Small groups are great ways to learn about the church, develop relationships, and to grow closer to Christ. An new Small Group opportunity is about to open in PUMC. It’s called a “Membership Class”, but it’s for everyone. The class will be led by Pastor Mike, and it will be held on Sunday mornings (starting October 17).
Here are the details:
WHO: Anyone!
WHAT: Small group to learn about PUMC and the United Methodist Church
WHY: To grow closer to Jesus!
WHEN: Sunday mornings at 9AM between 10/20 thru 11/17
WHERE: Room 209 (the second room on your right as you enter the 2nd floor of the Education Wing)
What… Who…. Me?!?
“MEMBERSHIP Class”??? You may have never considered joining a Membership Class, but this class will go beyond any goal of “membership.” In fact, joining PUMC and becoming an “official member” isn’t the main goal of this small group. Yes, if you are transferring your membership from another UM Church, or if you’ve never had any church affiliation and want to join PUMC, this class is required.
But, joining isn’t a requirement or even an expected outcome. The real purpose is to be a small group which brings us closer to Christ. It will be a chance to learn more about the United Methodist Church (or to refresh your memory), to meet each other (we’re seeing a lot of new faces around church these days!), or to get to know Pastor Mike better (he’s only been with us for 3 months now).
Here are some “FAQ”s… or at least some things you might be wondering about as you read this post….
I’ve been a member “forever”… is there anything in this class for me?
Actually, yes! In confirmation class they talk about John Wesley and teach you about our Methodist Heritage. But, how long ago was that confirmation class??? This “Membership Class” is a chance to refresh your understanding of our Church. It’s also a chance to meet some of our church family and to help make those who are new to PUMC to feel welcome.
I just want to transfer my membership from another Methodist church. Do I have to attend this class?
If you are currently a member of a United Methodist Church and want to simply transfer your membership to PUMC, you need to attend at least the first class (but you don’t need to attend all of the classes). If you have never been a member of a United Methodist church, you should attend every session.
I don’t know if I want to “join the church” yet. Am I going to be pressured into joining when the class is over?
Nope! Don’t worry about any offering envelopes being shoved into your hands when the class is over! Joining a church is a very important and personal decision. Nobody’s going to rush you into it. This class is simply an opportunity to learn and grow. The class is a requirement if you do want to join the church, but joining the church isn’t a requirement for taking part in this class.
An Invitation from Pastor Mike
The below video is from Pastor Mike’s weekly announcement video (shown on the calendar page). This video contains other announcements, but it starts at where Pastor Mike talks about the Membership Class…
What’s Next?
If you know you want to attend the class, please contact the church office (Office@PitmanUMC.org, 856-589-8313) to let Erica (PUMC Office Manager) know that you’re planning to attend; it would help if we could have an idea of how many are going to attend.
If you have any questions about the class, drop Pastor Mike an email (PastorMike@PitmanUMC.org).
Or, more importantly: Just come out to the class- all are welcome!
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For more info about Small Groups, click this button: Small Groups
