Baptism = Membership in the Church​
​
You are made a Member of the one holy Church—the body of Christ—by baptism in the name of the Triune God. This is the most important meaning of “membership”: God has saved you in baptism and made you a child of God! It is a gift from our gracious God—we can’t earn or deserve it!
​
This is membership in the Church (capital C) which includes baptized believers from every Christian denomination in every time and place. It’s bigger than simply belonging to a congregation!
​
Membership in a Congregation = Commitment to Christ
​
At St. John’s, everyone (regardless of membership) is welcome to Worship, hear the Gospel, receive Holy Communion, receive pastoral care, attend Bible Studies and be involved in all the activities of the congregation. All are welcome to receive!
 
Membership in a Congregation is not about what you get, but what you give!
 
You become a member of a congregation—a specific group of believers—by publicly committing or re-committing yourself to Christ and serving him through the local congregation. When you become a member, you will be asked:
​
     • Do you commit your life to God in Christ and will you serve Him through this congregation?
       If so, please answer, “Yes, by the help of God.”
​
      • Will you support the work of our Lord through the use of your time, talents and treasure?
        If so, please answer, “Yes, by the help of God.”
​
      • Will you be faithful to the Lord in your worship, study and fellowship?
        If so, please answer, “Yes, by the help of God.”
​
Both Members and Associate Members make these promises. The only difference is that Associate Members are also committed to another congregation.

Commitment to Christ = Discipleship
​
What does a disciple look like?
​
Each of us is called to serve God and serve our neighbor (see Luke 10:27) as disciples. For many Christians, this is:
              1. Service to others
              2. Daily prayer
              3. Daily Bible devotions
              4. Group Bible Study
              5. Weekly congregational worship
              6. Tithing (working towards giving 10% of what you receive to God’s work in the world)
​​
Service to others means intentionally looking for ways to help out at work, school, neighborhood, and church. There are many volunteer opportunities in our community (St. John’s Food Pantry, schools, hospitals, etc.)
 
At St. John’s, many people use Portals of Prayer as their Daily Prayer and Bible Reading guide. It can be found in the wooden racks at the back of the narthex, or by calling the church office.
 
We set aside one time a week for Congregational Worship so that our whole week will be renewed.

Choose which day:
Saturday evening at 5:30 P.M. in the chapel.
Sunday mornings in the sanctuary
   8:30 A.M. (a traditional service)
          11:00 A.M. (a contemporary service).

Group Bible Studies are offered September through May on Mondays at 6:30 P.M and Thursdays at 10:00 A.M. in the chapal. Women of the ELCA meet on the second Tuesday of each month for Bible studies and fellowship in the chapel.  Each session meets at 1:30 P.M September through May. Bible studies are also scheduled periodically on Sunday mornings for adult education at 9:45 A.M. in the St. John's Manor Community Room.
​
Tithing is giving 10% of our money to God’s work as a small sign of our commit 100% to God. We encourage our members to not to be legalistic (“I must give exactly 10%!”) but to give freely and thankfully. Also, consider dividing up your 10% between this congregation and other Christian ministries (such as the Food Pantry, Lutheran World Relief, Habitat for Humanity, etc.). Remember: the point is showing our love of God through our finances!

What is Associate Membership at St. John's?
 
Associate Members are people who want to show their commitment to God’s work at St. John’s, but also maintain membership at another congregation.
 
Some move to Arizona permanently or seasonally and are committed to another congregation. This is wonderful, and our Associate Members are to be commended for their faithfulness and loyalty.
 
Associate Members continue to support their primary congregation with their time, talents, and treasures. At St. John’s, Associate Members also support the mission of this congregation and are active in its life and work. Associate members are disciples in two congregations and of one Lord!
 
If you have more questions about membership, please call the church office at

623 931-1621
St. John's Lutheran Church
7205 N. 51 Avenues
Glendale, AZ 85301