How To Join

Gethsemane is a place where new people easily come through the door, make friends, and worship God.  Having said that we also want everyone in the church (members and non-members alike) to have many opportunities to go deeper in their faith.  We want to be soft around the edges and solid at the core. 

Walking Through the Door
We are open to all sorts and conditions of people joining us in worship and fellowship.  All people are welcome at our worship services, and we practice open communion, welcoming all Christians to receive the bread and wine, the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Any adult is welcome to attend our Bible studies or other programs offered throughout the year.  And all children are welcome to participate in our Sunday School, Vacation Bible Schools, and children’s chapel.  People are invited to continue in this newcomer status for as long as is right for them.  Sometimes non-members continue participating in an Episcopal Church for a fairly long period of time without actually joining the church; we respect conscience and the need for time in making new commitments. 

Joining the Church, Formally Becoming a Member
To formally become a member of Gethsemane, you simply have to be a baptized Christian and express your desire for membership to the Deans and Cathedral office.  If you (or your children) are not already baptized, then the Deans will explain the sacrament to you and schedule a time for baptism.  Typically the Deans will offer an evening or Saturday class for all new members that covers the basics of the organization and beliefs of the Episcopal Church and the history of Gethsemane.  Membership means participating as fully as you can in the common life of the church.  Members are encouraged to give of their time, talent and treasure for the expansion of God’s work at Gethsemane Cathedral. 

Episcopalians who transfer to Gethsemane from another Episcopal congregation are asked to complete a letter of transfer form which goes to their old parish.  Sometimes person of other denominations, particularly Lutherans, also complete such a form.  This helps your former church know where you are, and that you are continuing your commitment to Christ. 

The New Member Welcome Ceremony is optional (but encouraged).  This is simply an opportunity for new members to stand up at the Peace during a Sunday service and publicly affirm that they want to be members.  The congregation then welcomes the new members.  It is a simple and good way for new people to become known in the church.  We can do this New Member Welcome Ceremony on any Sunday. 

Going Deeper:  Re-Committing Your Life to Christ
Whenever the Bishop comes there is a special opportunity to re-commit your life to Christ.  Sometimes this is just right for a new member or for a person who has had a deep faith experience.  Sometimes this action is right for longtime members who have found their faith renewed. 

The Bishop asks two questions of persons in this ceremony:

            Question:  Do you reaffirm your renunciation of evil? 
            Answer:  I do.

            Question:  Do you renew your commitment to Jesus Christ?
            Answer:  I do, and with God’s grace I will follow him as my Savior and Lord. 

These simple but life-changing questions are followed by short prayers for the power of the Holy Spirit to fill the persons who have renewed their promises. 

If you would like to become a member of Gethsemane, please call the church office at 701-232-3394
 or contact us by e-mail.

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