Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
I’m not a Methodist or even a member of another denomination. Am I allowed to participate in the Lord’s Supper and take Holy Communion?
A:
Yes. As Methodists, we believe that God’s grace is available “free in all, and free to all” through Jesus Christ. See “What We Believe.” We therefore believe in the practice of an open table that is available to all. In partaking of the Lord’s Supper, we remember who God is as revealed in Jesus Christ, and we are reminded or made aware that we are redeemed children of God. In most United Methodist churches, the sacrament is served the first Sunday of each month and also on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) and Christmas Eve.
Q:
We have been visiting University Park United Methodist Church for some time. We believe this church could be right for us, but we’re not yet ready to join. Is there a limit to how long we can continue attending before joining?
A:
While there’s no limit to the number of times you can visit, at some point you likely will want to move from being an interested observer to making a commitment. If you are seeking a new church home, we would welcome the opportunity to visit with you about becoming a member of University Park United Methodist Church. To have pastor contact you, click here or call 214.368.1435.
Q: Do I have to be a Methodist to join University Park United Methodist Church?
A:
No. If you are already a member of any other denomination, we simply will ask you if you “will be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in your power to strengthen its ministries“ when you join. If you have not been baptized, the sacrament of baptism will be administered, celebrating God’s invitation to become a “member of The Body of Christ.”
Q: Can I join University Park United Methodist Church without standing at the front altar of the sanctuary?
A:
Yes. Whether you affirm your faith privately with a pastor in the process of joining our church or are inspired to walk to the front and be recognized by the entire congregation, we will joyfully welcome you as a member.
Q:How is the United Methodist church organized, and how are decisions made?
A:
The United Methodist Church is organized into regional conferences, and the highest level is called the General Conference, which meets every four years. Legislative changes are recorded in The Book of Discipline. The Annual Conference is the basic unit of organization within the United Methodist Church, and is served by a resident bishop. The conferences are subdivided into districts; University Park United Methodist Church is part of the Dallas-Denton District of the North Texas Conference, which is served by a district superintendent. Officers and lay leaders of University Park United Methodist Church are nominated and then approved at an annual Church Conference, and these people are responsible for determining our church’s priorities and budgets as well as supporting our various ministries.
