Becoming a Member of First Congregational UCC
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How do I get started?
The best way to get started is to come and be part of our journey—worship with us, fellowship with us, learn with us. There is no pressure to join, although we may ask. At First Congregational, we seek to respect one another’s individual spiritual journeys. We take the Bible seriously, not literally. We celebrate two sacraments, baptism and communion. The worshipping community is central to the life of our church, and members are encouraged to attend regularly. One of the best ways to learn more about the congregation is to attend one of our Welcoming Dinners, typically held 2-3 times each year. We share a home-cooked meal and conversation and it's a lovely opportunity to get to know other people who are new to the church as well as those who have been around for many years. For more information about upcoming events, please contact the church office. What’s the process? We typically have a Covenant Celebration 2-3 times each year. During our Sunday worship service we introduce and welcome the new members and we all re-affirm our covenant with one another. If you'd like to know more about membership, please contact Pastor Caela. She can let you know the date of the next Covenant Celebration and would love to set up a meeting to talk with you and answer any questions you might have. |
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What does membership mean? Do I have to believe certain things?
Choosing to become a member of First Congregational is like saying, "Okay. This is my spiritual home. These are my people. This is where I want to anchor my journey." As a part of the United Church of Christ, we are non-creedal church. That means we view creeds and statements of faith as "testimonies not tests." We do not require you to believe any particular set of doctrinal statements. If you've been attending worship with us regularly, chances are good you've been present as we've said aloud the UCC Statement of Faith, our Mission Statement, our Open and Affirming Statement, and our Church Covenant. Many of our members find these statements to be meaningful and an important part of our shared identity. We do ask those wishing to cross the threshold into membership to affirm our Church Covenant and Open and Affirming Statement.
What does it cost?
We find that our spiritual journeys are enriched and supported by regular church attendance and involvement. We believe it is important to support the church with our time, our talents, and our treasure. Members support the mission and ministry of the church to whatever degree they are able. We understand our giving to be an expression of our gratitude to God.
Do I have to join to be part of the church?
No. Many folks participate in the life of our faith community without becoming a member. Nevertheless, most of us find that our experience becomes deeper and richer for having made the commitment of membership. You can even serve on some boards and committees without being a member, but there is one thing you can’t do: As a congregational church, members vote in congregational meetings (held a couple of times each year) on issues such as the budget, the election of officers and board members, the calling of pastors, and other policies. In order to vote in a congregational meeting, you must be a member or associate member.
Can I keep my church connection back home?
We know that many people are only in Manhattan for a few years while in school at Kansas State University or while serving at Fort Riley. We are glad to welcome you into membership as an associate member—it has all the rights and privileges and responsibilities of regular membership, but you continue to maintain your connection with your “home church.”
Choosing to become a member of First Congregational is like saying, "Okay. This is my spiritual home. These are my people. This is where I want to anchor my journey." As a part of the United Church of Christ, we are non-creedal church. That means we view creeds and statements of faith as "testimonies not tests." We do not require you to believe any particular set of doctrinal statements. If you've been attending worship with us regularly, chances are good you've been present as we've said aloud the UCC Statement of Faith, our Mission Statement, our Open and Affirming Statement, and our Church Covenant. Many of our members find these statements to be meaningful and an important part of our shared identity. We do ask those wishing to cross the threshold into membership to affirm our Church Covenant and Open and Affirming Statement.
What does it cost?
We find that our spiritual journeys are enriched and supported by regular church attendance and involvement. We believe it is important to support the church with our time, our talents, and our treasure. Members support the mission and ministry of the church to whatever degree they are able. We understand our giving to be an expression of our gratitude to God.
Do I have to join to be part of the church?
No. Many folks participate in the life of our faith community without becoming a member. Nevertheless, most of us find that our experience becomes deeper and richer for having made the commitment of membership. You can even serve on some boards and committees without being a member, but there is one thing you can’t do: As a congregational church, members vote in congregational meetings (held a couple of times each year) on issues such as the budget, the election of officers and board members, the calling of pastors, and other policies. In order to vote in a congregational meeting, you must be a member or associate member.
Can I keep my church connection back home?
We know that many people are only in Manhattan for a few years while in school at Kansas State University or while serving at Fort Riley. We are glad to welcome you into membership as an associate member—it has all the rights and privileges and responsibilities of regular membership, but you continue to maintain your connection with your “home church.”
