If you are interested in becoming a member of First United Methodist Church, you are invited to join Pastor Melissa McDuffee at the front of the sanctuary, chapel, or youth building during our invitation at the end of worship each Sunday. You may also contact our church office for more information about beginning your journey to church membership. The following are responses to several of the most frequently asked questions about membership in our church.

Baptism is a symbol of new life and a sign of God’s love and forgiveness. In Baptism, we are claimed by God as beloved members of God’s family.  As such, we believe that persons of any age can be baptized.  

 

DO I HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED TO JOIN THE CHURCH?

All members of the United Methodist Church are baptized Christians, which means that when you come to join, you may do so with a profession of faith which will include a time of baptism. If you have already been baptized, at any age or in any Christian denomination, we recognize and receive your baptism and welcome you into our membership as a transfer from another Christian church. If you or a member of your family would like to schedule a baptism, you may do so by contacting Pastor Melissa McDuffee.

 

WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF MEMBERS?

Members of all United Methodist churches are asked to commit to the following categories of Christian living.

• Prayers: Members commit to pray for our church, our community and our world.

• Presence: Members commit to be present in worship and other opportunities where they can grow in their faith.

• Giving: Members commit to financially support the mission and ministry of the church through regular offering.

• Service: Members commit to find a place where they can serve and be a part of the work that the church is doing locally, regionally and around our world.

• Witness: Members commit to living and sharing a life of faith that reflects their commitment to Christ.

 

WHAT ABOUT MY KIDS?

We take very seriously our commitment to partner with families in the process of nurturing children into Christian faith. We believe it is one of the most important things we do as a community of faith. Children who join our church with their families are called constituent members in anticipation of Confirmation, a class for our 6th graders (or older students who have not been through Confirmation) where they are introduced to the basics of Christian faith and church membership. At the conclusion of confirmation, these young people are confirmed as full members of our church.

 

SO, WHAT'S THE NEXT STEP?

If you have questions about church membership, please contact Pastor Melissa McDuffee. If you're ready to make a membership commitment, please join us in worship.