Dear Current Christ Church Members,
I am inviting you– along with all who became members before the fall of 2025 – to one of the upcoming (Re)New Member Classes taking place on Feb 11th and Feb 15th. The (Re)New Member Class is a simplified renewal track that focuses on new content.
I have heard a few common questions, so let me address them.
Why am I asking members to renew their membership?
At our Annual Parish Meeting, I described Christ Church as being in a season of “Renewed + Renewing”. We are actively and expectantly inviting the Spirit to bring new life in the areas of formation, mission, and belonging – personally and corporately. We revamped our New Member Class to provide context and clarity to what membership looks like at Christ Church. A couple of weeks ago, we introduced it to over 70 people exploring membership!
Why a membership renewal?
That word “membership” can mean different things to different people. For some, there can be a fear, “What am I being asked to do?” Others wonder, “Does membership really matter?’ Let me frame membership this way: the heart and core of membership is really about one word–belonging. Belonging to a community with Christ at the center, belonging to people who are being healed and transformed into Christ-likeness, and belonging to a people who are on mission with God to love our city and the world. Belonging means mutuality; there are ways you serve and give to the community, and ways the community blesses you.
The purpose isn’t to change your experience at Christ Church, but it is to bring clarity about what it means to belong.
Will we do this each year?
No, we won’t. This is a special moment in our church to bring clarity to members. There have been times the past two years when I’ve wanted to share a special message about the life of the church, or invite people to pray for something that wouldn’t be appropriate to share with our whole list-serv, but our records aren’t clear on who is a member. Some people are long-time actively involved participants, but not members. Others signed a membership paper 12 years ago and might even wonder, “Am I a member.” This focus this year brings clarity to everyone.
Is there new content?
The content is mostly revamped, but there are new position papers connected to a few key topics: women in ministry and sexuality. In these, we want to address the church’s position and the postures we hold. We don’t expect members to agree across the board on every position, but we do expect our members to hold common postures.
What if you can’t make it to the classes?
If you can’t make it to one of these two classes, later this year we will offer two other dates to attend the (Re)New Membership Class. You only have to attend one of these. These classes are about 75 minutes long and move much faster than the membership class.
If you’re unable to attend those, you are welcome to join the entire New Member class, which will be offered annually. Attendance is required for membership.
What if I don’t renew my membership?
If you don’t renew your membership, either by choice or circumstance, your current experience of Christ Church remains the same. Those who become members from this time forward will have added opportunities that include things like receiving member news periodically, nominating vestry candidates and serving on vestry, and access to a member directory.
If you’ve already registered for a class, I look forward to seeing you! If you haven’t registered yet, I hope you will join us!
Peace,
Matt+