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How to Become a Member |
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Becoming a Member of First Presbyterian Church, Owensboro
We
couldn't be more grateful for the beautiful and grace-filled
possibility of your desire to inquire about becoming a member of our
church! Whether this is your entree into the Christian tradition, or
whether you have found a home before in a Christian congregation, or
whether you land somewhere in-between, we are thankful for the
opportunity to join with you in ministry and service!
Becoming a
member in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a staightforward,
relatively easy, and very important step to take along this your
journey of faith and life.
It is a decision that you and your family will make together with
prayerful, encouraging support from us - your new church family.
The First Step
Approximately
three or four times a year FPC offers opportunities for new and
prospective members and inquirers called "What We Believe." It is
sometimes offered after the 10:30 am church service on four successive
Sundays, and it is sometimes offered as a two or one day experience
over Saturdays. A tentative schedule is provided below.
In any case, we invite all
prospective members and inquirers to attend this opportunity before
considering joining our congregation. Indeed, we want you to be as
informed as possible about the theological distinctives, unique
history, and contextual richness of what it means to Presbyterian in
this place. We - the pastors - will also honor your inquiry for
what it is: a spiritual time of examination and discovery.
We will do so by praying for you, by listening to your stories and by
inviting mentors to walk with you as you consider joining our church.
What We Believe - 2008-2009
Schedule
- Saturday, September 14th: 10 AM - 5 PM in The Todd (Youth Room)
- Sundays in February (1, 8, 15, 22) after the 10:30 AM service in the fellowship hall
- Two Saturdays in May (17 & 24): 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM in The Todd
Topics for Conversation
- Life as Spiritual Journey
- Life Together in Christ: Being a people of and for good news
- The Body of Christ: The Church
- Church and denominational history
- Presbyterian distinctives & polity (governance)
- The Bible & The Confessions: A people of the book as interpreted by community
- Worship & Sacraments
- The Great Ends
- Spirit-Empowerd, Spirit-Led: A people of gifts and talents
- Our specific body: history and life of First Presbyterian Church
- The Meaning of Membership
- Opportunities for ministry @ FPC
- Membership vows
- Nature of community: rewards and responsibilities
- Mentors
The Second Step
Once you have discerned
prayerfully that you are ready to be received into the membership of
our congregation, simply let our pastor, Rev. Jonathan E. Carroll, know. You will be given ample time through a visit or other time together to ask any questions that may continue to linger.
When
it is determined that the time has come to join, you will be invited to
meet with the Session of FPC on any of its first Monday of the Month
meetings (7:00 PM). At that meeting you will be invited to share a bit
about your own biographical and faith journey, how you came to FPC, and
what you hope to contribute. You will be asked a series of questions
where together we will covenant to support one another in service to
Jesus Christ.
Pre-requisites for Joining The only pre-requisite for joining any PC(U.S.A.) congregation is confessing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
Membership
also includes the sacrament of Baptism, whereby those who have not yet
been baptized with water and in the name of God - Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit - are adopted into the family of Christ, grafted into his body,
buried in his death, and alive in his new life. We accept all previous
baptisms that are administered with water and in the name of the
Trinity.
Above all, we welcome you to this congregation - its
life, work, and ministry. Please know how grateful we are to God for
your joining with us. We look forward to becoming a family of faith
together.
Contact Rev. Jonathan E. Carroll with questions or to arrange a visit.
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