"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.   Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.                                               
John 3:16-18  (New International Version)

Jesus said
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full".
                                                            John 10:10 (New International Version)

The Church

What the Church is NOT: Like joining the AA or RAC "just in case it's needed someday" Only for baptisms, weddings and funerals For the ever-so-good and righteous Somewhere to go on a Sunday (when it's too stormy for golf or fishing) Perfect Who the Church is NOT FOR: Perfect people  - which is fine, because the Bible tells us that no-one is perfect:  "... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"      Romans 3:23 (NIV)

What the Church IS: The body of Christ A collection (or congregation) of ordinary people who believe that Jesus Christ is God's Son People who accept and respond to God's love; and who acknowledge their need of God's forgiveness A witness to the work of the Holy Spirit in today's world Commitment, Worship & Service Who the Church IS FOR: Everyone.  The Church is here for, and reaches out the hand of friendship to everyone in the name of Christ.

Church Membership

SO WHO CAN JOIN THE CHURCH?

Simply put: Anyone who believes and trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ and who has a desire to worship Him within the body of His people.   "Belief" is more than believing there is a God, but trusting him with our lives.  In fact it is putting Him first in our lives even before ourselves.  In the Bible we read of many invitations from Jesus, here are two:

Jesus speaking: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."        Matthew's Gospel 11:28-30 (NIV)

Jesus speaking (in a vision of John): "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me".        Revelation  3:20 (NIV)

TRUE BELIEF INVOLVES: accepting that each of us is a unique creation of God realising that Jesus died for us on the cross, that we could be brought into a right relationship with God acknowledging Christ to be the Saviour of the world  responding to His gracious invitation  accepting His Lordship over our lives a desire to worship Him a wish to be His ambassador in our world today Jesus himself said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me".  John's Gospel 14:6 (NIV)

WHAT CHURCH MEMBERSHIP INVOLVES:

• joining in the life of the congregation

• meeting Sunday by Sunday in worship with the other members of the Church (except those times when you simply can't make it)

• giving a proper proportion of your time, energy and income for the furtherance of God's work through the Church

• and importantly, seeking to know God and his plan for your life through personal bible study and prayer

What preparation for membership involves: If you are interested in joining the Church of Scotland in Meldrum and Bourtie Parish, or are interested in learning more about the Christian faith we invite you to contact the Interim Moderator or Session Clerk.

THE APLHA COURSE

If you are unsure of your faith and want to know more, as a first step towards membership you could sign-up for the next Alpha course.  You can find details of this and a contact link on our Alpha page.   Alpha lasts for 10 weeks with a full-day conference somewhere around the middle of this period. Alpha  is open to anyone interested in finding out more, not just those wishing to join the Church - there is no obligation to do anything.

SO IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP FOR ME?

Only you can really answer this question.  You might be guided by asking yourself what you would answer to these questions (which all new communicants are asked):

• Believing in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and confessing Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord do you promise to join regularly with your fellow Christians in worship on the Lord's Day?

• Do you promise to be faithful in reading the Bible and in prayer?

• Do you promise to give a fitting proportion of your time, talents and money for the Church's work in the world?

• Do you promise, depending on the grace of God, to profess publicly your loyalty to Jesus Christ, to serve Him in your daily work, and to walk in His ways all the days of your life? 

If you can truthfully answer "I do" to these questions then Church membership may be for you.
  

WHAT DO I DO NOW? If it is your wish to join the Parish Church at Meldrum and Bourtie, before you consider applying you need to come ... and continue coming to worship regularly (remember we're not the AA or RAC). > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > If you live elsewhere why not talk to your local minister who, we are sure, will be glad to hear from you. "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.  Matt 10:32 (NIV)

---

WHAT ABOUT YOUNG PEOPLE?

Don't let anyone tell you that young people are the Church of tomorrow  ..... they are the Church of today! In Meldrum & Bourtie Parish Church there's a warm welcome for people of all ages.