I’m always eager to see who will join the New Members classes each year. A bit anxious, too, as I wonder if anyone will come out. In that way, I guess I’m like the host of a party, hoping that the guests will show up.
The New Members Class is designed to meet the needs of those who are transferring to our church from other denominations, as well as those who have not yet professed their faith or been baptized. For that reason it covers not only some basic theology, the church calendar, the books of the Bible and a couple of Reformed statements of faith, but also information specific to the Christian Reformed Church in general and Hope Fellowship in particular. At its conclusion, the participants share their testimonies and either re-affirm their faith in Jesus or make a public stand for Him for the first time in their lives.
The best part of the New Members Class is enjoying a small group experience for seven weeks and getting to know each other better in the process. For many people, it has been this class that made them feel more connected to others at our church. On Sundays I often notice former classmates greeting each other, still maintaining the ties that were forged during our sessions.
In a church like ours, with its beautiful diversity, it is important to be united by the same mission and vision. The New Members Class is a wonderful opportunity to respectfully discuss issues and perspectives that have the potential to divide us.
If you have not been baptized yet, please attend this class. If you’ve wandered away from the Lord or the church for a time and want to recommit to God, please come to this class. If you have been waiting for the opportunity to publicly profess the faith that has always sustained you, please come to this class. If you are transferring from another church or denomination, please attend this class.
Oh yes, we begin on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. If this Fall class doesn’t work, there’s a Winter class that starts on January 18 and a Spring class that begins on March 21. You can register at the Info Centre or by calling the church office.
- Pastor Peter
The New Members Class is designed to meet the needs of those who are transferring to our church from other denominations, as well as those who have not yet professed their faith or been baptized. For that reason it covers not only some basic theology, the church calendar, the books of the Bible and a couple of Reformed statements of faith, but also information specific to the Christian Reformed Church in general and Hope Fellowship in particular. At its conclusion, the participants share their testimonies and either re-affirm their faith in Jesus or make a public stand for Him for the first time in their lives.
The best part of the New Members Class is enjoying a small group experience for seven weeks and getting to know each other better in the process. For many people, it has been this class that made them feel more connected to others at our church. On Sundays I often notice former classmates greeting each other, still maintaining the ties that were forged during our sessions.
In a church like ours, with its beautiful diversity, it is important to be united by the same mission and vision. The New Members Class is a wonderful opportunity to respectfully discuss issues and perspectives that have the potential to divide us.
If you have not been baptized yet, please attend this class. If you’ve wandered away from the Lord or the church for a time and want to recommit to God, please come to this class. If you have been waiting for the opportunity to publicly profess the faith that has always sustained you, please come to this class. If you are transferring from another church or denomination, please attend this class.
Oh yes, we begin on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. If this Fall class doesn’t work, there’s a Winter class that starts on January 18 and a Spring class that begins on March 21. You can register at the Info Centre or by calling the church office.
- Pastor Peter
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