"Jesus loves me, this I know!" A common response to the call of God in Jesus Christ is baptism. When baptized the pastor traces the sign of the cross on an individual's forehead and says "'Bob,' child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever." To be baptized is not only to be bound to Christ in faith, but to become a part of the Christian family. You belong. You are a member. Period!
However, churches like Messiah are also institutions - or businesses. As such we are regulated by the State which requires that we have a constitution, properly elected officers and official membership rolls. These are good things. They are also important things when making core decisions as a community - like the call of a new pastor! As we work our way towards - hopefully - the call of a new pastor sometime this summer we need to make sure our Voting Membership rolls are in good order. Part of my responsibility as an interim pastor is to see that everybody is where they want to be membership wise.
Our constitution defines "Voting Membership" as follows:
If you are part of the Messiah family we absolutely want you to be an active part of the call of our next pastor. And, if you want that too, then we have to be sure your Voting Membership status is current.
Here's how you can help.
- If you have any question about your membership status please give us a call. If you attend regularly, make financial contributions to our ministry, and were formally received into membership at some point you should be good to go.
- If our records have you listed as a member, but we do not have a record of your involvement or financial support during the past 12 months, we may give you a call or drop you a note. Sometimes people move, or things in your life have changed, or maybe we've missed something. It happens. So, please understand we're calling just to be sure what you want to be happening is, in fact, happening!
- We also have some people who are totally engaged, and who we think are members, but don't seem to be on the books. If this is the case we might call as well. If you prefer not to be a formal member that's fine. Just say. However, you have to be a formal Voting Member to vote on our new pastor. As I say, we want to be sure you can participate as you wish!!
- Finally, if you know you're not a member, or have been considering membership, or are waiting to see, please know that we would love to formalize your membership soon and allow you to participate in the actual call of our next pastor. Once again, please give us a call or drop us an email if you wish to discuss formal membership.
Your help and cooperation with this process is much appreciated. You can drop me an email personally, or email our church office, at
Easter Joy!
Interim Pastor Dave Brauer-Rieke