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Joining First UMC? |
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If you are visiting Highland Park United Methodist Church ... WELCOME!
We're delighted that you are interested in First UMC. We hope you have shared
worship with us already, but if you haven't, we hope you will join us soon in
finding faith, fellowship and community at First UMC. If you have any questions,
please call Darlene Orth at 815-756-6301.
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Becoming a Church
Member |
If you have been worshiping with us and are interested in becoming a member of
First UMC, we encourage you to see Expectations of Membership for further
information on what we believe and how you can join with us. There are three
ways to unite with the church:
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By transfer of membership from another Methodist church,
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By transfer from another denomination, or
- By profession of faith.
If you have been baptized, it is not necessary to be baptized again.
If you have not been baptized, you can be baptized at the time you join,
or privately prior to joining. Classes are not required to join, but our Orientation
Class is encouraged to become acquainted with your new church family. If you
would like to become a member or would like more information regarding First UMC,
call Darlene Orth at 815-756-6301 or ask an usher on any Sunday.
We are grateful for your presence with this church family! |
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Membership Vows |
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“Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers,
your presence, your gifts, and your service?” |
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Prayers |
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Our commitment to uphold the Church through intercessory prayer is based upon
the fundamental reality that we are not simply a human agency seeking to meet
human needs: we pray because we require God’s guidance in order to be the
church. When we pray for our pastor, for our teachers, for one another, and for
those who may never even enter our doors, we express our dependence on God so
that we might in turn express the will and compassion of Christ. |
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Presence |
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Our commitment to uphold the Church by our presence is a visible witness of our
faith, both in the pew and in the world. Our relationship to Christ is nurtured
by our presence in worship where we find spiritual guidance, comfort and
strength. But our relationship to Christ is not confined to Sunday morning
alone. We also uphold the Church by our presence at home, at work, at school,
and in the community. Wherever we are, our presence should be an expression of
our commitment to Christ. |
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Gifts |
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Our commitment to uphold the Church by our gifts is a thankful response from the
heart for all God has given us. Such a commitment serves to remind us of our
role as stewards over what God has entrusted to us. The systematic giving of our
money also helps to establish and maintain ministries that no individual or
single congregation could fund alone. These worthy causes include hospitals,
colleges, rehabilitation centers, food and clothing distribution, evangelistic
and educational work, and emergency relief. |
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Service |
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Our commitment to be loyal to the Church and uphold it by our service further
reflects our commitment to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be
served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
God has entrusted all of us with certain talents and abilities, and sharing
these gifts is a means of sharing ourselves out of love and gratitude toward God
and love for one another. |
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