Questions You May Have About Joining Our Church
QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE ABOUT JOINING OUR CHURCH
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Q: Does it cost me anything to join?
A: Membership per se costs no money. Our faith is a commitment we freely make to God and church membership should reflect that freedom. Being a congregational church however, every member is asked to help share the responsibility of ministry, both in cost and spirit. We own our building, employ staff, pay utilities, and touch many lives with our missions. This entire ministry costs money and once a year the whole congregation is asked to pledge funds and energy to carry out the operations of our church.
Q: What if I am not a year-round resident of the area?
A: Membership with us is not defined by residency, but by personal commitment and devotion to the love of God in this region. We certainly hope that your spiritual devotion to our ministry is year-round regardless of how long you are in Dorset. No matter where you are, we offer our Sunday service on our You Tube channel: DORSET CHURCH, VERMONT, the link is posted to our webpage, www.dorsetchurch.org, Click on "Watch Service" to watch our YouTube channel. We are happy to email you a copy of the bulletin to follow along as well.
Q: Are there different categories of membership?
A: Yes, we have full membership and associate membership. The category of Associate Member was created in recognition of those people whose devotion to their former church continues even while they embrace the Dorset Church. An associate member is not asked to remove their membership from their former church.
Q: What is the difference between Associate and Full Membership?
A: In terms of your involvement in the life of our congregation, there is no difference. An Associate Member can vote at all church meetings, hold leadership positions and receive all the benefits of our Church’s ministry while maintaining membership in another church.
Q: Is there any paperwork involved in joining?
A: Simply fill out the Personal Vitae Form in your Membership Package. If you mark the box “Yes, I’d like to join the United Church of Dorset and East Rupert,” we will do all the necessary paperwork. If you are transferring membership from a previous church, please write in the name and address (as close as possible) in the space provided and again, we will file the necessary transfer forms.
Q: Do I have to attend the new member series to join the church?
A: No, you do not. These series are not mandatory. Just very helpful and fun. They are purposefully informal and lighthearted and nearly everyone has appreciated them.
Q: Is there a ceremony for joining the church?
A: Yes–a lovely one which will be part of a regular Sunday morning worship during which you affirm your willingness to join us and we affirm our welcome of you. The coffee hour following the worship service will be dedicated to the new members allowing us to welcome more personally.
Q: Do I have to be present at the ceremony to join?
A: You do not have to be present to join this church. You may join in absentia and still have your name added to our membership lists. On Sunday during our morning worship we plan to receive all new members and welcome them into the fold.