New Member Sunday

On Sunday, September 20, we will welcome new members into the McPherson First UMC family during both worship services. That morning falls inside our five-week sermon series, Five Promises, so people who just say yes to the membership promises hear those same promises unpacked in depth week by week. The timing is intentional. New members do not just say the words; they learn what the words mean.

At McPherson First, we are forming disciples of Jesus Christ who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. If you have been worshiping with us and want to make this your church home, we would love to welcome you as a member.

What happens that morning. The service includes the historic membership questions, baptism for anyone who has not yet been baptized, reception into the United Methodist Church, and a welcome from the whole congregation. Your previous baptism (in any Christian tradition) is recognized. You only need to be baptized once.

The promises you will make. When you join, you commit to five spiritual practices that shape how we grow as disciples:

• Prayers: connecting with God through prayer, scripture, and listening.
  • Goal: daily conversation with God that shapes how you live.
• Presence: showing up for worship and the life of the church.
  • Goal: weekly worship and involvement in a small group or class.
• Gifts: giving financially to support the church’s mission.
  • Goal: tithing (10% of income) given regularly.
• Service: finding where you’re called to serve and giving yourself to it.
  • Goal: regular volunteering using your unique gifts.
• Witness: sharing your faith through words and actions.
  • Goal: naturally inviting others and living your faith visibly.

The promises are not about perfection. They are about growing together in faith, each at our own pace, supporting one another along the way. The Five Promises sermon series walks through one promise per week from September 13 through October 11, so the promises you make on September 20 keep unfolding through the rest of the series.

A natural next step: Grace Groups. A small circle of people meeting weekly for one hour to watch over one another in love. Groups form at the start of a season and stay together through it, so they begin together rather than adding people week by week. The fall season runs Wednesdays through November 18, and the next season opens in January with a come-and-see night, so you can find out what a Grace Group is before joining one. Tell Pastor Andrew you are interested and he will make sure you know when that night is set.

How to join.

1. Express interest. Complete our interest form by Sunday, September 6, two weeks before New Member Sunday.
2. Meet with Pastor Andrew. He will reach out to schedule a conversation, review the five promises, and walk through the questions you will answer during the service.
3. Join on New Member Sunday. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early and sit near the front. Invite family and friends.

Already a member of another United Methodist congregation or another Christian denomination? The process is the same. We would love to welcome you. Curious about confirmation for an 8th grader, or about baptism for yourself or a child? Contact the church office and we'll talk it through.

Learn more about membership, the five promises, and Grace Groups on our Next Steps page. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.