We welcome the new members that have made ROCKbrook United Methodist Church their church home over the past months. We are pleased that these persons have already found a place to nurture their faith and to be in relationship with other members of ROCKbrook United Methodist Church. Before joining, each person takes the New Members / Seekers Class. In class, we discuss The United Methodist Church as well as membership expectations.

There are 5 expectations of church membership that we explore and each member is encouraged to embrace. All five concepts are biblically based.

1. Church Attendance: There is an expectation that each parishioner will attend worship 46 Sundays per year. The biblical concepts of worship are explored and discussed. Acts 2 tells us how worship was done among the people who saw Jesus’ example and followed it. "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 were added to their number. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (vv. 41-42). This is their response to God, their devotion, their worship: they accepted the message — they believed, they were repentant, they were baptized — and they devoted themselves to being taught, sharing with one another, breaking bread, and prayer.

2. Tithing and / or Proportional Giving: Gracious Generosity! We explore and discuss the joy of giving to support the Mission and Ministry of God’s Church. Tithing is a spiritual discipline. I recognize not everyone can commit 10% of his or her income each month. In that case, proportional giving is encouraged. You may want to choose to start giving 4, 5 or 6. The important factor I want to emphasize is regular giving. Malachi 3:10: states, “Bring your tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and put me to the test, that I the Lord, will open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that will not be room enough to receive it.”

3. Mission Involvement: Each person is encouraged to find a place, a mission support project where they can live out their faith. It may be Volunteer in Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Prison or Jail Ministry, The Lay Carers, or the many other mission and service projects that we support. Matthew 25: 35-36: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

4. Faith Development: Everyone is encouraged to be a part of an on-going Faith Development Group / Bible Study. It is necessary that we nurture our faith and grow in it. It is also a good way to get to know your fellow parishioner. We are called to grow in our faith. "Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker for God that will not to be ashamed to teach God’s Truth." 2 Tim. 2:15.

5. Personal Involvement: Personal involvement is how we live out our love for Christ. It also shows our commitment to the church you have chosen to join. Personal involvement is the use of our gifts and talents as we uplift and support one another, and participate in the life of the church. Ways to become involved include:

* Participate in seasonal intergenerational events such as Lenten Study, Vacation Bible School.
* Serve in ministry, committee, or task force.
* Accept a position at the Conference level.
* Serve on an ushering team or become a greeter.
* Teach or attend a Sunday school class or special interest class.
* Participate in the music ministry by joining the choir or the Praise Team.
* Become active in a small group or be a small group leader.
* Become a Prayer Team member.
* Participate in United Methodist Women.
* Become connected in the various children and youth ministry programs.