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St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church ELCA

 "DOORS" OF ENTRANCE 
 

Welcome

Lutheran Beliefs

Becoming a Member

 

PARISH NEWS & NOTES

 

Church Calendar

 

Pastor's Message

 

Visitor Information

 

Opportunities

Serving

Learning

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Children & Youth

Retreats & Camps

Wednesday Night Ministry

 

Music

 
Preschool / Parents Morning Out
 
Duke Lutherans Website
 

History

 

FAITH FORWARD

 
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View Our Photo Albums

 

ELCA Information & Links

 

Staff & Leaders

 

Links

God makes Christians
Worship
Pray
Grow in Faith
Use Your Gifts
Stay Informed and Offer Support
Be Open to the Holy Spirit
"Doors" of Entrance
Membership Transfer
Inquirers Classes
Catechumenate
Confirmation
Schedule
Are you thinking about joining St. Paul’s and wondering what to expect and how to go about it? Or, perhaps you have already decided to join – what an exciting decision you have made! Joining St. Paul’s signifies that you are:
  • accepting God’s invitation to nurture a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ, the head of the church
  • making a commitment to become interdependent with other members of the body of Christ
  • affirming that you intend to move forward on a journey of Christian growth and service

Most people who join a church have high hopes and expectations of what membership will mean. You can find new friends, become involved, active, and a vital member of the congregation. But it is partly up to you!


Worship
o Make regular worship a priority in your life. Worship is at the heart of your spiritual journey and your relationship with God and with other church members.

Pray
o Prayer with others at worship and privately will build and enrich your life with God. Think of prayer as "networking" with God to discern the heart of God. Be intentional about taking time to talk with God.

Grow in Faith
o Bible study can be an enriching opportunity for you. Studying the Bible helps us to know God. The Holy Spirit works as we read and study God’s Word and you will begin to grow in your knowledge of God.

Use Your Gifts
o Get involved! God has given you gifts–abilities, time, unique qualities, possessions–to build up the body of Christ and to care for the whole creation. Answering God’s call to ministry and discovering and using your gifts for these purposes can give joy and satisfaction to you and others.

Stay Informed and Offer Support
o Read the information that is available–Parish Notes in the weekly bulletin, Cross Connections which is the monthly newsletter, special mailings and announcements, bulletin board information, the web site, etc. Stay informed and make a concerted effort to support the staff and leaders. Be willing to offer your support in constructive and enthusiastic ways.

Be Open to the Holy Spirit
o Trust the Holy Spirit to lead you into new and exciting areas. As you worship, pray, study, serve, give, and support, you will discover unexpected blessings and the joy of sharing your faith with others. May each step you take help you to live faithfully and fully as a child of God.

"Doors" of Entrance
Membership Transfer
o Lutherans in good standing from another ELCA congregation can be transferred by letter from their previous congregation. To become informed about St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, it is recommended that you to attend the Inquirer’s Classes.

Inquirers Classes
o These informational classes are for any individual wishing to learn more of the Lutheran Church, but particularly for those persons who are preparing to join the church. Dates and times of classes are posted on a regular basis.

Catechumenate
o The Catechumenate is a process by which unbaptized adults are prepared for entrance into the community of faith through baptism. The process implies an ongoing, ever-evolving ministry rather than a structured program. Several people are involved in this process: the pastor, the catechist (lay person who serves as the teacher), sponsors (one per candidate), and the candidates.

Confirmation
o The Affirmation of Baptism for youth typically in grades 7-9 is referred to as Confirmation. Classes are held each week during the Sunday School time, with the pastor overseeing instruction, along with the Minister of Education and Youth.

The Church is called to Making and Sustaining Disciples


Schedule
o New members will be welcomed into the community of St. Paul’s at various times throughout the year in groups affirming their baptism. Inquirers Classes will be held in preparation for membership. Dates and times of classes will be announced and all persons are welcome to attend.

If you desire any further information, please contact Pastor Colley or the church office.

We will be happy to answer any question you may have.

 

 

1200 West Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC 27705-5731
Phone: (919) 489-3214    Fax: (919) 490-1088


  E-mail Pastor    E-mail Church Office   

E-mail Minister of Education & Youth      E-mail Minister of Music 

E-mail Lutheran Campus Minister

E-mail Assistant to the Pastor