Membership at First English Lutheran Church
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 Church welcomes all who are so baptized as baptized members of our 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 Church welcomes all who are so baptized as baptized members of our congregation.
Communing Members
St. Paul writes in 1st Corinthians 11:27-29,
"Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."
It is with this admonition, and out of Christian love, that we ask baptized members to be instructed on what it means to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. FELC offers classes on the Sacrament of Holy Communion to 5th graders where we walk through the teaching of Luther's Small Catechism on the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We also offer instruction for those who are older and seek to receive the Sacrament. Once he or she has received instruction, a baptized member is now also a communing member.
St. Paul writes in 1st Corinthians 11:27-29,
"Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. 28 Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself."
It is with this admonition, and out of Christian love, that we ask baptized members to be instructed on what it means to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. FELC offers classes on the Sacrament of Holy Communion to 5th graders where we walk through the teaching of Luther's Small Catechism on the Sacrament of Holy Communion. We also offer instruction for those who are older and seek to receive the Sacrament. Once he or she has received instruction, a baptized member is now also a communing member.
Confirmed Members
St. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:13-14, "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you." Confirmation is a time of continued teaching and preaching of the Word of God that encourages, admonishes, and exhorts the faith promised and given in Baptism. We teach especially from Luther's Small Catechism and the Holy Scriptures during this time - as we learn what God has done, is doing, and has promised to us in Jesus Christ.
A person who is confirmed in the Christian faith at another Lutheran congregation can be received as a confirmed member at FELC by a letter of transfer. Youth who complete instruction in 7th and 8th grade at FELC will also be conferred the status of confirmed member. Adults who complete a period of instruction offered at FELC will also receive the status of confirmed member.
St. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 1:13-14, "Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you." Confirmation is a time of continued teaching and preaching of the Word of God that encourages, admonishes, and exhorts the faith promised and given in Baptism. We teach especially from Luther's Small Catechism and the Holy Scriptures during this time - as we learn what God has done, is doing, and has promised to us in Jesus Christ.
A person who is confirmed in the Christian faith at another Lutheran congregation can be received as a confirmed member at FELC by a letter of transfer. Youth who complete instruction in 7th and 8th grade at FELC will also be conferred the status of confirmed member. Adults who complete a period of instruction offered at FELC will also receive the status of confirmed member.
Voting Members
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.
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.
Associate Members
An associate member is a person holding membership in another Christian congregation who wishes to retain such membership but desires to participate in the life and mission of this congregation. This person can apply for associate membership, which will confer all the privileges and duties of membership except voting rights and eligibility for elected offices or membership on the Church Council of this congregation.
An associate member is a person holding membership in another Christian congregation who wishes to retain such membership but desires to participate in the life and mission of this congregation. This person can apply for associate membership, which will confer all the privileges and duties of membership except voting rights and eligibility for elected offices or membership on the Church Council of this congregation.