How Do I Take Part in the Hillsdale United Methodist Church?

Come and be part of the congregation through worship and the abundant opportunities for fellowship.

“Church Shoppers” are most welcome! It makes sense to find a congregation in which you “feel comfortable.” The members of the United Methodist Church here in Hillsdale hope that you will find such a feeling here, make this your church home, and live out your faith in this caring community.

In order to help you explore this congregation we invite you to consider any of the follow:

1. You may wish to sign the Registration Pad during your visit to a worship service. In doing so you will have an opportunity to request further contact by the church office and/or the pastor.

2. You may ask the ushers for an information packet on the congregation after a worship service or contact the church office to have one sent.

3. You are most cordially invited to join the coffee fellowship following worship.

4. You are most welcome to join in any of the church activities as you find them listed in the weekly bulletin, monthly news letter, or other church communiqués.

5. You may already know a member of the congregation who can introduce you directly to many of the groups and activities.
There are many levels at which an individual is part of the congregation. This will depend on your level of comfort at being involved.

Visitor -- Individuals who have enjoyed the fellowship of the congregation with one or more occasional visits but are making no commitment at this time concerning a permanent church home.

Friend -- Individuals who have a relationship with the congregation but who either have another permanent church home or who do not otherwise feel the need to be formally connected to particular church home.

Constituent Member -- Constituent Members are individuals who desire to be under the care and ministry of the congregation but do not desire to become Professing or Full Members. There is no specific expectation regarding the level of participation by a constituent member. All expectations are assumed by the individual for his or her self.

Professing Member -- Professing Members are individuals who desire to take a serious step forward in their discipleship by exploring their faith and become part of the mission and ministry of the Hillsdale congregation, the United Methodist Church as a whole, and Christ’s holy Church on a regular basis. Here the expectation is that a Professing Member is “bound in sacred covenant to shoulder the burdens, share the risks, and celebrate the joys of fellow members.” A Professing Member assumes upon his or her self the responsibility to regularly share in the life of the congregation through their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their service. Professing Members are received in one of the four (4) following ways:

1. By Profession of Faith - For people making a first-time public commitment to Jesus Christ

2. By Restoration of Faith - For people who are renewing their commitment to Jesus Christ

3. By Transfer from another United Methodist Church - For people who are moving their church membership from another United Methodist Church

4. By Transfer from another Denomination - For people who are moving their membership from another denomination

Confirmation Classes are a particular method for youth to become Professing Members. Classes are held as needed for youth seventh grade and above. Confirmands attend about 24 sessions including a weekend retreat to help them make their commitment to Christ and join His Church as disciples.

Orientation Sessions are held for all adults. Preceding the reception of new members an Orientation Fellowship is held to help all become acquainted or reacquainted with the United Methodist Church in general and Hillsdale United Methodist Church in particular, and to convey the importance of commitment to the church's purpose and mission. The session also provides an opportunity to discover the needs of new members and help them to feel a part of the church family.

For more information about joining Hillsdale United Methodist Church, please contact the Pastor:

Rev. Frank Kowar at 201-664-5231 or e-mail: Pastor Kowar

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