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Church Membership Information

New Member classes offer the opportunity to meet with Reverend John Zehring and some of the Deacons to learn about church membership. These classes are held several times a year. Please contact us for information about the next scheduled class.

We are a Christ-centered community that celebrates the love of God. Although we are of varied minds, we are one body, bound together in Christ. We recognize the uniqueness of every individual as God's beloved child. We seek to respond faithfully to God's call for justice for all creation. We strive in word and deed to be faithful to Jesus' model of loving acceptance. We seek to create a sanctuary where all will know they are welcomed and included. You are welcomed, no matter your age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, race and ethnicity, physical and mental ability or economic circumstance, into the full life and ministry of South Church, including worship, sacraments and rites. Join us as we grow together in God's love.

South Church is a Christ centered fellowship that celebrates the love of God. We seek to learn and grow together in the Holy Spirit; to allow the Scriptures to guide our faith and our daily lives; and to share with others the Good News of Jesus Christ in word and deed and substance.

The Sacrament of Holy communion is celebrated in the service of worship on the first Sunday of each month.

The Sacrament of Christian Baptism is offered for infants, children, youth or adults. Consultation with a member of the pastoral staff precedes the administration of this sacrament.

The Rite of Christian Marriage is celebrated on request though the church office or by direct contact with a member of the pastoral staff. Normally arrangements for the sanctuary are made 9 to 18 months prior to the desired date for the wedding. A series of pastoral consultations precedes all wedding services. These involve conversations about the spiritual and practical dimensions of marriage as well as the details and planning of the actual service. A wedding coordinator and the director of music/organist are also part of the planning team.

The Rite of Christian Memorial/Funeral is celebrated on request from the family or through the funeral director. The initial contact should be made when death is imminent or soon after. The entire staff is prepared to respond to such need. Arrangements for the organist are made through the officiating pastor, and again, are considered urgent in order to serve the needs of the family.

The Rite of Confirmation is celebrated in May and concludes an 8 month process of instruction and experiences which focus on core Christian values, Bible Study, mission outreach, the history and purpose of the Church - all in the context of the spiritual life journey. Week night classes begin in October. Each student is provided a peer mentor and an adult sponsor who share in various ways throughout the year. A week long mission trip in the late spring is just one of the high points of his concentrated experience of Christian nurture, growth, and decision which leads to adult membership in the congregation.