Please welcome our newest members to SMPC! Check out the new member photos on the bulletin board in the hallway outside the sanctuary!!
Inquirer’s Class If you are interested in learning more about membership, we invite you to participate in an Inquirer’s Class. Our pastor, Dr. Matthew S. Brown, leads this class which takes a brief look at the history, beliefs, and structure of the Presbyterian Church, answers questions relating to membership, and explores how the Spirit of God uses our gifts to form community. We offer refreshments and childcare is available. If you have questions about this class or would like to attend, please contact Nancy Metzler, Director of Hospitality and Connection, at 704.544.0404, ext. 103, or you may email her at nancy@smpchome.org.
Next Inquirer's Class: Sunday, September 21, 4:00-6:00 pm, Room 201, Admin/CE Building
Joining Our Church
If you are interested in joining our church, the Session meets the second Sunday of the month, at 10:30am immediately following the 9:30am worship service, for the purpose of receiving new members. If you have interest in membership, please contact Dr. Brown, Rev. Frech, Rev. Harrington, or Nancy Metzler.
In the Presbyterian Church, becoming a member can be done in one of three ways:
Transfer of Church Letter – we will write to the church where you are currently a member and request a transfer.
Reaffirmation of Faith – for those who are not currently an active member of another church, a reaffirmation of your faith before the Session, the governing body of the church composed of elders.
Profession of Faith and Baptism – a profession of faith and scheduled baptism, for those who have never been baptized.
Whether joining by Transfer, Reaffirmation of Faith, or Profession of Faith, those joining reaffirm their faith using the following litany:
Reaffirmation of Faith/Renewal of Baptismal Vows
Leader: The grace bestowed on us in baptism
is sufficient because it is God's grace.
By God's grace we are saved,
and enabled to grow in the faith,
and to commit our lives in ways which please God.
Let us now claim that grace given us in baptism
by renewing our baptismal vows,
renouncing all that opposes God and God's kingdom,
and affirming the faith of the holy catholic church.
All: Recognizing that all are sinners, dependent on the
mercy of God, we profess our faith in Jesus Christ as
Lord of all and savior of sinners, and we confess our
dependence upon Christ for our salvation.
We now resolve and promise, depending on the grace of
the Holy Spirit, that we will seek to live as followers of Christ.
We declare our intention to participate actively and responsibly
in the worship and mission of the church. If you have questions about membership, or are interested in joining our church, please contact any of the following at 704.544.0404: Lynne Frech, Associate Pastor, lynne@smpchome.org Katie Harrington, Associate Pastor, katie@smpchome.org Nancy Metzler, Director of Hospitality and Connection
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