Membership

We are a part of the United Church of Christ denomination, a non-creedal denomination that “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” (The Constitution of the United Church of Christ).

All members are held with equal value and voice; and together, we discern and strengthen our God given gifts (both individual and communal) as we work together to use our gifts to be able to reach towards living for a purpose beyond ourselves; and to live as one with Christ towards God’s future. Although we sincerely believe that, as a church, we are one body in Christ, we also seek to respect and encourage one another’s individual spiritual journeys. Together, we seek to live as fully as we can in the ways of Jesus.

Through membership, we covenant to combine our unique gifts and abilities to shape a community that will grow towards God’s future as one body in Christ that seeks to bring the love and life of Christ to others in our community and throughout the world. We take the Bible seriously, not literally. We celebrate two sacraments: baptism and communion. In our membership liturgy, “we 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 best way to get started is to come and be part of our journey—worship with us, fellowship with us, learn with us and let us get to know one another. There is no pressure to formally become a member, although we welcome you to. If you find that you are interested in becoming a member, you can e-mail the pastor at pastor@hpucc.org or contact the church office for more information.

We would 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. This may be done in a variety of ways, including attending Membership Discernment Sessions, learning about the United Church of Christ denomination (either through an inquirer’s class, discussion with Pastor Libby (pastor@hpucc.org) or by studying some of the literature available), and by participating in our worship and various activities or events. No specific “class” is required, however, we believe that the decision to join, or not join, a church is an important decision, and we encourage everyone who is considering joining any church to take the time they need to make a thoughtful and informed decision. If you decide to become a member, you will be welcomed into the congregation during a Sunday worship service.

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 journeys 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 able.

We understand that many have close ties to a church they grew up in or with a church in a community they know they will return to one day and other close connections that feed the heart and spirit. 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.”