Membership
Take the Leap of Belonging
You don't need to have everything figured out to join our church family. Discover a welcoming community that respects your individual spiritual journey and invites you to grow, serve, and jump in together!
Why Become a Member?
Let's Do Life Together.
Most of us find that our experience becomes deeper and richer after making the commitment of membership. While it isn’t necessary to be a member to take part in the activities of the church, membership is taking the leap of belonging and investing in the ministries of the church that enrich our lives and community. In the covenant of membership, a person and the congregation promise to be in relationship with God and with one another.
Considering Membership?
Hamilton Park UCC is proudly part of the United Church of Christ, an inclusive denomination grounded in the historic Christian faith and the insights of the Protestant Reformers. Our Constitution "affirms the responsibility of the Church in each generation to make this faith its own in reality of worship, in honesty of thought and expression, and in purity of heart before God."
Thus, we use confessions of faith, not creedal tests of faith. When new members join, all of us are asked to "unite with the church in all times and places in confessing our faith in the triune God" guided by three questions: Do you believe in God? Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?
TOGETHER, WE SEEK TO LIVE AS FULLY AS WE CAN IN THE WAYS OF JESUS, RESPECTING AND ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER'S SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS.
Every Voice Matters
All members are held with equal value and voice. Together, we discern and strengthen our God-given gifts (both individual and communal) to live for a purpose beyond ourselves.
We Take the Bible Seriously, Not Literally
We engage with scripture thoughtfully and contextually.
We Celebrate Two Sacraments
Baptism and Communion.
We Promise to Grow and Act
In our membership liturgy, we covenant to combine our unique gifts and “promise, according to the grace given us, to grow in the Christian faith, to resist oppression and evil, to show love and justice, and to witness to the work and word of Jesus Christ, as best we are able.”
The Process:
How Do I Get Started?
We like to think that those who join Hamilton Park UCC will be around for a while (or a lifetime!) so that we can grow in friendship and brother/sisterhood with one another. Therefore, we strongly encourage prospective members to know our church well before joining.
Here is what the path to membership looks like:
1. Come and Be Part of the Journey
The best way to get started is simply to worship with us, fellowship with us, learn with us, and let us get to know one another! There is absolutely no pressure to formally become a member.
2. Take Time to Discern
We believe the decision to join a church is an important one, and we encourage you to take the time you need to make a thoughtful, informed decision. While no specific "class" is required, you can prepare by:
- Attending our Membership Discernment Sessions.
- Taking an Inquirer’s class.
- Studying our available UCC literature.
- Having a discussion with Pastor Bob.
3. Be Welcomed Into the Family
Once you decide to take the leap, you will be warmly welcomed into the congregation during a Sunday worship service.
FAQ
Common Questions About Membership
What is expected of me financially?
We find that our spiritual journeys are enriched and supported by regular church attendance and involvement. We believe it is an important part of our spiritual journey to fully participate in the church with our time, our talents, and our treasure. Those who are a part of this congregation support the mission and ministry of the church to whatever degree they are individually able.
What if I don’t want to give up another church connection?
We understand that many people have close ties to a church they grew up in, a church they know they will return to one day, or other connections that feed their heart and spirit. We are glad to welcome you into membership as an Associate Member! This allows you to have all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of regular membership, while continuing to maintain your connection with your “home church.”
Ready to Learn More?
If you find that you are interested in becoming a member, or if you just want to grab a cup of coffee and ask some questions, we would love to connect.