Know God. Love God. Serve God.
Everyone who believes and accepts the forgiveness and wholeness that comes from Jesus Christ is welcome to participate in Holy Communion. You need not be a member of this church or any church. Children and adults may take communion. Holy Communion is typically celebrated the first Sunday of the month in worship.
“Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another.” We believe that in Holy Communion we join the risen Christ around his table and that by his presence we are nurtured for a life of faithful service. Holy Communion is primarily offered through pieces of broken bread that you dip into a cup of grape juice. Gluten-free wafers are available.
In baptism we acknowledge that we are beloved children of God. Baptism is our opportunity to pledge our faith and love for God and acknowledge that through God’s Holy Spirit we are transformed for new life.
We believe that baptism is right at any age, from infant to adult. Adults and youth, who have not yet been baptized, are welcome to profess their faith in Jesus Christ and be baptized. Children and others who cannot yet make decisions for themselves are presented for baptism by parents or guardians. By their profession of faith, they vow to nurture their loved ones in the Christian faith and bring them to the point where they can take the Baptism vows themselves.
Baptisms are performed with the community of faith present so that the church might also vow to support the baptized. Baptism is performed by an ordained elder of the church and can be done by sprinkling (water on the top of the head), pouring or immersion.
If you are interested in baptism for your child or yourself, we celebrate this decision and God’s grace working in your life. Please contact the church for more information.
You do not need to be a member of the church to participate in Holy Communion, baptism, or any group, class, program or service project.
If you are prepared to profess your faith in Jesus Christ, to commit to First United Methodist Church’s mission and vision and to be part of a core of supporters and decision-makers for the work of the church, we welcome you to membership. By becoming a member you accept the mission and vision of First United Methodist Church and agree to support it through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness. As a member you accept that God is working in your life to make a difference in the lives of others.
If you are currently a member of another church, speak to one of our pastors about transferring your membership. If you are becoming a member of a church for the first time, we invite you to learn more about membership and our church by taking a membership class; a small group using James Harnish’s A Disciple’s Path.
Youth in 8th grade and older are invited to take part in Confirmation classes at our Brighton Campus (Spring) in preparation for becoming a member. Confirmation class participants may choose take the vows of baptism for themselves and become members of the church.