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 Pictured here are new members A.J. and Tiffany Brooks. One becomes an active member of the church through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and acceptance of his Lordship in all of life. Baptism and a public profession of faith in Jesus as Lord are the visible signs of entrance into the active membership of the church. Other new members include Lou and Barbara Body, IV, Lillian Haist, Jim and Lois Goas, and Michael and Clare Millwood. Persons may enter into active church membership in the following ways: by profession of faith, reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ, or transfer of certificate from some other church, and may be arranged by speaking to the pastor or church officers (525-0696).
A faithful member accepts Christ's call to be involved responsibly in the ministry of his Church. Such involvement includes:
a. proclaiming the good news,
b. taking part in the common life and worship of the church,
c. praying and studying Scripture and the faith of the Christian Church,
d. supporting the work of the church through the giving of money, time, and talents,
e. participating in the governing responsibilities of the church,
f. demonstrating a new quality of life within and through the church,
g. responding to God's activity in the world through service to others,
h. living responsibly in the personal, family, vocational, political, cultural, and social relationships of life,
i. working in the world for peace, justice, freedom, and human fulfillment.
In our corporate life at Sea Island, we have found that the above responsibilities can best be 'lived out' as we practice the Four Covenants of Stewardship.
The Covenant of Personal Life pertains to the practice of the spiritual disciplines (i.e. reading the Bible and daily prayer) that enables one to grow in their faith and relationship with the Lord.
The Covenant of Community Life draws one into the life of a particular congregation where people gather to worship God, study the Word, break bread, pray, and fellowship.
The Covenant of Public Life calls us to share the gifts of our time, energy, imagination, and love in the community and world in which we live. It's investing our gifts in the lives of others.
The Covenant of Financial Life is the grace of tithing in order to support the work, ministry, and mission of the church. As we consider this part of our personal lives the question becomes, 'What proportion can I return for God's work in order to signify and symbolize and confess before everyone that all I am and all I have comes from God?'
In accordance with the Book of Order, the Membership Roll is reviewed a minimum of once a year. The following information is provided by Carole Ingram, Clerk of Session.
SIPC has a total of 820 adherents. This number includes three categories of membership. Sea Island has 637 active members, 176 baptized members, and 34 affiliate members.
We give thanks to God for our continued growth. The congregation experienced 5% growth in active members in 2005, and 14% growth in the number of total adherents who are participating in the life of the community of faith.
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