Pastor’s Corner “Membership”

It doesn’t take long to become part of the family at Immanuel Anglican Church. Many people within their first few visits are ready to call this congregation “home,” and we readily welcome them as sisters and brothers. There’s not an official process to be considered family! Come regularly, worship, grow, and serve with us, and you are a part of us!

For those who want to volunteer in our many ministries, there are a few more steps. Some ministries require regular attendance for at least six months, along with a background check and awareness training (e.g., Children’s Church and Ushering). Other ministries, such as the Fellowship Committee, simply require a willingness to serve. The most important step is to talk with one of the Ministry Leaders or a Vestry Liaison and let them know you’re interested!

There may come a time, however, when you’re ready to commit to the Immanuel family in a deeper way – saying “yes” to walking with Immanuel long-term, participating in the commitments, decisions, and support that enable us to fulfill our mission of offering to everyone the Refuge, Reconciliation, and Renewal that’s given in Jesus. This is what we call “membership.”

Membership in a local congregation is important! It’s similar to a wedding vow. It is a mutual commitment that creates a life-giving connection to others, upheld by God in the midst of pain and joy, hardship and celebration. Members of Immanuel are those who have accepted the following invitation:

I accept the invitation to belong to this local body of Christ, growing in receiving and giving God’s love. I affirm the shared commitments and vision of Immanuel, and desire by God’s grace to worship, grow, and serve together in this church family.

If you would like to learn more about membership, please come to our next New Members meeting, Wednesday, September 3^rd, 7:00pm-8:30pm. Sign up here to let us know that you’re coming. You can get a preview of “the shared commitments and vision” (or a reminder for our current members) by looking at our Membership Form.

I’m grateful to have all of you as a part of the Immanuel Family.

Your Pastor in Christ,