Joining The Congregation
What does it mean to “join” a church congregation?
For many, it means making a commitment to a group of people who journey together in the life of faith. According to the constitution of OSLC, members of this congregation will:
1. Make regular use of the means of grace, both Word and the Sacraments;
2. Live a Christians life in accordance with the Word of God and Lutheran teachings;
3. Support the work of this congregation, synod and the ELCA, with time, abilities and financial offerings.
What does that mean?
You are welcome to come to church and participate in worship and receive communion. If you have not been baptized and you would like to know more about baptism, please talk to Pastor Judi. It means wanting to be a follower of Jesus. We are all imperfect and learning. Lutheran Christians trust that we are saved by grace through faith which is a gift. Then we are called to serve God's people in the world but not to earn points but out of thankfulness for what God has done for us.
What this means is that joining a church helps provide accountability because we support one another and the mission of the church together.
There are two formal ways to join our congregation; as a member or as an associate member. Adult members have the responsibility to help make important decisions for the congregation, including approving a new pastor, the annual budget, or making any significant updates to our by-laws. Associate members hold membership in a different congregation, but want to participate fully in the life and mission of OSLC, too. This is the ideal membership category for seasonal guests to Arizona. While they cannot vote, nor be eligible for an elected leadership position, all other joys of being a member are theirs.
Of course, for those of us committed to worshipping and serving with OSLC, membership in this congregation is about belonging; first and foremost to the body of Christ and secondly to this particular group of people. A members together, we laugh together and cry together. It means we pray for one another and struggle alongside one another. It means we help out and support each other in this journey of life, offering grace and forgiveness whenever we can. Will there be disagreements? Sure. Are members sometimes disappointed or let down? Yes, but that is the sinner in us all. Fortunately, we have faith in the one who holds us all in love…our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
So if you are not yet a member or an associate member, but believe now is the time for you to publicly commit to the people and mission of OSLC, let Pastor Judi know. If you still have questions, contact her as well.
For many, it means making a commitment to a group of people who journey together in the life of faith. According to the constitution of OSLC, members of this congregation will:
1. Make regular use of the means of grace, both Word and the Sacraments;
2. Live a Christians life in accordance with the Word of God and Lutheran teachings;
3. Support the work of this congregation, synod and the ELCA, with time, abilities and financial offerings.
What does that mean?
You are welcome to come to church and participate in worship and receive communion. If you have not been baptized and you would like to know more about baptism, please talk to Pastor Judi. It means wanting to be a follower of Jesus. We are all imperfect and learning. Lutheran Christians trust that we are saved by grace through faith which is a gift. Then we are called to serve God's people in the world but not to earn points but out of thankfulness for what God has done for us.
What this means is that joining a church helps provide accountability because we support one another and the mission of the church together.
There are two formal ways to join our congregation; as a member or as an associate member. Adult members have the responsibility to help make important decisions for the congregation, including approving a new pastor, the annual budget, or making any significant updates to our by-laws. Associate members hold membership in a different congregation, but want to participate fully in the life and mission of OSLC, too. This is the ideal membership category for seasonal guests to Arizona. While they cannot vote, nor be eligible for an elected leadership position, all other joys of being a member are theirs.
Of course, for those of us committed to worshipping and serving with OSLC, membership in this congregation is about belonging; first and foremost to the body of Christ and secondly to this particular group of people. A members together, we laugh together and cry together. It means we pray for one another and struggle alongside one another. It means we help out and support each other in this journey of life, offering grace and forgiveness whenever we can. Will there be disagreements? Sure. Are members sometimes disappointed or let down? Yes, but that is the sinner in us all. Fortunately, we have faith in the one who holds us all in love…our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
So if you are not yet a member or an associate member, but believe now is the time for you to publicly commit to the people and mission of OSLC, let Pastor Judi know. If you still have questions, contact her as well.