Trinity United Methodist Church of Milford Ohio

Membership

Baptism and Membership

bible The apostle Paul used the image of a living body: "For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body-Jews or Greeks, slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit." (I Cor. 12:13) In this biblical sense, to be a member is to be part of a living organism - a vital community animated by the Spirit of God to love and to serve. Paul's statement also points to the inclusiveness of the church: anyone may make the journey into life in the church.

Varied pathways to Membership:

Since all that seek to be members come with different experiences and backgrounds, there are a number of pathways to follow in becoming a member of The Trinity United Methodist Church.

If you have never been baptized and you desire to be a Christian with Trinity United Methodist Christians, you will prepare for baptism.
If you were baptized as an infant or young child and have not made a profession of faith and been confirmed, then you will prepare to reaffirm your baptismal covenant.
If you are a member of another part of the church (such as Baptist, Presbyterian or Lutheran), then you will want to prepare to transfer your membership from that church to Trinity United Methodist Church.
If you are a member of another Christian church that does not transfer membership, you will want to prepare to make a profession of faith and be received as a member.

You may talk with one of our pastors at any time about the journey of becoming a Christian and a member. Typically, twice per year (February and September) we offer membership classes for those wishing to join Trinity. You will be invited to attend an Orientation session the week prior to joining where membership vows will be explained and your questions answered. You can choose to take your membership vows in any of our three services. We look forward to having you join the Trinity family of God.

Baptism

What happens at baptism?

baptism methodist Baptism initiates a covenant of relationship between God and the baptized person and between the church and the person. When you are baptized or affirm your baptism, the Trinity congregation enacts God's grace toward you and welcomes you into the community of faith.

As a response to God's gracious initiative, you will be asked to pledge your loyalty to the life and ministries of The United Methodist Church and to promise to uphold the local church with your prayers, presence, gifts and service.

As a baptized Christian, you will be part of the universal church and part of a particular community of Christians where you are known and watched over in love.

The United Methodist Church recognizes baptism for a person of any age. If you have been baptized in another denomination of the Christian faith, your baptism is recognized by The United Methodist Church as well.

Confirmation Classes

Confirmation refers to the decision a person makes to respond to God's grace with intentional commitment, publicly reaffirming his or her baptismal vows before the congregation. Most confirmands are youth between the ages of eleven and fourteen, who have been nurtured in the church since their baptism as an infant or young child. Most churches offer a deliberate time of preparation before this service. During confirmation class, confirmands learn about the meaning of Christian faith; the history and teachings and The United Methodist Church; and an explanation of the baptismal and membership vows they will be professing.

know grow