Membership at First English Lutheran
Baptized Members: We are made members of the body of Christ, which is the Church, by God’s claim in the Word and water of baptism. Thus, all who are baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit are members of His Church. First English Lutheran welcomes all who are so baptized as “baptized members” of our congregation.
Communing Members: following the admonition we read in 1st Corinthians 11: 28-29, we ask baptized members to be instructed in what it means to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. This instruction can occur in the home by parents or can be given by the congregation. (At FELC we typically offer classes on Communion in the 5th grade.) Once having received instruction, a baptized member is now also a Communing Member.
Confirmed Members: In 1st Corinthians 15, we are told of the importance of passing on the saving faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. We pass on this good news as we have received it. In order to properly pass on the saving word upon which the Church stands, care must be taken to properly receive it. The ancient tradition of “Confirmation” seeks to confirm one in the traditional, historic, apostolic faith and help ensure that the Church will continue to solidly stand on the “rock” that is Jesus Christ.
A person confirmed in the faith at another Lutheran congregation can be received as a “confirmed member” at FELC by a letter of transfer. A youth who completes instruction in the 7th and 8th grades at FELC will also be conferred the status of “confirmed member”. An adult who completes a period of instruction offered at FELC for adults will also receive the status of “confirmed member”.
A “confirmed member”, having been confirmed in their faith by the leaders of the congregation is now eligible to pass on the faith in the roles of teacher, sponsor, and mentor. It also qualifies one to serve in the role of elected leadership within the congregation.
Associate Members: A person holding membership in another Christian congregation but who wishes to also participate in the life of FELC, can apply for “associate membership” in FELC.
Voting Member: A “voting member” is a confirmed member who (during the current or preceding calendar year) has been active in the life and mission of the congregation. This activity shall be demonstrated by having made a financial contribution of record and having been recorded as receiving Holy Communion. A voting member shall have the privilege of voice and vote at meetings of the congregation and shall be eligible to hold an elected office within the congregation.
Baptized Members: We are made members of the body of Christ, which is the Church, by God’s claim in the Word and water of baptism. Thus, all who are baptized in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit are members of His Church. First English Lutheran welcomes all who are so baptized as “baptized members” of our congregation.
Communing Members: following the admonition we read in 1st Corinthians 11: 28-29, we ask baptized members to be instructed in what it means to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion. This instruction can occur in the home by parents or can be given by the congregation. (At FELC we typically offer classes on Communion in the 5th grade.) Once having received instruction, a baptized member is now also a Communing Member.
Confirmed Members: In 1st Corinthians 15, we are told of the importance of passing on the saving faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. We pass on this good news as we have received it. In order to properly pass on the saving word upon which the Church stands, care must be taken to properly receive it. The ancient tradition of “Confirmation” seeks to confirm one in the traditional, historic, apostolic faith and help ensure that the Church will continue to solidly stand on the “rock” that is Jesus Christ.
A person confirmed in the faith at another Lutheran congregation can be received as a “confirmed member” at FELC by a letter of transfer. A youth who completes instruction in the 7th and 8th grades at FELC will also be conferred the status of “confirmed member”. An adult who completes a period of instruction offered at FELC for adults will also receive the status of “confirmed member”.
A “confirmed member”, having been confirmed in their faith by the leaders of the congregation is now eligible to pass on the faith in the roles of teacher, sponsor, and mentor. It also qualifies one to serve in the role of elected leadership within the congregation.
Associate Members: A person holding membership in another Christian congregation but who wishes to also participate in the life of FELC, can apply for “associate membership” in FELC.
Voting Member: A “voting member” is a confirmed member who (during the current or preceding calendar year) has been active in the life and mission of the congregation. This activity shall be demonstrated by having made a financial contribution of record and having been recorded as receiving Holy Communion. A voting member shall have the privilege of voice and vote at meetings of the congregation and shall be eligible to hold an elected office within the congregation.