Dear Friends,
I want to begin with a warm and sincere invitation to those interested in becoming a member of the newly combined faith community called St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls.
Becoming a member of [St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church]
Today when we think of membership, it often corresponds with having certain benefits, discounts or services. We have our shopping memberships, our gym memberships, etc. However, membership in a church is different as it expresses our commitment to serving God through the church. With that comes the ability to exercise certain rights and privileges within The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Why should I become a member?
The Bible reveals to us that our God is a covenant-making God. Membership is a way of expressing our commitment to God and to the church, the people of God. When we become members, we confess faith in God and commit ourselves to a covenant with God and, at the same time, with each other.
What’s the difference between being a congregation member and an adherent?
They are very similar, and adherents are often as dedicated to the congregation’s ministry as members, sometimes even more so. However, members promise to live in a covenantal community with God and one another. There are also times in the congregation’s life when it does make a difference. When parents wish to have their child baptized, at least one parent should be a church member. Only a member can be ordained an elder or vote for an elder. Only members can sign a call for a minister (although adherents do have the opportunity to sign a concurrence to a call).
How can I become a member?
There are three ways to become a member: by Profession of Faith, Certificate of Transfer from another Church in which one was a member, or by Resolution of Session if a certificate of transfer is not possible. The above information is brief and may lead to more questions than answers. Suppose you have any questions about the Presbyterian Church or membership. In that case, Caleb will happily discuss these matters with you.
Note: The above information is taken from the former Glenarm church’s resource.
I believe the primary attribute of belonging to a church family is caring for one another. The Bible says, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12: 26). One of the things I am proud of in our congregation is that we, as a church, take care of one another. Our divine assembly looks like a family-oriented congregation. When we hear good news from our members, we share it and rejoice together. When we find that some of the members seem weak in one way or another, we encourage them and pray for them. St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls is far from perfect, but it is full of loving people willing to serve the Lord and share our sorrows and joyful moments. This is one of the genuine meanings of becoming a member of God’s church.
With this introduction to church membership, I invite you and your family to join us for a hybrid holy communion service at St. Andrew’s Fenelon Falls on the second Sunday in Lent, March 5, 2023, at 10:00 am. Prepackaged sacred elements will be provided for those participating in an in-person gathering before you sit in the pew. Please prepare your communion materials if you plan to join us virtually. We will continue studying the series “Rebuilding our Broken Walls and Others” from the Book of Nehemiah. This worship service will also be broadcasted live. The Zoom link below will open at 9:45 am. Before the service, the announcement slides will be presented to the congregation at the sanctuary and on Zoom.
Upcoming Events & Services:
Spring Bible Study: March 22 – April 26, 2023
Sunday, March 26: Rev. Jonathan Baird
“All these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord.” (Nehemiah 10:29).
Blessings,
Caleb
