TRINITY UMC

Becoming a part of an active and vibrant congregation is exciting, but can be a confusing process if you aren't "in the know." We promise not to let you float without direction. We won't baptize you and forget about you. We promise that your discipleship, though it is your own personal responsibility, is one of the most important things to us here at Trinity.

Becoming a Christian at Trinity

Our personal response of faith requires conversion in which we turn away from sin and turn instead to God. It entails a decision to commit our lives to the Lordship of Christ, an acceptance of the forgiveness of our sins, the death of our old selves, an entering into a new life of the Spirit -- being born again (John 3:3-5, 2 Corinthians 5:17). All persons do not experience this spiritual rebirth in the same way. For some, there is a singular, radical moment of conversion. For others, conversion may be experienced as the dawning and growing realization that one has been constantly loved by God and has a personal reliance upon Christ. John Wesley described his own experience by saying, “I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.” 

When you are ready to make a commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to accept his sacrifice for your sins, the next step is Baptism.

Baptism

Since the Apostolic Age, baptism by water and baptism of the Holy Spirit have been connected (Acts 19:17). Christians are baptized with both, sometimes by different sign-actions. Water is administered in the name of the triune God (specified in the ritual as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) by an authorized person and the Holy Spirit is invoked with the laying on of hands, in the presence of the congregation. Water provides the central symbolism for baptism. The richness of its meaning for the Christian community is suggested in the baptismal liturgy which speaks of the waters of creation and the flood, the liberation of God’s people by passage through the sea, the gift of water in the wilderness, and the passage through the Jordan River to the promised land. In baptism we identify ourselves with this people of God and join the community’s journey toward God. The use of water in baptism also symbolizes cleansing from sin, death to old life, and rising to begin new life in Christ. In United Methodist tradition, the water of baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. However it is administered, water should be utilized with enough generosity to enhance our appreciation of its symbolic meanings.

Transfer from Another United Methodist Church

If you are already baptized and a member of the United Methodist Church, simply mark the pew card "Wish to Join" column. Our minister will then get in touch with you. It is not necessary for you to write your former church. Our office staff will handle the details of transfer for you.

By Transfer from Another Christian Denomination

The process is very much like the one above, since you are already baptized and confirmed. These steps will not be repeated. You will be asked to take the one vow taken by all members of the United Methodist Church. "Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?"

Transfer of Your Membership from a Denomination That Will Not Accept Your Transferring across Denominational Lines

Your baptism is still accepted. You will be received in a process called Reaffirmation of Faith. You should call the office and make an appointment with the minister to learn more about this process.

How to "Join" Without Joining

If you are a United Methodist whose membership as in another city or state and you wish to retain that membership in your "home" church, you can become an Affiliate Member of Second Methodist.

This grants you pastoral oversight, fellowship and full participation (including the holding of church offices) in Trinity Methodist. You will not be counted on the Trinity roll but at your "home" church. The minister will write your "home" church minister informing him/her of your Affiliate Member status at Trinity United Methodist Church. Members of other Christian denominations may elect to become Associate Members under the same conditions.