Message from Jesus
Have you found what you're looking for on this Website? Do you know what you're looking for? Are you upset about a failed relationship? Are you having job problems or financial concerns? Is your health what you're worried about right now? Or are things basically fine, but there just seems to be something missing in your life.
It's Me. I'm that piece of your life that you're missing. You know you'll never be complete without me. God loves you so much. He couldn't stand to see you perish. He knew you couldn't make yourself good enough to have a relationship with him, so I am the way for you to come to Him. I paid the horrible price on the cross so you can have a relationship with the God of the universe!
I did it all, for you, except for one thing - I can't make the choice for you to receive this gift of life. Only you can do that. Won't you invite Me into your heart and your life?
What Christians Believe
1. People were created in God’s image to love and to be loved.
"Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings? You make us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:4,5 CEV)
2. God’s love remains strong. It is never withdrawn from us. It is always available to us.
"Love comes from God...Real love isn't our love for God but his love for us. God send his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven...We love because God loved us first" (1 John 4:7,10,19 CEV)
3. Our ability to give and receive love is blocked for two basic reasons. As creatures facing death, we are prone to selfishness and we are prone to feel unworthy.
"Once we are also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds" (Ephesians 2:3 CEV) "Simon Peter...knelt down in front of Jesus and said, 'Lord, don't come near me! I am a sinner'...Jesus told Simon, 'Don't be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish'" (Luke 5:8, 10 CEV)
4. God sent Jesus to conquer death and forgive our selfishness and heal our unworthiness.
"God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's kindness is what saves you. God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he as given us a place beside Christ in heaven" (Ephesians 2:4-6 CEV)
5. Jesus’ revelation of God, his death on the cross, and his resurrection from the grave all work together to bring us life, forgiveness, and healing.
"If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won't be punished. The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you free from sin and death...God set you free when he sent his own Son to be like us sinners are to be a sacrifice for our sin" (Romans 8:1-3 CEV)
6. People who are rescued from sin and shame by Jesus are chosen to be God’s people to offer the peace of Jesus’ forgiveness and healing to others.
"God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others" (2 Corinthians 5:18 CEV)
Christians Are People Who:
Admit they are powerless over their own selfishness and unworthiness.
Discover Jesus is the one who can forgive and heal them.
Make a Decision to turn their lives over to the loving God that Jesus revealed.
Grow and develop a deeper relationship with God through their involvement in Jesus’ church.
Help Jesus’ church fulfill its mission to make disciples for him.
United Methodist Beliefs
Unlike some Christian movements, the Methodist Movement was not born because of doctrinal debate. John Wesley and the founders of Methodism did not set out to challenge the doctrines of the Church of England. Instead, they were concerned that the established church was out of touch with ordinary people and was merely a servant of the upper class. It was not proclaiming the message of salvation in a way that gave ordinary people a chance to experience its power.
Most of the doctrines of the Methodist Movement are basic beliefs of many other denominations.
Other doctrines of the Methodist Movement were somewhat unique at the beginning but were embraced by many other Christians as time went on.
What is the Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is God reaching out to us to forgive us for our failure to live our lives God's way. Water is a sign of cleansing.
Acts 2:38 CEV -- Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live."
Baptism is God reaching out to us to give us a new start through a new birth by God's power. Water is a sign of birth.
John 3:5,6 CEV -- I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's Kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God.
Baptism is God reaching out to us to include us in the body of Christ. Once we are part of God's family, we grow as the family of God and the Spirit of God nurtures us. Water is a sign of growth.
1 Corinthians 12:13 CEV -- Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit.
Baptism is God reaching out to us to join us to Jesus in his death so we can die to our selfish nature and live for God. Jesus lived our life and died our death so that we can share resurrection with him. Immersion in Water is a sign of burial and resurrection.
Romans 6:3,4 CEV -- Don't you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death? When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father.
Baptism is God reaching out to us to make us people who belong to God. In Baptism we are named with God's name to live as God's people.
Matthew 28:19-20 CEV -- Go to the people of all nations and make them disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.
Baptism is God reaching out to us to help us trust in Jesus so we can be rescued from the misery of not believing Jesus.
Mark 16:16 CEV -- Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned.
Baptism is a turning point. It is our decision to turn to God.
1 Peter 3:21 CEV -- Those Flood waters were like baptism that now saves you. But baptism is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience, because Jesus Christ was raised from death.
Why Do Christians in the Methodist Tradition Baptize Infants and Children?
Persons of any age are considered suitable candidates for baptism because Christ's body, the Church, is a great family that includes persons of all ages. On the day the Church was born, Peter preached: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children." (Acts 2:38-39). The New Testament repeatedly records that when a believer was baptized, the believer's whole household was baptized (Acts 16:15,33; 18:8; 1 Corinthians 1:16). Nowhere does the New Testament record, or even suggest, that any Christian family delayed the baptism of their children until they could make their own profession of faith.
United Methodism does not teach that infants who die before they are baptized will be denied full salvation. United Methodism has always strongly affirmed the biblical teaching that Christ died for all, and that God's prevenient grace (grace that is working ahead of time) is available to all and is sufficient for such children.
While baptism signifies the whole working of God's grace, much that it signifies, from the washing away of sin to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, will need to happen during the course of a lifetime. If an act of personal Christian commitment has taken place, baptism celebrates that act and the grace of God that has made it possible. If such an act has not yet taken place, baptism anticipates that act, declares its necessity, and celebrates God's grace that will make it possible.
A Church Member's Agreement with God
The covenant we make with God is not a formality. It is a relationship built on promises that can be kept or broken. Broken promises result in a broken relationship with God. Kept promises result in a deeper relationship with God.
"When you make a promise to God, don't delay in following through - Keep all promises you make to God. It is better to say nothing that to promise something that you don't follow through on." Ecclesiastes 5:4,6 NLT
A Church Member makes a decision to turn away from evil.
On behalf of the whole church, I ask you: do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
A Church Member makes a decision to accept God's help.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
Church Members depend of Jesus to be the one who rescues their lives and who rules over their lives.
Christ has opened his church to people of all ages, nations, and races. Do you in union with all God's people confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord?
A Church Member promises to serve Jesus by working with the church in the world.
According to the grace given to you, will you remain a faithful member of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's representative in the world?
A Church Member promises to be an active part of the local Church
As a member of Christ's universal church, will you do all in your power to strengthen its ministries by faithfully participating in this congregation, by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?
Prayer is understood to be at least daily.
Presence is understood to be at least weekly.
The starting point for giving is understood to be the tithe (10%).
Service is understood to be helping your church fulfill its mission of making disciples for Jesus.
The Christian Faith is not a private religion! We make our promises to God in the presence of the gathering of God's people, in the presence of the angles and demons. Our decision to follow Jesus should have an impact on our world and the universe! We live as representatives of Jesus in public. We are accountable to our brothers and sisters in Jesus as well as God.
How to Get the Most out of Your Church Membership
The Church is a group of people who Believe, Belong, and Become.
Believe
Believe you can have a close relationship with Jesus Christ, a strong sense of God's acceptance to you, and the power of the Holy Spirit living in you. Believe you can be made strong to share your faith and your experience of God with others.
Be intentional about your personal growth with God. Participate each week in a learning experience and a worship experience.
Belong
Be intentional about where you are known and nurtured. Become a member of a church school class and a small group fellowship.
Pray regularly for your church: its people, its pastors, and its leaders.
Become
Be intentional about where you serve. Involve yourself on a regular basis it at least one ministry where you touch the lives of others.
Be intentional about giving. Be a tither (10% giving) or a percentage giver making progress toward tithing.
What to Do if a Fellow Church Member Offends You
There may be a time when you will feel that your brother or sister in Christ has offended you or sinned against you. Whether the offense is rear or is your perception of a statement or act, there is something you need to do about it. God's word is very clear about what you are to do. To do nothing is NOT an option.
First, remember and consider that we are all, as Romans 12:5 says "part of one another." We work together with the same goals but even more, we are "part of one another." And Colossians 3:15 says "Each one of you is part of the body of Christ and you were chosen to live together in peace." So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. Think about how "you were chosen to live together in peace." Ideally we would always live in peace with each other but we know that doesn't happen so the important thing is how we move to reestablish that peace when it is broken.
Jesus instruct us in Matthew 18:15 "If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you. If that person listens, you have won back a follower."
It is important to go directly to that person who you think has offended you and to no one else. And it is important to discuss the problem in private.
At this point, the one you believe has offended you may be trying to reestablish peace with you. If you find yourself on this side of the situation, that is, if you are the one who may have offended your brother or sister, then these instructions from Jesus are for you. Jesus says in Matthew 5:23-24 "if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God". Our gift or sacrifice to God is praise (Hebrews 13:15)
Jesus is saying if you think you've hurt someone, then before you even worship God, go and make peace with your brother or sister.
Now, if you are the one who was offended Jesus says that "...even if one of them (a brother or sister) mistreats you seven time in one day and says. 'I'm sorry,' you should forgive that person." (Luke 17:4)
Be ready to forgive.
Peace almost always will be reestablished at this point as we are guided by the fact that we are part of one another and chosen to live together in peace. If, however, the one who has offended you will not listen when you approach him or her privately then Jesus says, "take along one or two others.
This does not mean witnesses to your discussion with your brother or sister (since you've discussed the matter with that person in private there would be no witnesses to that meeting) but one or two believers.
They may be helpful in understanding your concern and/or mediating or finding the right person to mediate between your brother or sister and you. Peace is the goal because we are chosen to live together in peace.
If your brother or sister will not listen when you approach that person privately, and if those witnesses join you in approaching your brother or sister, and if your brother or sister will not listen to them either, then Jesus says you should "report the matter to the church." (the Pastor, Christian Education Director, Chairman of the Staff/Parish Relations Committee or the Lay Leader). The matter is still kept confidential between you and the Church Leaders. There is never a time when problems between Church Members are discussed outside the boundaries of confidentiality.
Jesus said, "Anyone who refuses to listen to the church must be treated like an unbeliever or a tax collector." (Matthew 18:17)
Hopefully you will never have to take this step. And this does not lead to, as it is sometimes believed, "excommunication" of the one who will not listen to the church. Rather, we need to ask how are unbelievers were and are treated.
They are and were seen as either not hearing or not understanding God's love and grace towards them. If they could hear and understand they would receive God's grace that empowers them to ask your forgiveness. So how do we treat them? We pray for them. We show God's love again and again. We point to Jesus and the work he has done on the cross again and again. We witness to Jesus' desire to make us his and to make us "part of one another" because he has "chosen us to live together in peace." When your brother or sister hears and understands the message, he will begin to desire what God desires.
What if I become ill?
From the beginning God has identified himself as the healer. He calls himself in Hebrew Yahweh-Rapha "The Lord, your healer" in Exodus 15:26, when he says "I am the Lord, your God, and I cure your diseases."
Jesus made that healing available to us when he died on the cross. Isaiah 53:5 says, "by taking our punishment he made us completely well." Matthew 8:17 and 1 Peter 2:24 restate this face.
When you become ill, the first thing to do is get your Bible and read these scriptures out loud. They will build you up to believe what God has done. Proverbs 4:20-22 says "my child, listen carefully to everything I say. Don't forget a single word, but think about it all. Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you." God's word is medicine for you and you cannot overdose! Read the scriptures as often as you can.
The second thing to do when you become ill is to ask any church leader to anoint you with oil and pray for you. James 5:14-15 says "If you are sick, ask the church leaders to come and pray for you. Ask them to put olive oil on you in the name of the Lord. If you have faith when you pray for sick people they will get well. The Lord will heal them and if they have sinned he will forgive them." We do this because God has instructed us to do it and we want to be obedient. And we want to be well! (You should know that there is no power in the oil itself, but by applying the oil we have a tangible witness we are receiving God's healing power.)
You may want to receive communion as well. Luke 22:19-20 says this: Jesus took some bread in his hands and gave thanks for it. He broke the bread and handed it to his apostles. Then he said "This is by body which is given to you. Eat this as a way of remembering me!" After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said "This is my blood. It is poured for you and with it God makes his new agreement." God's new agreement was sealed by the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. This agreement, or covenant, provides our salvation and that salvation includes healing.
1 Peter 2:24 says: Christ carried the burden of our sins. He was nailed to the cross so that we could stop sinning and start living right. By his cuts and bruises you are healed.
Taking communion is, as Jesus said, a way of remembering him. It will remind you of the covenant God has made with you and you will become more expectant of his healing power. (The pastor is available to serve you communion at your home or in the hospital.)
Then, if you haven't already done so, make an appointment to see a doctor. Men and women of medicine are allies in your battle against disease. Pray that God will reveal to your doctor whatever needs to be known for your healing. If you are admitted to a hospital, please if possible, have someone contact the Pastor or Church Office.
Ministry of New Member Sponsor
Come forward to stand with the new member in front of the congregation when the new member joins the church.
Introduce the new member to other members of the congregation.
Help the new member find a Sunday School class or other group or ministry to be part of.
Pay attention to the new member's attendance and participation. Contact the new member and notify the Evangelism Team if involvement is inconsistent.
Listen to any concerns or questions the new member may have regarding the church and seek to provide answers.
Invite the new member to a time of fellowship with you.
Help the church evaluate its ministry of welcoming new members.
Ways to Get Involved in Christiana United Methodist Church - See our Missions Page
Have you found what you're looking for on this Website? Do you know what you're looking for? Are you upset about a failed relationship? Are you having job problems or financial concerns? Is your health what you're worried about right now? Or are things basically fine, but there just seems to be something missing in your life.
It's Me. I'm that piece of your life that you're missing. You know you'll never be complete without me. God loves you so much. He couldn't stand to see you perish. He knew you couldn't make yourself good enough to have a relationship with him, so I am the way for you to come to Him. I paid the horrible price on the cross so you can have a relationship with the God of the universe!
I did it all, for you, except for one thing - I can't make the choice for you to receive this gift of life. Only you can do that. Won't you invite Me into your heart and your life?
What Christians Believe
1. People were created in God’s image to love and to be loved.
"Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings? You make us a little lower than you yourself, and you have crowned us with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:4,5 CEV)
2. God’s love remains strong. It is never withdrawn from us. It is always available to us.
"Love comes from God...Real love isn't our love for God but his love for us. God send his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven...We love because God loved us first" (1 John 4:7,10,19 CEV)
3. Our ability to give and receive love is blocked for two basic reasons. As creatures facing death, we are prone to selfishness and we are prone to feel unworthy.
"Once we are also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds" (Ephesians 2:3 CEV) "Simon Peter...knelt down in front of Jesus and said, 'Lord, don't come near me! I am a sinner'...Jesus told Simon, 'Don't be afraid! From now on you will bring in people instead of fish'" (Luke 5:8, 10 CEV)
4. God sent Jesus to conquer death and forgive our selfishness and heal our unworthiness.
"God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God's kindness is what saves you. God raised us from death to life with Christ Jesus, and he as given us a place beside Christ in heaven" (Ephesians 2:4-6 CEV)
5. Jesus’ revelation of God, his death on the cross, and his resurrection from the grave all work together to bring us life, forgiveness, and healing.
"If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won't be punished. The Holy Spirit will give you life that comes from Christ Jesus and will set you free from sin and death...God set you free when he sent his own Son to be like us sinners are to be a sacrifice for our sin" (Romans 8:1-3 CEV)
6. People who are rescued from sin and shame by Jesus are chosen to be God’s people to offer the peace of Jesus’ forgiveness and healing to others.
"God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others" (2 Corinthians 5:18 CEV)
Christians Are People Who:
Admit they are powerless over their own selfishness and unworthiness.
Discover Jesus is the one who can forgive and heal them.
Make a Decision to turn their lives over to the loving God that Jesus revealed.
Grow and develop a deeper relationship with God through their involvement in Jesus’ church.
Help Jesus’ church fulfill its mission to make disciples for him.
United Methodist Beliefs
Unlike some Christian movements, the Methodist Movement was not born because of doctrinal debate. John Wesley and the founders of Methodism did not set out to challenge the doctrines of the Church of England. Instead, they were concerned that the established church was out of touch with ordinary people and was merely a servant of the upper class. It was not proclaiming the message of salvation in a way that gave ordinary people a chance to experience its power.
Most of the doctrines of the Methodist Movement are basic beliefs of many other denominations.
- The Bible is the written word of God and is sufficient to be the only rule and authority of Christian faith and practice.
- God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Salvation from sin and death is God's work and is God's gift to everyone who trusts Jesus Christ as Savior.
- The Church is made up of all those who trust Jesus. It is not limited to any one denomination.
- Jesus brought God's kingdom or reign to earth. It is already powerful but will be fulfilled at the end of time.
- All baptized Christians are ministers of Jesus Christ and are responsible to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
Other doctrines of the Methodist Movement were somewhat unique at the beginning but were embraced by many other Christians as time went on.
- Salvation in Jesus is available to all people. Everyone is free to accept or reject God's gift. God chooses as his own those who respond to his call.
- People who trust Jesus can expect to have an assurance that God has accepted them and rescued them from sin and death.
- Genuine faith will show itself in a life that is being transformed and producing good works for God.
- We are not saved for ourselves alone but to have an impact on our society and community.
- Faith in Jesus will have an impact on our minds and hearts, our desires and emotions, and on our behavior.
- Christians should expect to be completely saved from sin and should be moving toward being made perfect in love like Jesus.
- Christians need to be connected in a tangible way that makes it possible for them to cooperate in ministry to the world.
What is the Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is God reaching out to us to forgive us for our failure to live our lives God's way. Water is a sign of cleansing.
Acts 2:38 CEV -- Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children. It is for everyone our Lord God will choose, no matter where they live."
Baptism is God reaching out to us to give us a new start through a new birth by God's power. Water is a sign of birth.
John 3:5,6 CEV -- I tell you for certain that before you can get into God's Kingdom, you must be born not only by water, but by Spirit. Humans give life to their children. Yet only God's Spirit can change you into a child of God.
Baptism is God reaching out to us to include us in the body of Christ. Once we are part of God's family, we grow as the family of God and the Spirit of God nurtures us. Water is a sign of growth.
1 Corinthians 12:13 CEV -- Some of us are Jews, and others are Gentiles. Some of us are slaves, and others are free. But God's Spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ. Now we each drink from that same Spirit.
Baptism is God reaching out to us to join us to Jesus in his death so we can die to our selfish nature and live for God. Jesus lived our life and died our death so that we can share resurrection with him. Immersion in Water is a sign of burial and resurrection.
Romans 6:3,4 CEV -- Don't you know that all who share in Christ Jesus by being baptized also share in his death? When we were baptized, we died and were buried with Christ. We were baptized, so that we would live a new life, as Christ was raised to life by the glory of God the Father.
Baptism is God reaching out to us to make us people who belong to God. In Baptism we are named with God's name to live as God's people.
Matthew 28:19-20 CEV -- Go to the people of all nations and make them disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.
Baptism is God reaching out to us to help us trust in Jesus so we can be rescued from the misery of not believing Jesus.
Mark 16:16 CEV -- Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned.
Baptism is a turning point. It is our decision to turn to God.
1 Peter 3:21 CEV -- Those Flood waters were like baptism that now saves you. But baptism is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience, because Jesus Christ was raised from death.
Why Do Christians in the Methodist Tradition Baptize Infants and Children?
Persons of any age are considered suitable candidates for baptism because Christ's body, the Church, is a great family that includes persons of all ages. On the day the Church was born, Peter preached: "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children." (Acts 2:38-39). The New Testament repeatedly records that when a believer was baptized, the believer's whole household was baptized (Acts 16:15,33; 18:8; 1 Corinthians 1:16). Nowhere does the New Testament record, or even suggest, that any Christian family delayed the baptism of their children until they could make their own profession of faith.
United Methodism does not teach that infants who die before they are baptized will be denied full salvation. United Methodism has always strongly affirmed the biblical teaching that Christ died for all, and that God's prevenient grace (grace that is working ahead of time) is available to all and is sufficient for such children.
While baptism signifies the whole working of God's grace, much that it signifies, from the washing away of sin to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, will need to happen during the course of a lifetime. If an act of personal Christian commitment has taken place, baptism celebrates that act and the grace of God that has made it possible. If such an act has not yet taken place, baptism anticipates that act, declares its necessity, and celebrates God's grace that will make it possible.
A Church Member's Agreement with God
The covenant we make with God is not a formality. It is a relationship built on promises that can be kept or broken. Broken promises result in a broken relationship with God. Kept promises result in a deeper relationship with God.
"When you make a promise to God, don't delay in following through - Keep all promises you make to God. It is better to say nothing that to promise something that you don't follow through on." Ecclesiastes 5:4,6 NLT
A Church Member makes a decision to turn away from evil.
On behalf of the whole church, I ask you: do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of your sin?
A Church Member makes a decision to accept God's help.
Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
Church Members depend of Jesus to be the one who rescues their lives and who rules over their lives.
Christ has opened his church to people of all ages, nations, and races. Do you in union with all God's people confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord?
A Church Member promises to serve Jesus by working with the church in the world.
According to the grace given to you, will you remain a faithful member of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's representative in the world?
A Church Member promises to be an active part of the local Church
As a member of Christ's universal church, will you do all in your power to strengthen its ministries by faithfully participating in this congregation, by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?
Prayer is understood to be at least daily.
Presence is understood to be at least weekly.
The starting point for giving is understood to be the tithe (10%).
Service is understood to be helping your church fulfill its mission of making disciples for Jesus.
The Christian Faith is not a private religion! We make our promises to God in the presence of the gathering of God's people, in the presence of the angles and demons. Our decision to follow Jesus should have an impact on our world and the universe! We live as representatives of Jesus in public. We are accountable to our brothers and sisters in Jesus as well as God.
How to Get the Most out of Your Church Membership
The Church is a group of people who Believe, Belong, and Become.
Believe
Believe you can have a close relationship with Jesus Christ, a strong sense of God's acceptance to you, and the power of the Holy Spirit living in you. Believe you can be made strong to share your faith and your experience of God with others.
Be intentional about your personal growth with God. Participate each week in a learning experience and a worship experience.
Belong
Be intentional about where you are known and nurtured. Become a member of a church school class and a small group fellowship.
Pray regularly for your church: its people, its pastors, and its leaders.
Become
Be intentional about where you serve. Involve yourself on a regular basis it at least one ministry where you touch the lives of others.
Be intentional about giving. Be a tither (10% giving) or a percentage giver making progress toward tithing.
What to Do if a Fellow Church Member Offends You
There may be a time when you will feel that your brother or sister in Christ has offended you or sinned against you. Whether the offense is rear or is your perception of a statement or act, there is something you need to do about it. God's word is very clear about what you are to do. To do nothing is NOT an option.
First, remember and consider that we are all, as Romans 12:5 says "part of one another." We work together with the same goals but even more, we are "part of one another." And Colossians 3:15 says "Each one of you is part of the body of Christ and you were chosen to live together in peace." So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. Think about how "you were chosen to live together in peace." Ideally we would always live in peace with each other but we know that doesn't happen so the important thing is how we move to reestablish that peace when it is broken.
Jesus instruct us in Matthew 18:15 "If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. But do it in private, just between the two of you. If that person listens, you have won back a follower."
It is important to go directly to that person who you think has offended you and to no one else. And it is important to discuss the problem in private.
At this point, the one you believe has offended you may be trying to reestablish peace with you. If you find yourself on this side of the situation, that is, if you are the one who may have offended your brother or sister, then these instructions from Jesus are for you. Jesus says in Matthew 5:23-24 "if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God". Our gift or sacrifice to God is praise (Hebrews 13:15)
Jesus is saying if you think you've hurt someone, then before you even worship God, go and make peace with your brother or sister.
Now, if you are the one who was offended Jesus says that "...even if one of them (a brother or sister) mistreats you seven time in one day and says. 'I'm sorry,' you should forgive that person." (Luke 17:4)
Be ready to forgive.
Peace almost always will be reestablished at this point as we are guided by the fact that we are part of one another and chosen to live together in peace. If, however, the one who has offended you will not listen when you approach him or her privately then Jesus says, "take along one or two others.
This does not mean witnesses to your discussion with your brother or sister (since you've discussed the matter with that person in private there would be no witnesses to that meeting) but one or two believers.
They may be helpful in understanding your concern and/or mediating or finding the right person to mediate between your brother or sister and you. Peace is the goal because we are chosen to live together in peace.
If your brother or sister will not listen when you approach that person privately, and if those witnesses join you in approaching your brother or sister, and if your brother or sister will not listen to them either, then Jesus says you should "report the matter to the church." (the Pastor, Christian Education Director, Chairman of the Staff/Parish Relations Committee or the Lay Leader). The matter is still kept confidential between you and the Church Leaders. There is never a time when problems between Church Members are discussed outside the boundaries of confidentiality.
Jesus said, "Anyone who refuses to listen to the church must be treated like an unbeliever or a tax collector." (Matthew 18:17)
Hopefully you will never have to take this step. And this does not lead to, as it is sometimes believed, "excommunication" of the one who will not listen to the church. Rather, we need to ask how are unbelievers were and are treated.
They are and were seen as either not hearing or not understanding God's love and grace towards them. If they could hear and understand they would receive God's grace that empowers them to ask your forgiveness. So how do we treat them? We pray for them. We show God's love again and again. We point to Jesus and the work he has done on the cross again and again. We witness to Jesus' desire to make us his and to make us "part of one another" because he has "chosen us to live together in peace." When your brother or sister hears and understands the message, he will begin to desire what God desires.
What if I become ill?
From the beginning God has identified himself as the healer. He calls himself in Hebrew Yahweh-Rapha "The Lord, your healer" in Exodus 15:26, when he says "I am the Lord, your God, and I cure your diseases."
Jesus made that healing available to us when he died on the cross. Isaiah 53:5 says, "by taking our punishment he made us completely well." Matthew 8:17 and 1 Peter 2:24 restate this face.
When you become ill, the first thing to do is get your Bible and read these scriptures out loud. They will build you up to believe what God has done. Proverbs 4:20-22 says "my child, listen carefully to everything I say. Don't forget a single word, but think about it all. Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you." God's word is medicine for you and you cannot overdose! Read the scriptures as often as you can.
The second thing to do when you become ill is to ask any church leader to anoint you with oil and pray for you. James 5:14-15 says "If you are sick, ask the church leaders to come and pray for you. Ask them to put olive oil on you in the name of the Lord. If you have faith when you pray for sick people they will get well. The Lord will heal them and if they have sinned he will forgive them." We do this because God has instructed us to do it and we want to be obedient. And we want to be well! (You should know that there is no power in the oil itself, but by applying the oil we have a tangible witness we are receiving God's healing power.)
You may want to receive communion as well. Luke 22:19-20 says this: Jesus took some bread in his hands and gave thanks for it. He broke the bread and handed it to his apostles. Then he said "This is by body which is given to you. Eat this as a way of remembering me!" After the meal he took another cup of wine in his hands. Then he said "This is my blood. It is poured for you and with it God makes his new agreement." God's new agreement was sealed by the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. This agreement, or covenant, provides our salvation and that salvation includes healing.
1 Peter 2:24 says: Christ carried the burden of our sins. He was nailed to the cross so that we could stop sinning and start living right. By his cuts and bruises you are healed.
Taking communion is, as Jesus said, a way of remembering him. It will remind you of the covenant God has made with you and you will become more expectant of his healing power. (The pastor is available to serve you communion at your home or in the hospital.)
Then, if you haven't already done so, make an appointment to see a doctor. Men and women of medicine are allies in your battle against disease. Pray that God will reveal to your doctor whatever needs to be known for your healing. If you are admitted to a hospital, please if possible, have someone contact the Pastor or Church Office.
Ministry of New Member Sponsor
Come forward to stand with the new member in front of the congregation when the new member joins the church.
Introduce the new member to other members of the congregation.
Help the new member find a Sunday School class or other group or ministry to be part of.
Pay attention to the new member's attendance and participation. Contact the new member and notify the Evangelism Team if involvement is inconsistent.
Listen to any concerns or questions the new member may have regarding the church and seek to provide answers.
Invite the new member to a time of fellowship with you.
Help the church evaluate its ministry of welcoming new members.
Ways to Get Involved in Christiana United Methodist Church - See our Missions Page