All of us belong to different groups and institutions throughout our lives. Some of them, like our family of origin, we have no choice about, nor can we ever completely leave them. We belong for life. Others we dip in and out of as suits us. Where does membership of the Church fit into this?

In one sense, anyone who attends worship here, or takes part in any church group or activity, belongs here.

We hope that whether you worship with us for a few weeks or months, or even years, that you feel welcomed and included. Membership in this sense, like membership of a family, is informal. No further action or commitment is required.

Formal membership takes things a step further. As well as belonging, a member of the Church has responsibilities and rights. This may well be something you shy away from, thinking that you need to wait until you are more certain of your faith, or more settled in your lifestyle.

We would encourage you to think about formal membership for the reasons which follow:

• Joining a Christian congregation is an important way of saying ‘Yes’ to Jesus and the way he shows and offers us. It roots and grounds our commitment in a living group of people whose work we support and who in turn support us.

• Faith is a journey rather than a destination, and we are all travellers,looking to journey together.

• Faith is not only a private matter; it is also public. It is not only personal; it is interpersonal, corporate –something we share with others.

• As a member you are integrated into the system of pastoral support, which is the responsibility of the elders, and an elder will be appointed to visit and get to know you.

• As a member you can take part in the decision-making processes of the Church, and serve in a greater variety of ways.

• Once a member of the Church of Scotland you can easily transfer your membership to other branches of Christ’s Church anywhere in the world.

• Even if you are only a member of our congregation for a short time, it allows us to have a clearer picture of who “belongs”.

It is very encouraging for the congregation to welcome new members.

How Do I Join?

You can speak to the Minister or one of the Elders about membership at any time. If you are a member of another Church of Scotland congregation, you can easily “lift your lines” by speaking to your former minister or the Roll Keeper of the congregation, and give them to our Roll Keeper, Mr David Adams. If you belong to another denomination, or have not previously been a member of any denomination, you should speak to the minister, Rev Sandy Fraser.

Membership is by resolution of the Kirk Session on the recommendation of the Minister.