Become a Member

“God who began a good work in you is bringing it to completion.”
(Philippians 1:6)

What does it mean to become a member of Hope United Church of Christ?

Perhaps you have been visiting for awhile and want to make Hope your spiritual home. Perhaps you feel God is calling you to deeper commitment. Consider becoming a member of our family of faith.

What makes membership different from being a visitor or simply a friend of Hope?

We want you to know you are welcome here as a visitor, friend, or member. Members, however, kick up their commitment by entering into covenant with other members. It’s part of our UCC heritage. A covenant is a living promise to be in relationship and to be about God’s work in the world. No longer simply a visitor, you seek to share in covenant with others, to welcome other visitors, and seek an even deeper journey into faith.

What is this covenant? What is asked of me as a member?

Our covenant describes the commitments we share — a way of discipleship and hope. Members also join together to discern God’s future for our congregation by the right to vote in congregational meetings. No longer a visitor and simply receiving an extravagant welcome, you also are called to offer your prayers, your presence, your talents and contributions. In some ways, you move from being a guest to sharing the gift of being a good host to others.

How do I become a member?

Let the pastor know that you are considering becoming a member. Share your questions and hopes. Ask for a copy of the book, What Matters to You? Matters to Us. We usually have a series of four Visitor, Seeker, and Membership Gatherings. In these meetings, we explore our faith journeys and explore the United Church of Christ and Hope UCC’s history. We reflect on the meaning of Baptism.

If you have not been baptized, we will more carefully discuss Baptism. This is the entry rite, a sacrament, into the Christian faith. Through the pouring of water, we are washed in Christ’s love and presence and join with Christians all over the world.

After these sessions, you will be invited to join us during a worship service. At the service, a friend-in-faith, a sponsor, will introduce you and we will offer a silent prayer for you. We’ll say and share our covenant together. And you’ll be asked: “Do you promise to participate in the life and mission of this family of God’s people, sharing regularly in the worship of God and enlisting in the work of Hope Church as it serves this community and world?” You then would respond, “I promise with the help of God.” Then we celebrate your joining with applause! God bless you.

That’s it. Your journey of faith continues — in a new way, a new covenant in God’s hope!