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?
Becoming a member of Union Memorial is not just joining a local congregation. It is becoming part of a connectional church that spans the entire globe in its mission of "making disciple of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world" and shares its resources for the purpose of impacting positive change wherever God leads us. As such the church is larger than just our local congregation.
As United Methodists we believe the first steps to becoming a member are being baptized and committing to active participation in the local church community.
It is our hope that having worshipped with us, attended an activity or event that we have hosted, served alongside us in outreach project or spent time getting to know our Union Memorail family that the Spirit of God will confirm to you and your family that this is the place for you to continue your journey of faith and use your God-given talents, skills and gifts to make a difference in the kingdom.
If that is the case simply, notify our Pastor, our Membership Care Coordinator Helen Copeland or any member of the Union Memorial Family of your readiness to take the next steps.
Becoming A Member of the Family
Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. In baptism, we are initiated into the Christian church and incorporated into the community of God's people, the body of Christ. Those who have never been baptized will receive the Sacrament of Baptism before becoming members. Those previously baptized will reaffirm the Baptismal Covenant as part of their membership vows.
Our New Members Class is for the purpose of you learning not only about Union Memorial, but also the United Methodist Church as a whole, from our Wesleyan Heritage to our doctrine and polity. You'll get a chance to see how what happens in Baltimore is connected to what is happening in Zimbabwe. Not only will we talk about the commitment that you are about to make as a member, but we will also engage in dialogue about how you are called to be a disciple through looking at our Social Principles, which guide us as we seek to live out our faith in the world around us.
This class is 6 weeks and normally occurs on Sunday mornings 1 hour prior to the start of the worship experience.
Upon completion of New Members Class, a date will be selected for you to be received into the Union Memorial Family during our Sunday morning worship experience. If you haven't been baptized that will take place at this time as well or a renewal of the Baptismal Conventant will occur for those who have. This will be an opportunity for you to invite family and friends to join with you in the celebration of this momentous occasion. You will be asked to make your declaration of intention to be a member of the United Methodist Church.
You will also be asked to accept the responsibility that comes with being a member of our local church through the faithful participation in its ministries with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
Lastly, you will be join with the members of the Union Memorial Family to affirm you commitment carrying out our mission of "seeking, serving and standing in solidarity with our neighbors". And with that you are officially part of the family...WELCOME HOME TO UNION!
INNER FAMILY NETWORK
FAITH circles
Keeping You Connected & Informed
Upon joining the Union Memorial Family, all new members are assigned to Faith Circles, which are groups established for the purpose of helping individuals or families get acclimated to the life of the church, build relationships with other members, cultivate a means of accountability for discipleship and to stay up-to date on important matters in the life of the church. For more information, click below.