Join Trinity
Baptism is belonging. Membership is living that belonging out.
Not Yet Baptized?
Meet with Fr. Chris to explore the Christian faith and prepare for baptism. You'll learn about the baptismal covenant, Episcopal tradition, and what it means to publicly affirm your faith.
Baptism is the sacrament that fully incorporates you into the Church and establishes your membership.
Learn About BaptismAlready Baptized?
Attend a New Member Class to learn about Episcopal faith, the baptismal covenant, and life at Trinity. We'll cover confirmation, reception, ways to serve, and how to connect.
Everyone establishing membership at Trinity—including transfers from other Episcopal parishes—attends this class.
Sign Up for Class
You Are Sealed by the Holy Spirit
"The bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble" — Book of Common Prayer
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is full initiation into the Body of Christ and the Church.
In the waters of baptism, God lovingly adopts us into God's family. We are given God's own life to share, and reminded that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ.
The Book of Common Prayer affirms that "the bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble." This means baptism happens once—it's a permanent mark of belonging to God.
People of any age are welcome to be baptized. Whether you're an infant, child, teenager, or adult, God's promise in baptism is the same: you are claimed, named, and loved forever.
Infants (0-2 years)
Parents and godparents make promises on behalf of the child, committing to raise them in the Christian faith. The congregation pledges support.
Young Children (3-12 years)
Children around age 3-4 and older can decide for themselves if they want baptism. We view this as when children can make their own choice about faith.
Youth (13-17 years)
Youth preparing for baptism explore what it means to publicly commit to Christ and participate in the church community.
Adults (18+ years)
Adult baptism is a full and equal expression of this sacrament. Many adults discover Christian faith later in life and celebrate baptism as their entry into the Church.
Initial Conversation
Contact Fr. Chris to discuss baptism and schedule your preparation
Preparation
Learn about the baptismal covenant, Episcopal tradition, and what it means to affirm faith publicly
The Baptism
Celebrated during Sunday Eucharist with the full community present to welcome you
The Baptism Process at Trinity
What You'll Need:
Full name of person being baptized, date and place of birth, parent names (if applicable), and full names of sponsors or godparents.
Preferred dates: Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints' Day, or the Feast of Jesus' Baptism (January). However, any Sunday with Eucharist is acceptable.
Common Baptism Questions
No! In fact, baptism is what makes you a member. Getting baptized and having it recorded in our register is what establishes membership at Trinity.
No, though we encourage attending for a few weeks so the community can get to know you. In baptism, the congregation promises to support you in faith—and it helps if they know who they're making promises for.
We recognize all Christian baptisms done with water in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you've already been baptized in another Christian church, you don't need to be re-baptized. We simply transfer or record your baptismal information.
No. The Book of Common Prayer directs that baptism happen during Sunday Eucharist. We believe baptism is full initiation into the Church, and the community needs to be present to welcome the newly baptized. Private baptisms are only for emergencies when someone is about to die.
The Book of Common Prayer suggests four particularly appropriate times: Easter Vigil, Pentecost, All Saints Sunday, and the Baptism of Our Lord (January). However, baptisms can happen on any Sunday when there is a candidate.
If you were baptized but have no documentation, we can still proceed with recording your membership. In some cases, we may perform a conditional baptism using the formula: "If you are not already baptized, I baptize you..." This respects any prior baptism while ensuring the sacrament is administered.
Godparents (sponsors) should be baptized Christians who can model faith for the baptized person. At least one godparent should be confirmed in the Episcopal Church or ready to be received. We require at least one godparent but recommend no more than three.
Baptism is full initiation into the Church—it makes you a member. Confirmation is a later rite (usually in teenage years) where you publicly reaffirm the promises made at baptism and receive the laying on of hands by a bishop. Confirmation is not required for membership; baptism alone establishes that.
Emergency Baptisms
If an unbaptized person is about to die, contact Fr. Chris at (605) 881-8153.
If death is imminent and Fr. Chris cannot be reached, any baptized Christian can perform an emergency baptism by pouring water on the person's head while saying:
“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another.”
— Romans 12:5
Membership at Trinity
Membership isn't about dues—it's about baptism.
In the Episcopal Church, membership flows from the sacrament of Holy Baptism. When you're baptized, you're welcomed into the universal body of Christ—a family that transcends denominations and history.
The Book of Common Prayer affirms that "the bond which God establishes in Baptism is indissoluble." At Trinity, as with all Episcopal Churches, membership means having your baptismal record on file and being part of our parish community.
How Membership Works
Attend Class
Join us for a Sunday afternoon to explore Episcopal faith and Trinity's community
Transfer Records
We record or transfer your baptismal information—you're now a member!
Public Welcome
Affirm your membership during Sunday worship as the congregation welcomes you
Ready to Join the Next Class?
Classes are offered twice a year. Contact our office for the next session.
What Membership Looks Like
Living into the Baptismal Covenant through worship, formation, service, and witness
Understanding the Terms
Member
Anyone baptized whose baptism is recorded at Trinity
Communicant
Members who have received Holy Communion at Trinity at least three times in the past year
Communicant in Good Standing
Communicants who are faithful in worship, working, praying, and giving for God's kingdom. These members are eligible for leadership roles like serving on the Vestry
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're exploring baptism or ready to join as a member, we'd love to walk with you.