When you feel that you would like to join St. Thomas' Parish officially, we will be very happy to welcome you.  Please contact our Parish Secretary at 202.332.0607 or a member of the Inclusion Committee to receive further information about new member programs. Confirmed Episcopalians entering or leaving the parish are asked to obtain a Letter of Transfer in order to transfer membership to or from the parish.  While everyone is welcome to worship, participate in Parish programs and ministries, and consider St. Thomas' his or her spiritual home, there are certain requirements that must be fulfilled to satisfy the official definition of a member of St. Thomas'.

 Why Should I Become a Member of St. Thomas' Parish?

Finding a faith community can be difficult, but when you find the right one, you know you are home. Making a formal commitment to a faith community is an important step on a journey of faith. Membership provides a point of reference from which you can venture out on a life-long journey of faith. Membership also brings you into a fellowship of other members - fellow pilgrims - who are on faith journeys of their own. The Christian life is a life lived by faith-filled individuals who gather as a community of faith in Christ. Being a member helps foster an ever-growing community that provides a safe place to ask questions and listen for the voice of our loving and living God.

Who can be a member of St. Thomas' Parish?

Membership at St. Thomas' Parish is open to all baptized Christians. Whether you were baptized in the Episcopal Church or in another Christian denomination, you are welcome to join St. Thomas' Parish.

What if I have never been baptized or confirmed?

First, you are certainly welcome here at St. Thomas' Parish! Second, we encourage you to explore and learn more by attending Newcomer luncheons and Education and Formation events. If you like what you find there, we happily invite you to consider our Inquirer's Class which is offered twice a year. These two steps will help you determine if you would like to be baptized or confirmed in the Episcopal Church. Those who complete the classes will be baptized and/or confirmed at the National Cathedral.

Is Membership required to attend services?

No. Everyone is welcome at services! Membership is not required if you want to serve on committees, or if you want to be married here or have your child baptized here. However, Membership is required if you want to serve on the Vestry. We hope that all who consider St. Thomas' to be their spiritual home will consider making a formal commitment and become a member.

What does a Member have to do?

There are five requirements for becoming a Member of St. Thomas' Parish:

1. Baptism & Confirmation -- Membership is open to all baptized people whether baptized in the Episcopal Church or another Christian denomination. You will need to register your baptism with St. Thomas' Parish. If you have a copy of your baptismal certificate, or if you need to obtain one from the church where you were baptized, our secretary will happily help you register your baptism with St. Thomas'. If you are a member of another Episcopal Church, then the registration of your baptism comes in the form of a Letter of Transfer. A Letter of Transfer from your former parish will register your baptism at Trinity.
2. Regular Attendance -- Membership is all about involvement. The most important involvement in any church is worship.
3. Invest Time -- Whether it's a worship service or a volunteer opportunity, Membership takes time. We know that time is the great commodity of our world, but the only way to truly be a part of a faith community is to spend time within it. Time is God's gift to us for life and love. How better to show our thankfulness for life and love than by giving back some of our time to God?
4. Invest Talent -- Every Christian has unique talents that God has given them and which God calls us to use. At St. Thomas', the many opportunities for faith exploration and faithful service allow us to discern our Vocations - our callings to serve the world. Membership at St. Thomas' Parish means a commitment to find and invest your God-given talents.
5. Pledge Annually -- Without the annual pledges of our parishioners, St. Thomas' would never be able to offer the many spiritual resources we do. Annual Pledges help us budget for the year, and offer each of us a chance to renew our commitment to the work of St. Thomas' Parish .