{"id":34173,"date":"2024-10-06T14:44:50","date_gmt":"2024-10-06T18:44:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=34173"},"modified":"2024-11-18T14:06:42","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T19:06:42","slug":"membership-class-opens-10-20-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pitmanumc.org\/wp\/?p=34173","title":{"rendered":"Membership Class Opens (10\/20\/24)"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.\u00a0 It’s called a “Membership Class”, but it’s for everyone.\u00a0 The class will be led by Pastor Mike, and it will be held on Sunday mornings (starting October 17).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Here are the details:<\/p>\n

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WHO:<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0 Anyone!<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Small group to learn about PUMC and the United Methodist Church<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

WHY:<\/span><\/strong> To grow closer to Jesus!<\/span><\/p>\n

WHEN<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Sunday mornings at 9AM between 10\/20 thru 11\/17<\/span><\/p>\n

WHERE:<\/span><\/strong> Room 209 (the second room on your right as you enter the 2nd floor of the Education Wing<\/span><\/em>)<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n

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What… Who…. Me?!?<\/span><\/h3>\n

“MEMBERSHIP Class”???\u00a0 You may have never considered joining a Membership Class, but this class will go beyond any goal of “membership.”\u00a0 In fact, joining PUMC and becoming an “official member” isn’t the main goal of this small group.\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But, joining isn’t a requirement or even an expected outcome.\u00a0 The real purpose is to be a small group which brings us closer to Christ.\u00a0 It will be a chance to learn more about the United Methodist Church<\/a><\/span> (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<\/span><\/a> better (he’s only been with us for 3 months now<\/span><\/em>).<\/p>\n

Here are some “FAQ”s… or at least some things you might be wondering about as you read this post….<\/p>\n

I’ve been a member “forever”… is there anything in this class for me?<\/span><\/em><\/h4>\n

Actually, yes!\u00a0 In confirmation class they talk about John Wesley and teach you about our Methodist Heritage.\u00a0 But, how long ago was that confirmation class???\u00a0 This “Membership Class” is a chance to refresh your understanding of our Church.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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I just want to transfer my membership from another Methodist church.\u00a0 Do I have to attend this class?<\/span><\/em><\/h4>\n

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).\u00a0 If you have never been a member of a United Methodist church, you should attend every session.<\/p>\n

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I don’t know if I want to “join the church” yet.\u00a0 Am I going to be pressured into joining when the class is over?<\/em><\/span><\/h4>\n

Nope!\u00a0 Don’t worry about any offering envelopes being shoved into your hands when the class is over!\u00a0 Joining a church is a very important and personal decision.\u00a0 Nobody’s going to rush you into it.\u00a0 This class is simply an opportunity to learn and grow.\u00a0 The class is<\/em> a requirement if you do want to join the church, but joining the church isn’t a requirement for taking part in this class.<\/p>\n

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An Invitation from Pastor Mike<\/span><\/h3>\n

The below video is from Pastor Mike’s weekly announcement video (shown on the calendar page<\/a>).\u00a0 This video contains other announcements, but it starts at where Pastor Mike talks about the Membership Class…<\/p>\n

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