Sturbridge Federated Church

The Diaconate Board shall welcome new members to The Federated Church at a communion service or at such other times as the Board deem suitable.
New members are enrolled as members of the Federated Church of Sturbridge and Fiskdale, Incorporated.  Members added may choose in which society they shall be enrolled, American Baptist, United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalists or Federated, or become members without affiliation. New members of the Federated Church shall be persons who have been received by vote of the Diaconate Board:
A. On presentation of satisfactory letters of transfer from other churches,

B. By reaffirmation of faith, or
C. On profession of faith and baptism,, unless exempt because of conviction.

Baptism – All questions regarding the Sacrament of Baptism shall be left to the conscience of the individual member.  The pastor may, if s/he chooses, secure the services of any ordained clergy to administer the rite in the desired manner.

Duties – Members shall agree as far as possible and conforming to the dictates of their own consciences:
A. To undertake the faithful practice of the principles of Christian living, seeking always a closer personal fellowship with God and with other people.

B. To seek out personal opportunities for spiritual growth.
C. To attend the services of worship regularly, realizing that their presence strengthens, and their absence weakens, the whole fellowship.
D. To set aside a reasonable portion of their financial income, in gratitude to God, as a contribution toward the mission of The Federated Church.
E. To volunteer their time and talents in some definite form of service to others.

Termination of Membership – Membership may be terminated by one of the following methods
A. Upon request, any member in good standing who desires a letter of transfer and recommendation to another church is entitled to receive it by vote of the Diaconate Board.  Upon this vote, membership shall cease.

B. If a member in good standing requests in writing to be released from membership, the Diaconate Board shall patiently endeavor to secure continuance in this fellowship; failing in such effort, the Diaconate Board may grant the request and terminate membership.
C. When members are inactive because they:
1. have an unknown address,
2. have not communicated with the fellowship,
3. have not contributed to its support, or
4. have moved out of the area, then the Diaconate Board shall attempt to restore communication and determine the person’s intentions.  If these kindly approaches fail to restore meaningful participation, then the Diaconate Board may vote to transfer these members to an inactive list.
From the date of such transfer, such persons shall cease to be reported on the active membership roll.  If, after another year, meaningful participation has not been restored, then the Diaconate Board may vote to remove the inactive member’s name from membership.
D. If a member’s conduct is alleged to be causing grievous harm to the purpose and vision of The Federated Church, the Diaconate Board shall:
1. Consult with the member and investigate to ensure that the behavior does, indeed, threaten purpose and vision of the Federated Church, and
2. Attempt to reason with the member in a kindly manner in order to correct the behavior.  If such attempt fails, then the Diaconate Board may, by a two-thirds vote, terminate the person’s membership and notify them in writing.  This membership termination may be appealed by written petition to the Church council.  The Church Council shall meet, and then by simple majority vote, either confirm or deny said termination.

Sturbridge Federated Church invites your participation in a wide variety of faith based groups:

Adult Choir
Adult Christian Education
Children’s Choir
Men’s Group, also known as ‘Crossroads’
Women’s Group, also known as ‘Koinonia’
Sunday School
Youth Group