Becoming a member

Members of First United Methodist Church are people who help each other develop a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and encourage each another to “do all the good you can.” Members commit time, energy and resources to and helping carry out the mission of First UMC Baraboo which is “Helping People Say ‘Yes!’ to God.”

Member Classes

Membership classes are offered as needed.  Confirmation class for youth is offered every other year.  The next session is scheduled to begin fall of 2024.  Members are baptized Christians who say ‘yes’ to promising their “prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness” in a time of public commitment  during a worship service.

Prayers

We promise to carry on a relationship with God through a personal prayer practice.

Presence

We promise to attend worship services regularly. Worship (hearing the good news of Jesus and responding) is central to our faith.

Gifts

We are good stewards of the gifts God has given us.  With God’s guidance, we generously support the work of the church through give of our financial resources.   The ministry of this congregation is made possible through the freely given gifts offered by its members and friends.

Service

Members promise to serve others through the ministry of the church at least in one way. There are a varieties of kinds of service, including opening the church early on Sunday, operating the sound system or reading scripture during worship, serving on a committee, filling a leadership role, working in The Neighborly Free Store or bringing treats for fellowship time after worship.

Witness

Members commit to being intentional about inviting and invite others to join them at church.  They are also ready to share with any and all what God is doing in their lives.   In these ways and more, members provide witness to their faith.

In our worship, education and mission/outreach ministries, we seek to be faithful to John Wesley and the early Methodists.  According to our United Methodist tradition, loving God and loving our neighbor were the two most important things in life.  Along with other United Methodists, we believe part of what it means to come closer to God is that we actively work to alleviate the suffering of others.  We both pray and we work for the coming of the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

At First United Methodist Church, nobody is perfect. You’ll find here a community of accepting people who treat each other with respect. We try to love unconditionally (the way Christ loves us). We know that without love and God’s grace, we can’t be the people God wants us to be.   Through offering many opportunities to reach out to others, we challenge each other to go where hurting people need the love and mercy of God. We believe we are called to be Jesus’ hands and feet in the world.

Come join us on the journey!