Becoming a Member

We are grateful for all who worship, serve, learn, and gather with us at Our Savior’s and Skogdalen Lutheran Churches. Many of our worship services, ministries, meals, and events are open to everyone, whether you are a member or not. You are welcome here.

 

Membership is a way of saying, “This is my church home.” It is a commitment to share in the life, worship, mission, and ministry of the congregation. As members, we walk together in faith, receive God’s grace through Word and Sacrament, care for one another, and support the work God is doing through the church.

 

Members of the congregation are baptized persons who are received into membership through baptism, transfer from another Lutheran congregation, or affirmation of faith. Confirmed members are baptized persons who have affirmed their faith through Confirmation, adult baptism, transfer, or affirmation of faith.

 

Active members are encouraged to live faithfully, with God’s help, by:

• making regular use of the means of grace through worship, God’s Word, and the Sacraments;

• receiving Holy Communion regularly;

• reading Scripture and praying, either individually or with others;

• continuing to grow in faith;

• supporting the ministry of the congregation, the synod, and the wider church through gifts of time, abilities, and financial support;

• serving neighbors and participating in the life and mission of the church;

• inviting others to worship, serve, and grow with us;

• attending congregational meetings and taking part thoughtfully and prayerfully in the decisions of the church.

 

Voting members are confirmed members who, during the current or preceding calendar year, have received Holy Communion in the congregation and made a contribution of record. Voting members have voice and vote at regular and special meetings of the congregation, along with the rights and responsibilities described in the congregation’s constitution and bylaws.

 

We also welcome associate members: people who hold membership in another Christian congregation but wish to participate in the life and mission of Our Savior’s or Skogdalen. Associate members share in the privileges and responsibilities of membership, except for voting rights and eligibility for elected congregational office.

 

Membership is not only about being listed on a roll. It is about belonging to a community of faith, being formed by God’s grace, and joining in the mission we share in Christ. Even when members become inactive or disconnected, they remain people for whom the church has continuing pastoral concern.

 

If you are interested in becoming a member, transferring your membership, affirming your faith, or simply learning more, we invite you to speak with the pastor. We would be glad to walk with you and help you find your place in the life and ministry of the church.