If you are interested in becoming a member of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, Welcome! Please talk to the pastor or the office about next steps.
We typically have membership classes when a few families want to join, about 4 sessions so they understand Methodism and what they are entering, assign new members to mentors, established members of the congregation who can help them integrate into the life of the church, and have periodic New Member ceremonies within the Sunday service.
Everyone is welcome!
Walnut Creek United Methodist Church is part of The United Methodist Church. Choosing to become a member of the UMC, and more specifically of Walnut Creek UMC, involves committing oneself to a life centered on growing in holiness through various practices. It’s important to know that you are welcome to attend worship services and participate in mission and service activities without being a member. Our hope and prayer are that your interactions with us fill you with love and joy, inspiring you to seek a deeper relationship with both the church and God. At the same time, membership is a time for the church to reaffirm the vows below and commit to your spiritual growth and maturity.
The UMC participation:
United Methodists commit to supporting the church’s ministries through their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. When you become a member of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, we will ask you to uphold those vows.
We ask you uphold the church with your Prayers:
Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Committing to support the congregation through prayer can be challenging for some, especially when it’s not entirely clear what that entails. At its core, it’s about being in relationship with God. Think about a time when you had news—whether joyful or heartbreaking—that you were eager to share with a trusted friend. Praying is like that; the more we engage in conversation with God, the stronger our connection with God becomes. And when we pray for others, our hearts open more fully to receiving and loving them, just as God loves each one of us.
We ask you to uphold the church with your Presence:
Showing up makes a difference. It reminds us that we belong to something greater than ourselves. Being part of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, or any church, means we are connected to a community of Christ followers who care for one another and are present in each other’s lives. In that community, love grows. Galatians 6:2: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
We ask you uphold the church with your Gifts:
While many people often think of gifts in terms of money, sharing your spiritual gifts is just as vital when participating in the life of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church. Financial contributions are important; they are spiritual discipline and help support the ongoing work and ministries of the church. As a member, you will be invited to make a financial pledge. But being good stewards also means offering your unique talents and gifts to the community. Do you have a passion for working with children? Are you interested in joining the choir? These, too, are valuable gifts that enrich our church and strengthen our shared mission.
Not sure where your spiritual gifts lie? Click here to download a Spiritual Gifts Assessment. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/spiritual-gifts-inventory/en
We ask you to uphold the church with your Service:
Serving others is at the heart of who we are as United Methodists. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Being active in your church means you do, you don’t just say. You speak up, you speak out, and you walk out, and you do.
We ask you to hold the church with your Witness:
Matthew 4:19 Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” There are many ways to share the good news. At the ballfield, grocery store, even at home…. When you make yourself approachable, people will ask about faith. It is our responsibility as part of the body of Christ to spread the good news of Jesus, to make disciples for the transformation of the world.
The UMC preparation:
Membership into The UMC goes hand in hand with membership into Christ’s Holy Body through baptism. The United Methodist Church accepts baptisms from many Christian denominations and forms of baptism. To learn more about baptism click:
https://www.umc.org/en/content/renewing-waters-how-united-methodists-understand-baptism
To learn more about baptism at Walnut Creek contact the church office.
Become a member:
If you would like to become a member of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, please contact our pastor in person or via Contact Us.
If you are eager to start your journey. You can start as the early Methodists started and grab a journal and engage in any of historical questions of the original Methodist small groups. Even better if you can find an actual small group and live these questions together, but don’t wait! Jump in! https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/everyday-disciples-john-wesleys-22-questions
Don’t know who John Wesley is? No worries. Here is a 5-minute primer we found on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gH6Hqu12sDk