Introduction to the Christian Faith, United Methodism & Vows of Membership
Sundays at 10:10am - March 2, March 9, March 16
Three Sessions for church membership included the following study topics:
Vows of Membership | click to read |
Historical Story of Our United Methodist Roots
........... Roots, 1736 -1816
........... The Churches Grow, 1817 -1843 | more|
........... General Conference approves new church in Nation's Capitol | more |
........... The Slavery Questions and Civil War, 1844 - 1865
........... Reconstruction, Prosperity, and New Issues, 1866 - 1913
........... World War and More Change, 1914 - 1939
........... Movement Toward Union, 1940 -1967
United Methodist Doctrine
........... Our Distinctive Heritage as United Methodists
........... Wesleyan Empasis - Grace pervades our understanding of Christian faith and life
........... Prevenient Grace - Justification and Assurance - Sanctification and Perfection
........... Mission and Service - Personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world.
........... Nature & Mission of the Church - "There is no religion but social religion, no holiness but social holiness."
........... The General Rules of the United Societies | more |
...........
Introduction:
Brothers and sisters in Christ: Through the Sacrament of Baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy church. We are incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God’s gift, offered to us without price. Through the reaffirmation of our faith, we renew the covenant declared at our baptism, acknowledge what God is doing for us, and affirm our commitment to Christ’s holy church.
Questions of Faith:
On behalf of the whole church, I ask you:
Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
I do.
Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord, in union with the church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races?
I do.
According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ’s holy church and serve as Christ’s representatives in the world?
I will.
As members of Christ’s universal church, will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries?
I will.
As members of this congregation, will you faithfully participate in its ministries by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?
I will.
Introduction of the New Members
Members of the household of God, I commend these persons to your love and care. Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.
We rejoice to welcome you as members of Christ’s holy church and bid you welcome to this congregation of the United Methodist Church. With you, we renew our vows to uphold it by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service.
*With God’s help, we will so order our lives after the example of Christ that surrounded by steadfast love, you may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.*
Pastors and congregational representative greet new members.
