May 13, 2026

I became a member of the United Methodist Church on April 15, 1979. Since that date, I have been on the rolls of four United Methodists Churches: McCoy United Methodist in Birmingham, First United Methodist Church downtown Birmingham, First United Methodist Church downtown Atlanta and Pell City First United Methodist Church. I joined PCFUMC in 1993 because my then fiancé, Ed, was the Associate Pastor at the time. We got married in this sanctuary on May 22 of that year. Later on I attended seminary and became a member of the North Alabama Annual Conference. However, I retired early after 20 years of service and am again considered a voting member of this church.

All that is to say that I have been a member of the UMC for a long time.

I was thinking about membership in the church and its benefits.

The first benefit has to do with leadership and service within the congregation. Although you do not have to be a member to serve on most of our committees, you do have to be a member to chair committees such as Trustees, SPRC (Staff Parish Relations Committee), Finance and our Administrative Council. You cannot be a voting member of either our administrative council or our yearly charge conference if you are not a member. You must be a member to serve as lay leader, as lay representative to Annual Conference and to serve on the lay leadership committee (also known as nominations). So there are many ways to serve and be in leadership in a limited capacity if you are not a member in the local United Methodist Church. But what if you begin serving on a committee and you have the gifts and talents to lead in a members-only position? This may actually be God calling you to take this step of commitment.

The second benefit is all about community and belonging. Certainly we welcome you whether you are a member or a long-time attender. I’ve known churches where other folks assume an individual is a member just because of their years-long involvement in the life of the congregation. Membership is simply a step into assuming the identification with the church - “I am a member at PCFUMC!” There is nothing about being a non-member that would exclude someone from participating in the life of the church. However, there is something about taking that next step and truly claiming that you belong.

After writing the above paragraphs I’m beginning to feel like I’ve almost talked someone out of joining the church!

The last - and I would say strongest- benefit in being a member has to do with accountability and responsibility. All members vow to faithfully participate in the life and ministries of Pell City First United Methodist Church through their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Members promise to pray for the church, the ministries of the church, folks named in worship or on a prayer list, the pastor and staff, and other members, especially children and youth. Members are expected to show up - for worship, programs, bible studies, classes, special events, missions opportunities and fellowship meals. This does not mean you have to come every time the doors are open but it does mean committing to be here as much as you are able. Supporting the church with your gifts mainly means with money - of course all members can give but members are expected to give to the best of their ability. And if you aren’t able to give or to give very little, you are encouraged to give back in other ways through volunteering or offering your talents to help around the church. Members are expected to serve, whether on committee or with a mission project or just doing the little things that are necessary around the church. Serving in the community is important as well. Members also are asked to witness. Now this is a big deal as it was added to our membership vows several years ago. We don’t mean go door to door trying to evangelize your neighbors. But there is a component to membership that says we should be sharing our stories to those who are not a part of our church community. What brought you to this church? What has God done in your life or is doing even now? Where have you seen God active in the world this very day or week? These kinds of stories can be shared without expecting another person to profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Many times you are planting seeds of faith as well as being a safe person to approach if someone has questions or needs guidance.

Are these things big responsibilities? Yes, they are. But the best part about being a member is that you have a whole bunch of other people who are experiencing, living and trying along with you. You hold one another accountable as well as help one another to live our best lives as members of PCFUMC.

If you would like to talk about becoming a member you may contact me or come chat over coffee at 9:45 on Sunday mornings in the Cuppa Love.

Blessings on your Week

Amelia