Hawley United Methodist Church

Membership Audit Underway – Help Us Update Our Records!
 
Dear Hawley UMC,
Grace and peace to you in the Name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. I am writing because we are currently conducting the important sacred work of a membership audit. We are updating our records, which haven’t been reviewed in nearly a decade. Over time, some members have passed away, others have moved, and others have made the decision to worship at other congregations. Membership is more than just a name on a page—it’s a sacred vow and covenant between members and the church.
 
What does it take to be a Church Member at Hawley United Methodist Church?
1.) You vow to pray for the Church.
2.) You vow to attend worship when possible. (If you are ill and unable to attend worship, please contact the Care Team or Rev. Rebecca to receive pastoral care.)
3.) You vow to support the church through your gifts (such as time spent volunteering, musical ability, or monetary gifts).
4.) You vow to support the Church through your witness. (Tell people about Jesus!)
5.) Simply attending Church does not make you a member. You must make a profession of faith or officially transfer your membership from another congregation.
 
What Do I Get By Being a Church Member?
1.)   Church Members have the right to vote at Special Church Conferences.
2.)  Church Members are stakeholders within the congregation.
3.)  Church Members in good standing can be elected to serve as delegates to the Annual Conference, Jurisdictional Conference, and General Conference.
4.)  Church Members in good standing can serve in leadership positions.
5.)  Church Members are entitled to receive pastoral care, including pastoral visits and the delivery of the sacrament of Holy Communion.
6.)  Church Members receive a discount when renting the Great Hall.
 
Why Did I (or someone I love) receive a postcard?
As part of our membership audit, the membership secretary and I sent mail to people we have not heard from in quite some time. Please do not be offended—we are simply trying to update our records. Church records are legal documents and it is our sacred duty to do our best to keep them as accurate as possible.
 
Why is Church Membership Important?
Membership comes with the right to vote on important church policies and entitles you to pastoral care. But too often, we take our membership for granted. Our Membership in the United Methodist Church and the local congregation of Hawley United Methodist Church is a sacred vow and covenant.
The membership audit Is not intended to offend anyone—everyone is welcome to be part of our church family. However, we at Hawley UMC take membership seriously and we hope you do, too. We rely on the active engagement of our members to keep our records accurate. Neither Rev. Rebecca nor the Membership Secretary can know your current status without your help, so we kindly ask for your cooperation in updating your information. Thank you for helping us fulfill this important task with care and professionalism.