopal Church (such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) are, after appropriate instruction, Received by a bishop into this Church.
Marriage/Weddings
We welcome your interest in beginning your life as a married couple at our church. We encourage those who wish to enter into the life-long union of Christian marriage, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows, to contact Mother Dorothy (dorothy@stgeorgesgermantown.org). Please call the Church Office for general information. This solemn and public covenant between these two persons in the presence of God must conform to the laws of the State and the canons of the Episcopal Church.
We understand through our Catechism (outline of the faith) that Holy Matrimony is Christian marriage, in which a couple enter into a life-long union, make their vows before God and the Church, and receive the grace and blessing of God to help them fulfill their vows. This solemn and public covenant between these two persons in the presence of God. must conform to the laws of the State and the canons of the Episcopal Church.
Services for members of the St. George’s worshipping community and persons who have been baptized or confirmed at St. George’s but who have not established another church home may be held at the church, upon arrangement with the clergy. Our clergy stand ready to help you with the planning of services and suggestions for appropriate readings, hymns and music. All of our wedding forms, the text of the service and the recommended readings can be found here.
Additionally, fees for our wedding consultant, organist and other costs are outlined. Vocal or instrumental soloists may be available, if desired; our organist will assist with those arrangements and with coordinating those persons, and will advise of the remuneration for each.
St. George’s clergy will officiate at all services held at St. George’s Church. Guest clergy who are friends or members of the family may be invited to take part in services which are held at St. George’s, upon consultation with the Rector.
St. George’s clergy may be available to officiate at services which are held at other locations, including outdoor locations. The couple should contact the clergy as soon as possible in order to make arrangements for the services.
Handbook for Couples The Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage
Provisions to Address Marriage Equality in the Diocese of West Tennessee
Healing Service
Holy Unction is the rite of anointing the sick with oil, or the laying on of hands, by which God’s grace is given for the healing of spirit, mind and body. The Daughters of the King and clergy offer healing prayers following the 10:30 a.m. service on the third Sunday of each month. This service is designed to bring peace and the healing of mind and body to those who attend. It involves the “laying on” of hands for those who wish to come forward and experience the great gift of God’s healing and solace.
Ordination
Ordination is the rite in which God gives authority and the grace of the Holy Spirit to those being made bishops, priests and deacons, through prayer and the laying on of hands by bishops.
Funerals
The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This joy, however, does not make human grief unchristian. The very love we have for each other in Christ brings deep sorrow when we are parted by death. Jesus himself wept at the grave of his friend. So, while we rejoice that one we love has entered in to the nearer presence of our Lord, we sorrow in sympathy with those who mourn. – The Book of Common Prayer, p. 507
The death of a member of the Church should be reported as soon as possible to the church office. Our clergy and pastoral care team members wish to be in communication with you so that we may offer the ministry of prayers and presence. Additionally, our Pastoral Care team members can offers support in the form of calls, cards, visits, meals or flowers, and arrangements can be made for you to receive Communion from our priests or our Lay Eucharistic Visitors. Our clergy are available to meet with you when necessary, whether at your home, the church or a funeral home.
Services for members of the St. George’s worshipping community and those to be interred in St. George’s Columbarium may be held at the church, upon arrangement with the clergy. Our clergy stand ready to help you with the planning of services and suggestions for appropriate readings and hymns. The burial service can be found in the Book of Common Prayer (pages 468-489, for Rite I, and pages 490-505, for Rite II). Our letter to families and guide for planning services can be found here: . Planning notes and a planning checklist can be found on pages 17-19 of the guide.
If you do wish to have the services of an organist, a $150 remuneration will be required. Vocal or instrumental soloists may be available, if desired; our organist will assist with those arrangements and with coordinating those persons, and he will advise of the remuneration for each.
Our Daughters of the King will provide coffee, water and very light refreshments in the library for a visitation before or small family reception following the service. For larger gatherings which require the use of the Parish Hall, a $100 remuneration is offered for our sexton, for set-up and clean up.
Our Flower Guild will create a floral arrangement for the church; a $50 donation is requested.
St. George’s clergy will officiate at all services held at St. George’s Church. Guest clergy who are friends or members of the family may be invited to take part in services which are held at St. George’s, upon consultation with the Rector.
St. George’s clergy may be available to officiate at services for family members of parishioners which are held at funeral homes or chapels. The family should contact the clergy as soon as possible in order to make arrangements for the services.
Additional information about St. George’s Columbarium can be found by below. The Columbarium Agreement can also be found below. Please contact the church office (754-7282) with any questions.
Download Columbarium Rules and Regs
Download Columbarium Agreement
Updated Funerals and Memorials Letter to Families
Friends of the Columbarium
