Membership Classes
Throughout the year, opportunities are offered to help orient new members to the ministry of Salem Church.
How Do I Join?
We invite your participation and membership in
Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church.
You may unite with us in one of several ways, as outlined below. Regardless of the way you come to join our church, part of the process of membership in Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church will be your participation in an orientation with others in a New Members Class led by one of the pastors. Please check the calendar or call the church office for the next class dates.
BY PROFESSION OF FAITH & BAPTISM
If you are not now a baptized Christian, the minister will be happy to discuss the meaning of the Sacrament with you in your home or in his office at your convenience.
BY TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Simply mark the attendance registration sheet at a Sunday service “Wish to Join” and the minister will get in touch with you. You may request that we write for your letter of transfer. It is not necessary for you to write your former church; we will handle the details 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?”
AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP If you are a United Methodist temporarily living in the Etters area and you wish to retain membership in your “home” church, you can become an Affiliate Member of Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church. This grants you pastoral care, fellowship and participation at Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church. You will be counted on the rolls of your “home” church. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP If you are a member of another denomination that is not United Methodist and temporarily living in the Etters area and you wish to retain membership in your “home” church, you can become an Associate Member of Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church. This grants you pastoral care, fellowship and participation at Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church. You will be counted on the rolls of your “home” church. THE LORD'S SUPPER Many persons ask about taking communion if they are not a member of this church. The United Methodist Church believes that the Communion table is open to all who can accept the invitation, regardless of any church membership. The invitation is to all who are truly sorry for their sins and intend to lead a new life.
BY TRANSFER FROM A DENOMINATION WHICH DOES NOT ACCEPT TRANSFERAL ACROSS DENOMINATIONAL LINES
Your baptism is accepted. You will be reconfirmed in a process called Renewal of Vows.