New Member Liturgy
Welcome of New Members
Immanuel Presbyterian Church
October 18, 2020
Pastor: Today we celebrate our unity as the body of Christ, widening the table through the joyful welcome of new members, affirming our faith together in the One made known to us as Immanuel, God-with-us.
Presentation of New Members by Clerk of Session: On behalf of Session, I present the following for membership at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, and affirm that they have been welcomed by Session and affirmed through unanimous vote.
Joining this Sunday: Jocie and Randy Anderson
Pastor: I now invite the Connectors to come to the pulpit to introduce Jocie & Randy in three sentences.
Pastor: We rejoice that we are one with each other in the family of God and we celebrate the gifts you bring to God’s church. As you join in the worship and service of this congregation as members, I ask you now:
Do you believe in God, who creates, redeems and sustains the world?
Candidates: I do.
Do you affirm Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Candidates: I do.
Will you seek to be Jesus’ disciple and to follow his teaching and example- welcoming those on the margins, speaking out against injustice, and showing God’s love wherever you are able?
Candidates: I will, with God’s help.
Will you be a faithful member of this congregation, sharing in its worship and ministry through your presence and your prayers, your study and your service, your gifts of time, talent, and treasure, and so fulfill your calling to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
Candidates: I will, with God’s help.
Pastor: By your baptism you were made one with the body of Christ, the church. Today we give thanks for every community that has been your spiritual home, and we celebrate that your journey of faith has lead you to Immanuel.
Congregation: We, the members of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, welcome you with joy into the common life of our congregation. We promise you our friendship and our prayers as we share the hopes and labors of the church. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may we all continue to grow together in the knowledge and love of God, and to walk together in the way of Christ. Grace to you and peace!
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
(adapted from Immanuel’s Statement of Faith)
All: We trust in an embodied God, Who, in the truly human Jesus, gave us the clearest glimpse into the nature of divinity by fleshing out both the cost and the power of love…
Pastor: Who, through the Spirit that was in Jesus, calls, pushes, and empowers us to participate in embodying love in our lives as well by working to alleviate suffering, address injustice, and care for the Earth and its people…
All: We trust in a merciful God, Who not only beckons us to express compassion and kindness to others in their weakness and need, but also meets us where we are, loving us enough to work transformation in our lives and in the life of the world.
Pastor: We trust in a gathering God, Who is perhaps best experienced in community and loves the whole world, no exceptions, making room at the table for all and through the Holy Spirit enabling reconciliation, peace, and wholeness.
All: In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Amen.