WELCOME!
Each month Pastor John hosts a "Question and Answer Barbecue" that is designed to allow interested persons to explore the vision and purpose of the church, partnership with the church, eat some country BBQ, and discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. These barbecues and classes take place at Pastor John's home. Call the church office or check our online calendar at: (Travis provide the link back to our calendar section here) to find out the dates of upcoming BBQ's and classes.

If you have been worshipping with us and are interested in becoming a partner (member) with Friedens (Peace) United Church of Christ, there are three ways to unite with the church: transfer of membership from another United Church of Christ church family, transfer from another denomination, or by profession of faith. If you have been baptized, it is not necessary to be baptized again. If you have not been baptized, you can be baptized when you join.

If you would like further information on becoming a partner (member) or any information regarding Friedens (Peace) United Church of Christ, the pastor would be happy to visit with you at any time. Please call the church office at (830) 303-7729 to arrange a visit or schedule to be at the next "Question and Answer BBQ!"

Why do you call it a Partnership instead of membership?
In today’s culture, membership implies that one, having paid their “dues” is now owed certain rights, honors, and privileges! Membership has overtones of a “country club” feel which is not in tune with the message that Jesus came to give. However, partner and “partnering” with God to make God’s will a reality here on earth (thy will be done, thy kingdom come) is Biblical and implies a sense of communal responsibility. For instance, Paul states in Philippians 1:3-7 “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Again in Philippians 3:10 Paul states “I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself. If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it." Later Paul states: “But I do all things for the gospel, that I [should] be made partner of it.”

Clearly “Partnering” with God in order to be a bringer of God’s Kingdom to this earth is the Biblical model that we are striving for, which is why we use the language of partner!

2 Keys to Partnership:

There are two central questions we ask of persons joining our church family.

Partnership (membership) Vows for Friedens (Peace) United Church of Christ

1. Do you profess faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
      
   The fundamental and core belief of Christianity is a firm belief that Jesus Christ is the son of God, lived out his mission from God by living as an example, and then ultimately died on the cross as a ransom for our sins. Furthermore, through the power of God he was raised from the dead, and as he ascended into heaven promised to send us the Holy Spirit as a comforter, counselor, and guide for living.
      
2. "Will you be loyal to Friedens (Peace) United Church of Christ and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?"
      
   Prayers
   Our commitment to uphold the Church through intercessory prayer is based upon the fundamental reality that we are not simply a human agency seeking to meet human needs: we pray because we require God's guidance in order to be the church. When we pray for our pastor, for our teachers, for one another, and for those who may never even enter our doors, we express our dependence on God so that we might in turn express the will and compassion of Christ.
      
   Presence
   Our commitment to uphold the Church by our presence is a visible witness of our faith, both in the pew and in the world. Our relationship to Christ is nurtured by our presence in worship where we find spiritual guidance, comfort and strength. But our relationship to Christ is not confined to Sunday morning alone. We also uphold the Church by our presence at home, at work, at school, and in the community. Wherever we are, our presence should be an expression of our commitment to Christ.
      
   Gifts
   Our commitment to uphold the Church by our gifts is a thankful response from the heart for all God has given us. Such a commitment serves to remind us of our role as stewards over what God has entrusted to us. The systematic giving of our money also helps to establish and maintain ministries that no individual or single congregation could fund alone. These worthy causes include hospitals; colleges; rehabilitation centers; food and clothing distribution; evangelistic and educational work, and emergency relief.
      
   Service
   Our commitment to be loyal to the Church and uphold it by our service further reflects our commitment to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). God has entrusted all of us with certain talents and abilities, and sharing these gifts is a means of sharing ourselves out of love and gratitude toward God and love for one another.

Information for Partners
If you are a partner with Friedens, and need to make address, telephone, etc. changes to your record, please call the office at 830-303-7729 or email the church at:
Helping us to keep your information current is greatly appreciated. See you in church Sunday!