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Getting Involved at Midland
How can I be part of the Midland UMC family?
Our doors are open not only to our members but also to any in the community who seek to develop a relationship with Christ. You may participate in any of our programs as a visitor. Membership, like marriage, is a sign of commitment in which one expresses, “This is my church, I feel responsible for her. I am committed to her mission, vision, and ministry. I want to serve God here as I grow in my faith.”
We offer a variety of groups and special activities to help us all grow together in the Holy Spirit to reach our community for Christ, as individuals and as part of a small group. Check out our different ministry groups, such as Sunday school classes, men, women, youth, children, and missions. You are also invited to participate in any of the special activities we offer throughout the year, such as:
· Easter egg hunt – Saturday before Easter. Neighborhood children from age 2-12 hunt for plastic eggs filled with candy or toys, have their photo taken with the Easter bunny, and have lunch together. Sponsored by the Children’s Ministry.
· Men’s barbecue – one in the spring, one in the fall. The Midland Hunt Club cooks, over about a 3-day period, whole Boston butts, racks of spareribs, and turkeys for sale by advance purchase. Plate sales of barbeque with sides are available on the last day. Profits fund projects of the group. Past projects include the children’s playground.
· Open Door Community House Walk Classic – Saturday morning in March. Fund-raising event supported by our Outreach Team.
· Mother-Daughter-Friends Dinner – Friday night in late April or early May. Women of the church decorate a table, sell tickets, and enjoy a catered meal served by men of the church. Fun and fellowship are key features of the evening. Sponsored by the Women’s Ministry.
· Vacation Bible School – late July. A one-week evening event (6-8:30) with a theme chosen annually. Neighborhood children ages 4-12 participate in Bible stories, crafts, games, meals, and a mission project. Sponsored by the Children’s Ministry.
· Fall Festival – Late October. An alternative to celebrating Halloween, neighborhood children and their families participate in games, food, and a Silent Auction. Sponsored by the Children’s Ministry.
· Parents’ Afternoon Out – 1st Saturday in December. Fun activities for children while parents do Christmas preparations. Sponsored by the Women’s Ministry and the Children’s Ministry.
· Hanging of the Greens – 1st Sunday in Advent. Families come to decorate the church for Christmas and share in a devotional time and a meal.
· Candlelight Communion – Christmas Eve worship service.
Individual growth opportunities exist via the following:
Congregational Assistance Program (Pastoral Institute). Midland UMC
participates in the CAP, which means that our congregation can receive services, including individual or family counseling, from the Pastoral Institute staff either free or at a reduced rate. Contact church office for further information, or contact the Pastoral Institute directly.
Prayer. Through our Prayer Ministry we encourage prayer for each other and our church using a variety of means. Each Sunday during both worship services, an intercessory prayer partner is in our prayer room, lifting up our pastor and our congregation in prayer
Library. A variety of Christian books, videos, and games are available to borrow from our church library.
Upper Room Devotional Books. Our church purchases these 2-month devotional booklets and makes them available on a first come, first served basis to all who wish to use them for a personal daily devotional or group study guide.
Walk to Emmaus. We are part of the Valley Emmaus Community, which holds men and women’s spiritual growth retreats in the spring and fall at Pine Eden Christian Retreat Center in Hamilton, GA. These are 3-day events where time is given to inspiration, instruction, and sacraments, and sharing in small groups, festive events, and delicious meals. Applicants must be baptized Christians and must have a sponsor. .
Chapel in the Woods. On our grounds, we have an outdoor chapel, completed as an Eagle Scout project by one of our Troop 169 members. The Boy Scouts use it for ceremonies and it is available for private reflection or group worship.
If you are not a member of Midland, we’d love to have you join us. When you are ready to do so, be prepared to make the following commitments:
1. Attend worship every weekend unless you are sick or out of town (members who travel out of town are encouraged to attend services in the location they are visiting).
2. Participate in at least one activity each year aimed at helping you grow in your faith apart from worship attendance (Sunday school, Bible study, reading the Bible at home, spending time in prayer, retreats, or short-term classes)
3. Give of your time in Christian service at least once each year through the ministry of the church.
4. Give financially in proportion to your income with the goal of tithing
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