Membership Begins with Baptism

Church membership is misunderstood. We get questions: "If I'm not a member, will you still send Pathways?" Yes, as long as you would like and we have a good address. "If I'm not a member, can my daughter get married at New Vision?" Yes, I am happy to meet with couples to discuss their marriage plans. "If I am not a member, can I be buried from New Vision?" Yes, make sure your next-of-kin knows your wishes. "If I a not a member, can I be in a circle? Come to a class? Participate in worship? Send my children to a youth group? To confirmation? To choir?" And the list goes on . . . and the answer remains: yes. You see, membership in the United Methodist Church is not about what the church does for you. Membership in many organizations is about paying dues and receiving benefits. Membership in the United Methodist Church begins with your baptism.

[The Rev. Shirley Macemon, New Vision UMC, Millbrae, Pathways (church newsletter), October 2008.]