New Member Classes are held throughout the year to explore life at North United Methodist Church and the history and beliefs of the United Methodist Chruch. Classes are a prerequisite for membership, but all are welcome whether or not they are presently considering membership.

The first new member class in 2008 will run from Sunday, January 20 until Sunday, February 17. For more information on attending these classes, contact Lisa Schubert at 924-2612 or lschubert@northchurhcindy.com.

The Benefits of Membership

Communicating the value of membership.

It used to be the “thing to do”. Now it represents one’s commitment to the Lord. It is an act of commitment.

There are numerous benefits to membership:

• It identifies a person as a genuine follower of Christ
• It provides a spiritual family to support and encourage them in their walk with Christ
• It give you a place to discover and use your gifts in ministry
• It give you the accountability you need to grow

Also at North Church you will experience:

• Worship that helps you focus on God and prepares/inspires you for the week ahead
• Great fellowship and make connections you need to face life’s problems with support and encouragement from other Christians
• The opportunity to develop as a Christian… finding your gifts and strengths to offer God in the way that is best for you
• A congregation that loves and respects all people

Overall, at North Church you can have a fulfilling worship experience, friendly fellowship, a sense of community and know that you are a part of a big, yet growing, family.

Responsibilities of Membership

What do we expect from you? To be involved! That means:

• Attend worship regularly unless out of town or ill.
• Participate in at least one activity each year aimed at helping you to grow in faith apart from worship attendance, Sunday School, Bible study, retreats, short-term classes, Bible study at home or in the community, etc.).
• Give of your time in Christian service at least once each year through a ministry in the church.
• Give financially in proportion to your income with the goal of tithing.

What are membership requirements in
The United Methodist Church?

When persons unite 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 that are 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 Testaments,

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, their presence, their gifts, and their service.

Faithful membership in the local church is essential for personal growth and for developing and increasing sensitivity to the will and grace of God. As members involve themselves in private and public prayer, worship, the Sacraments, study, Christian action, systematic giving, and holy discipline, they grow in their appreciation of Christ, understanding of God at work in history and the natural order, and an understanding of themselves.

Faithful participation in the corporate life of the congregation is an obligation of the Christian to fellow members of the Body of Christ. A member is bound in sacred covenant to shoulder the burdens, share the risks, and celebrate the joys of fellow members. A Christian is called to speak the truth in love, always ready to confront conflict in the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

A member of the United Methodist Church is to be a servant of Christ on mission in the local and world-wide community. This servanthood is performed in family life, daily work, recreations and social activities, responsible citizenship, the issues of corporate life, and all attitudes toward other persons. Participation in disciplined groups is an expected part of personal mission involvement. Each member is called upon to be a witness for the Christ in the world, a light and leaven in society, and a reconciler in a culture of conflict. Each member is to identify with the agony and suffering of the world and to radiate and exemplify the Christ of hope.

For more info on North Church, click here.

For info on United Methodist History, click here.