New Member Sunday

On Sunday, January 24, we’ll welcome new members into the McPherson First UMC family during both worship services. If you’ve been worshiping with us and want to make this your church home, we’d love to welcome you as a member.

At McPherson First, we’re forming disciples of Jesus Christ who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. Joining the church is how you say yes to growing in that life with people who will walk with you. Ready to take the step? Complete the interest form by Sunday, January 10 and Pastor Andrew will be in touch.

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

The promises you’ll make. Members promise to take part in the ministries of the church by their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service, and their witness.

• Prayers: You talk with God and listen for God, in prayer and in scripture.
• Presence: You show up for worship and for the life of the church.
• Gifts: You give money to support the church’s mission. You start where you can and grow toward tithing.
• Service: You find where God is calling you to serve and you give yourself to it.
• Witness: You tell people what God has done for you, and you live in a way that backs it up.

Nobody arrives at membership already living all five well. The promises name where you’re headed, not where you have to be standing before you start.

A natural next step: Grace Groups. A small circle of people meeting weekly for one hour to watch over one another in love. The spring season is already underway, and groups stay together through a season rather than adding people week by week. Tell Pastor Andrew you’re interested and he’ll make sure you know when the next season opens.

How to join.

1. Express interest. Complete our interest form by Sunday, January 10, two weeks before New Member Sunday.
2. Meet with Pastor Andrew. He’ll reach out to schedule a conversation, walk through the five promises, and go over the questions you’ll 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 church? The process is the same, and we’d love to welcome you. Curious 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.