Joining First
If you've been around First Lutheran and have decided it's a community of faith you'd like to call home, we invite you to become a member. We encourage you to participate fully in the life of the church even before your formal membership.
You can indicate your interest in membership by filling out the “blue card” distributed with the worship bulletin and found in the pew rack in the sanctuary. Or contact a member of the church staff to indicate your interest. We will let you know when the next group of new members is formally received and the dates for the new member class called “First Step”. New members are usually received in February, May, August and November.
Download and complete the membership forms and return to the church office.
If you are already a member of another congregation, you will need to contact that congregation (or ask us to make the contact for you) to request a transfer of membership.
If you are not already a member of another congregation just complete the new member forms shown above. If you have already been baptized and/or raised in the Christian faith, your reception into membership will be the same as others'. If you've not been baptized, we will talk with you about baptism and the instruction that is available prior to it.
- “First Step” - is an informal class where you will learn more about First Lutheran's mission, ministries and opportunities. First Step is held between services once a quarter. Those interested in membership are expected to attend.
- New Member Lunch – it’s a free lunch and an opportunity for fellowship. We will provide you with some membership materials, take a tour of the building, take your picture and get you connected with a sponsor--folks committed simply to being available to answer your questions and to being familiar faces (it's always nice to know one or two people by name when you're entering a new community).
- New Member Weekend – members are received at all three of our worship services. Its pretty painless - no memorization or tricky questions. We will invite you to come up front with others to be welcomed and introduced.
Once a year--often in Lent--we host Lutheranism 101, an introductory/refresher course in Lutheran Christianity. The class is open to everyone, and those who've joined in the previous year, or are planning to join, receive a special invitation. It's a helpful way to understand (or be reminded about) some of our fundamental beliefs, practices and heritage, as well as why we do some of the things we do. Additionally, it's one more way to be part of a small group to meet a few more people. The format for the class varies from time to time. We have done a 4-6 week session during the Sunday morning learning hour and have offered it as a three-hour Sunday evening intensive program. Watch for details in the monthly newsletter and on the web.
Why become a member? The only formal aspect of membership is the opportunity to vote and/or be elected to office during congregational meetings. More important, we feel, is the commitment one makes through the act of becoming a member--though a simple enough action, it does lead to more active involvement and greater participation in the life and ministry of the church. |
