open hearts, open minds, open doors, the people of Fairlington United Methodist Church  

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Frequently Asked Questions 
About Becoming a Member
 

What do I do when I join?

Once a month, we recognize those who wish to join Fairlington UMC.  When you join, you will be asked to stand up in front of the congregation and make your commitment to the church. The pastor will ask if you will “uphold Fairlington by your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service.” If standing up in front of the congregation is too intimidating, special arrangements can be made with the pastors.  Prior to joining the church, a current member of the congregation will become a new members sponsor.  The intent of this relationship is to assist the new members in learning about Fairlington and to help identify service areas which might be a good fit.

What are members required to do?

Members are encouraged to live up to the commitment they made when joining, to “uphold Fairlington by your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service.”  We will help members find activities that interest them and areas of ministry that are a good fit.

Are members required to contribute financially to Fairlington?

Each year Fairlington has a Stewardship Campaign, in which members are asked to make a pledge of their gifts - to include their money, time and talents for the coming year.  Financial  gifts are used to support worship services,  church staff salaries,  church building maintenance, youth programs,  feeding the hungry,  sheltering the poor and homeless, missions to help people in our community locally, nationally and internationally, among other programs.

Can I transfer my membership from another Methodist church?  What about another denomination?

There are four ways to join Fairlington:

Baptism - If you have never been baptized and you desire to be a Christian with Fairlington, we will help you prepare for baptism. 

Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows - 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.

Restoring church membership - You have been baptized, but have no current church membership. 

Transfer Membership from another church.

Do I have to be baptized again to join Fairlington?  What if I was baptized in another denomination?

The United Methodist Church recognizes the baptism of other denominations.

When I attend worship services, may I participate in Communion?

The Table of Holy Communion is Christ’s Table, not the Table of The United Methodist Church or of the local congregation.  The Table is open to anyone who seeks to respond to Christ’s love and seeks to lead a new life of peace and love, as the invitation to the Table says.   Our United Methodist Book of Worship states:  “All who intend to lead a Christian life, together with their children, are invited to receive the bread and cup.  We have no tradition of refusing any who present themselves desiring to receive.” 

Who can become a member?  What does membership mean?

Sometimes we think of membership like being a member of the Auto Club or the Country Club where we pay for services and privileges. Church membership is different. 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.

Can I attend Sunday School, Worship Services or Other Activities without becoming a member?

All are welcome to join us for Sunday School, worship and all our other activities.

Got another question?

If you have further questions, one of the pastors would be more than happy to talk with you about them.  Also, more answers to these and similar questions can be found on the “Questions Page” of the United Methodist Church’s website.