Loving God - Creating Hope - Changing Lives
What is the Meaning of Membership?
When persons unite (known as joining) with a local United Methodist church, they profess their faith in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Spirit. They covenant together with God and with the members of the local church to keep the vows which are a part of the order of confirmation and reception into the Church:
- To confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and pledge their allegiance to His kingdom;
- To receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament;
- To promise according to the grace given them to live a Christian life and always remain faithful members of Christ's Holy Church; and
- To be loyal to The United Methodist Church and uphold it by their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
Why be a member?
God seeks a personal relationship with each one of us. Church membership is one way to welcome that invitation.
What can our church expect of its members?
+ Their Prayers... for the life and ministry of the St. Paul's UMC... for the support of the church family, the community, and the world.
+ Their Presence... in worship services each week... education and service groups.
+ Their Gifts... in financial support of the church’s budget and missions... in their individual, unique talents.
+ Their Service... in ministry and mission... in fellowship and caring.
+ Their Witness... remember, everything you do is evangelism.
What can our members expect of the church?
+ Heart-felt worship and ministry.
+ Christian education spanning the total age range of its members.
+ Opportunities and challenges to serve God within and beyond the local church.
+ A gathering of people with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, where everyone may not agree, but all will be heard, as we strive to live and grow in Christian community.
+ Visits by the pastor or church volunteers during times of need.
Ways to Become a Member at St. Paul's United Methodist Church We are eager for you to be an active member of our church family. There are several ways you can become a Full Member of St. Paul's UMC:
Profession of Faith and Baptism: If you have never been baptized, our pastor will be happy to meet with you in your home or at the church to discuss the meaning of baptism and making a profession of faith as a Christian.
By Restoration of Membership and Renewal of Vows: If you are no longer a member of a church, your baptism will be honored and you can reaffirm your vow of church membership and become a member of St. Paul's UMC.
By Transfer From Another United Methodist Church: If you are a member of another United Methodist congregation, the church office can write requesting a letter of transfer to St. Paul's UMC. This holds true for many other denominations. For those who do not issue letters of transfer, a letter announcement can be sent to your church notifying them of your acceptance into St. Paul's UMC membership.
By Transfer From Another Christian Denomination: Since you are already baptized and confirmed, these steps will not be repeated. You will be asked to take the one vow taken by all members of the United Methodist Church: "Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness?"
By Transfer of Your Membership From a Denomination that will not accept your transferring across denominational lines: Your baptism is accepted. You will be reconfirmed in a process called Renewal of Vows.