Welcome

At Hyde Park Union Church, church membership is open without prejudice to all who would follow the saving example of Jesus Christ. As a congregation in the Free Church tradition, we affirm the soul liberty of every person, the priesthood of all believers, and the autonomy of the local church. We have no creeds, accept all forms of baptism, and welcome the rich diversity of all God's people.

We welcome new people into a deeply committed community of Christians who continually seek God's purpose for their lives. Together we create opportunities to worship, pray and study, to witness for justice and peace, and to serve one another in God's name. We commit ourselves to one another's welfare, to the Spirit of Joy in fellowship and celebration, and to the application of the lessons of our faith to life in our city and our world. We hope that you will consider our church both a sacred space apart and also a spiritual home.

Regardless of your personal level of commitment or investigation, we invite you to inquire of us, to attend freely all of our programs and services, to bring your family and friends. We encourage you to join us in learning and service, fellowship and hope, and in the expression of Christ's gospel and peace.

Why do people “join” a church?

Some people come to our church from other churches and are looking for a new church home. We encourage local church membership even if people are unsure how long they will reside in our community. We are part of a global society which often reinforces a sense of isolation and self-sufficiency. Here we take to heart messages of our interdependence and belonging.

Not all members believe the same things or express their beliefs the same way. They do not necessarily agree politically or even morally on issues of the day. In so far as lies with each of us, however, we attempt to live in peace with one another, with an honest and open heart toward the ideas and convictions of others, a spirit of cooperation, and a hope for unity under the Spirit of God.

Church membership is a way to strengthen one’s own faith, to be open to others in their spiritual journeys, and to offer oneself in service to the community in which we live. Participation in the church is both a privilege and a responsibility. Leadership in the church is an expression of personal sacrifice and spiritual maturity.

How do people join?

Everyone is welcomed into participation at Hyde Park Union Church without prejudice.

Once a month at the end of worship, the deacons gather informally to talk with people who are interested in joining the church. The deacons would like to know what draws people to our church, what needs individuals and families express, what talents and interests they bring, and what questions they have of us.

There is no vote taken on a new member. Anyone who voluntarily commits him/herself to Christ through our church is accepted into membership. One may join by baptism, by profession of faith, by reaffirmation of faith, or by letter of transfer from another congregation.

New members are given a sponsor who will introduce them in a worship service, host a coffee hour with them, and generally look out for them over a period of months. Members are expected to consider a financial pledge to the budget of the church, and to offer their time and talents as appropriate.

How do children join the church?

Our dual affiliation with the American Baptist Churches, USA and the United Church of Christ means that we baptize children at a variety of ages with varying amounts of water. Both the baptism (by water) and the dedication (by word) of young children express the promises parents choose to make on behalf of their children. Parents promise, with the help of the Spirit and the local community, to raise their children in the knowledge of Christ’s good news for the world. Either of these commitments is open to be ratified by the child at a later time. A child who was baptized as an infant may “confirm” his or her baptism in a service of “confirmation” later on; a child who was dedicated as an infant may profess his or her faith and be baptized.

The choice between sprinkling of an infant or immersion of an older child or young person is a personal one, and the ministers will honor and accept any choice made by an individual or family. The ritual observed, however, is very important in congregational life. Water is a symbol of life; baptism is a symbol of moving from death to life. There is power and beauty in promises we make in the service of baptism.

There is no right or wrong age for a decision to be baptized or confirmed. The ministers are pleased to meet with families at any time to talk about faith commitments with children and parents.