JOINING
SUNDAYS
• 9 A.M. CONTEMPORARY •
• 11 A.M. TRADITIONAL •
• 10 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL •
FAITH AND BELONGING
MAKE ALEDO UMC YOUR CHURCH HOME
Faith grows in community. Becoming a member is a way to say, “This is where I want to follow Jesus, grow in grace, and serve alongside others.”
Whether you are new to church or carrying a lifetime of faith, we would love to walk with you.
OUR MEMBERSHIP COMMITMENT
A PROMISE WE LIVE TOGETHER
As United Methodists, we promise to participate in the life and ministries of our church through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. These commitments help us follow Jesus in everyday life. When you take these vows the congregation takes them with you.
PRAYERS
What:
We promise to support our church through prayer, bringing our gratitude, concerns, and hopes before God. Prayer includes both speaking and listening as we seek God’s guidance for our lives and our congregation.
Why:
Prayer deepens our relationship with God and opens our hearts to the needs of others. Through prayer, God’s grace shapes us to love more fully and follow Jesus more faithfully.
How:
Set aside time each day to pray for our church, its leaders, our neighbors, and the world. Share prayer requests, pray with others, and make room for quiet reflection.
“Pray continually.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
PRESENCE
What:
We promise to participate faithfully in the life of our church through worship, learning, fellowship, and meaningful relationships. Being present means sharing our lives and growing in faith together.
Why:
God created us for community. When we gather around Scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion, we encounter Christ and receive encouragement for the journey. Your presence helps strengthen the whole church.
How:
Make worship a regular part of your life, join a class or group, and take time to know others. When attending in person is difficult, stay connected through online worship, calls, and other opportunities for fellowship.
“Don’t stop meeting together with other believers…”
Hebrews 10:25
GIFTS
What:
We promise to share the resources God has entrusted to us, including our financial offerings, talents, and abilities. Through generosity, we help sustain the church’s ministry and extend its reach.
Why:
Giving is an act of worship and a grateful response to God’s grace. Our gifts support the work we share, helping people encounter Christ, grow in faith, and receive care in times of need.
How:
Prayerfully consider how you can give regularly and generously according to your circumstances. Support the church’s ministries through financial contributions and share your talents wherever they can help others flourish.
“For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
1 Chronicles 29:14
SERVICE
What:
We promise to put our faith into action by serving others within our congregation and beyond its walls. Service means offering our time and energy to meet needs with compassion and care.
Why:
Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, and service gives that love practical expression. As we serve, we grow in grace, build relationships, and participate in God’s work of healing and justice.
How:
Find a ministry that connects your abilities with a need. Welcome guests, help with worship, prepare meals, visit someone who is lonely, or participate in community outreach. Begin with one opportunity and serve faithfully.
“…serve each other through love.”
Galatians 5:13
WITNESS
What:
We promise to share the good news of Jesus Christ through our words and actions. Our witness tells the story of God’s love through the way we speak, treat others, and live each day.
Why:
The Holy Spirit empowers us to share the hope we have found in Christ. Through honest conversations and compassionate actions, we help others discover God’s grace and an invitation to belong.
How:
Share how faith has made a difference in your life, invite someone to worship or a church activity, and listen respectfully to their story. Let kindness, integrity, and a willingness to stand alongside others reflect the love of Christ.
“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”
Acts 1:8
PRAYERS
What:
We promise to support our church through prayer, bringing our gratitude, concerns, and hopes before God. Prayer includes both speaking and listening as we seek God’s guidance for our lives and our congregation.
Why:
Prayer deepens our relationship with God and opens our hearts to the needs of others. Through prayer, God’s grace shapes us to love more fully and follow Jesus more faithfully.
How:
Set aside time each day to pray for our church, its leaders, our neighbors, and the world. Share prayer requests, pray with others, and make room for quiet reflection.
“Pray continually.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17
PRESENCE
What:
We promise to participate faithfully in the life of our church through worship, learning, fellowship, and meaningful relationships. Being present means sharing our lives and growing in faith together.
Why:
God created us for community. When we gather around Scripture, prayer, and Holy Communion, we encounter Christ and receive encouragement for the journey. Your presence helps strengthen the whole church.
How:
Make worship a regular part of your life, join a class or group, and take time to know others. When attending in person is difficult, stay connected through online worship, calls, and other opportunities for fellowship.
“Don’t stop meeting together with other believers…”
Hebrews 10:25
GIFTS
What:
We promise to share the resources God has entrusted to us, including our financial offerings, talents, and abilities. Through generosity, we help sustain the church’s ministry and extend its reach.
Why:
Giving is an act of worship and a grateful response to God’s grace. Our gifts support the work we share, helping people encounter Christ, grow in faith, and receive care in times of need.
How:
Prayerfully consider how you can give regularly and generously according to your circumstances. Support the church’s ministries through financial contributions and share your talents wherever they can help others flourish.
“For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
1 Chronicles 29:14
SERVICE
What:
We promise to put our faith into action by serving others within our congregation and beyond its walls. Service means offering our time and energy to meet needs with compassion and care.
Why:
Jesus calls us to love our neighbors, and service gives that love practical expression. As we serve, we grow in grace, build relationships, and participate in God’s work of healing and justice.
How:
Find a ministry that connects your abilities with a need. Welcome guests, help with worship, prepare meals, visit someone who is lonely, or participate in community outreach. Begin with one opportunity and serve faithfully.
“…serve each other through love.”
Galatians 5:13
WITNESS
What:
We promise to share the good news of Jesus Christ through our words and actions. Our witness tells the story of God’s love through the way we speak, treat others, and live each day.
Why:
The Holy Spirit empowers us to share the hope we have found in Christ. Through honest conversations and compassionate actions, we help others discover God’s grace and an invitation to belong.
How:
Share how faith has made a difference in your life, invite someone to worship or a church activity, and listen respectfully to their story. Let kindness, integrity, and a willingness to stand alongside others reflect the love of Christ.
“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…”
Acts 1:8
Your story.
Your faith.
Your church home.
A conversation with a pastor can help you discern your next step.
01.
BEGINNING A LIFE IN CHRIST
BAPTISM
Baptism is a sacrament through which God’s grace welcomes us into Christ’s church and begins a lifelong journey of discipleship. United Methodists baptize people of all ages, including infants and children, trusting that God’s love reaches us before we can respond. For children, parents or sponsors and the congregation promise to nurture their faith. Youth and adults who are ready to profess their faith may be baptized and become professing members in the same service. If you have already received Christian baptism, we honor that baptism and do not repeat it.
02.
AFFIRMING YOUR FAITH
PROFESSION OF FAITH
If you have been baptized and are ready to publicly affirm your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you may join by profession of faith. In worship, you affirm the baptismal covenant and commit to sharing in the church’s life and ministry. It is a meaningful way to claim your faith as your own and begin a new chapter of discipleship. For young people,
confirmation provides preparation for this public profession. A pastor will help you understand the promises and prepare for this step.
03.
CONTINUING YOUR JOURNEY
TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP
If you are a member of another United Methodist church or another Christian denomination, you may join Aledo UMC by transfer of membership. We celebrate the faith journey that has brought you here and recognize your Christian baptism. As you make Aledo your church home, you affirm your commitment to Christ and to this congregation through our membership vows. Contact the church office to begin the conversation and receive help with the transfer process.
A LITTLE MORE CLARITY
Questions are welcomed here.
DO I NEED TO BE BAPTIZED AGAIN?
No. United Methodists recognize Christian baptism with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God’s faithfulness endures, so baptism is celebrated once. You can reaffirm your baptismal covenant as you join.
WHERE DOES CONFIRMATION FIT IN?
Confirmation helps young people explore Christian faith and prepare to profess it for themselves. Those already baptized affirm their baptismal covenant and become professing members. Those not yet baptized may receive baptism as part of this step.
Parents are encouraged to walk this journey with their children. Other adults interested in walking this path are also welcome to take the classes.
CAN I THINK ABOUT IT BEFORE DECIDING?
Yes. You are welcome to worship, ask questions, and get to know the congregation as you discern your next step. Reach out whenever you are ready to talk about making Aledo UMC your church home.
DO I HAVE TO JOIN IN FRONT OF THE CONGREGATION?
No, we offer a 'painless membership'. You can make your make your profession of faith in the pastor's office. During the following service we will celebrate this with you and ask the congregation to make their supporting vows.
I WAS BAPTIZED AS A CHILD BUT NEVER DID CONFIRMATION. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Speak with a pastor about preparing to make your own profession of faith. Confirmation is open to adults as well as students—it is never too late to take this step.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PROFESSION OF FAITH AND A REAFFIRMATION OF FAITH?
A profession of faith is your public declaration of trust in Jesus Christ and commitment to Christian discipleship. A reaffirmation renews a commitment you have already made, marking a fresh beginning or a deepening of faith. Reaffirmation does not repeat baptism.
CAN I JOIN IF I BELONG TO ANOTHER CHRISTIAN DENOMINATION?
Yes. Baptized Christians from other denominations may be received into The United Methodist Church. You will affirm the church’s baptismal and membership vows and have an opportunity to learn about United Methodist beliefs and practices.
WHAT IF I’VE BEEN AWAY FROM CHURCH FOR A LONG TIME?
You are welcome here. God’s grace continues to invite us into renewed faith and community. A pastor can help you explore reaffirming your faith and determine whether your membership needs to be transferred or renewed.
WHAT IF MY PREVIOUS CHURCH DOES NOT PROVIDE MEMBERSHIP RECORDS OR TRANSFER LETTERS?
That does not necessarily prevent you from joining. A pastor can help establish your baptismal and membership history and guide you through the appropriate steps. United Methodist provisions allow reception from churches that do not issue transfer letters.
VISION + MISSION
INSPIRING PEOPLE TO FOLLOW JESUS AND FEARLESSLY CHANGE THE WORLD
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