Baptism is an act of Christian initiation in which water is applied to a person by immersion, pouring or sprinkling in conjunction with the baptismal formula: “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” The Bible is full of references to baptism. Baptism is to be associated with belief, acceptance of the preached Word, repentance and subsequent forgiveness. Baptism graphically symbolized the death of the sinful life and the beginning of the new life in Christ. Christian baptism involves unification with the Body of Christ and is an outward expression of the inner reality of salvation. Water baptism parallels circumcision in the Old Testament as the sign of the covenant relationship between God and his people.

We affirm that immersion is the mode that best captures the significance baptism is intended to symbolize, namely the cleansing from sin and union with Christ in his death and resurrection. We will administer baptism only to those who have made a personal commitment to Christ and his church.

At Storrs Community Church, both the mystical presence of Christ and the memorial aspect of the service are celebrated (1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 16:5-6). We invite all those who possess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, having undergone self-examination and confession of sin, to partake of the Lord’s Supper. To participate in the Lord’s Supper in an “unworthy manner” is to do so without reference or regard for the person and work of Christ or his body -- the church. Therefore participants are instructed to examine the quality of their relationships. If they need to be reconciled to God or to another person this should be tended to before participation in the Lord’s Supper.

Paul’s concern in 1 Corinthians is to remind his readers of the significance of this meal, which has been identified by several names. It is known as the Lord’s Supper because it is a meal in honor of our Lord. He is the guest of honor because of the liberation he has accomplished and we have received because of his death and resurrection. It is called the Eucharist because of the cup of thanksgiving, as Paul calls it in chapter 10, because in the celebration we give thanks for the deliverance that has been accomplished on our behalf. It is called Communion because of the partnership we share in the benefits of Christ’s offering. The service is intended to move us beyond commemoration to Koinonia, communion. “Is not the cup of thanksgiving a participation in the blood of Christ?” asks the Apostle Paul.

Children who have reached an age of discretion and can examine themselves, as well as understand the significance represented in the Lord’s Supper, may participate. A person’s ability to examine himself or herself develops as the individual matures spiritually. Parents are in the best position to offer proper guidance to their child in preparation for communion. We will offer instruction and assistance to both parents and children.

“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another” - Romans 12:5

Practically speaking, members are individuals:
- Who have begun a journey of faith by appropriating forgiveness and acceptance offered by Jesus Christ;
- Who want to mature in their faith and are committed to growing spiritually in pursuit of whole-hearted devotion to Christ;
- Who are active in the life of Storrs Community Church and connected to others in significant relationships where they can serve and be served;
- Who are active partners in the mission of the church, serving the church and the community as faithful stewards of their spiritual gifts and material resources.

To be part of God’s new society, by definition, is a commitment to a visible, local body of believers, where you can serve and being served, and growing together toward maturity in Christ.

Church membership is a commitment we make to each other. We agree as sisters and brothers in Christ to be subject to Christ and to work together for our own maturity and the growth of God’s kingdom.

Three important things happen when individuals become members. First, because members affirm a set of beliefs as outlined in the Statement of Faith, membership helps to insure theological consistency. Commitment to the Statement of Faith helps to preserve and protect our beliefs. This is of particular importance for independent and unaffiliated churches, such as ours.

Second, membership strengthens the church through shared ownership. As a congregationally governed church we submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This does not mean that we are a democracy nor that majority rules, rather it implies equal responsibility and giftedness as we seek the direction of our Lord. While the day-to-day operations of the church are delegated to the Board of Elders, major decisions require a vote of the membership. When you become a member, you willingly take on the yoke of responsibility that comes with shared ownership.

Third, membership is an anchor securing the uncertain future to the past. Because only members are allowed to influence the direction and decisions of the church, membership is a safeguard that serves the intention of the founders in establishing an Evangelical Church. Though none of us will be here forever, it is our prayer that Storrs Community Church will serve as a faithful, relevant and accurate witness of our Lord until he comes again.

When you become a member of Storrs Community Church, you join a group of people who agree to love God and each other. Each member is gifted by Christ to express that love in service. Service promotes growth in each person and the whole body. We are a people in a mutual covenant to each other’s lives for Christ’s sake. Owning the covenant requires responsible relationships. We are a spiritual family and express it by giving generously of our time, our resources and ourselves. The church is a place for both giving and receiving.
What Does It Means To Be A Member?

Church membership is a promise that you make to this church and this church makes to you. We agree as sisters and brothers in Christ to be subject to Jesus Christ and to work together for our own maturity and the growth of God’s kingdom. As members we declare that we are committed to this local expression of God’s people.