401-232-7575   office@orelc.org    54 Cedar Swamp Road  |  Smithfield  |  RI  |  02917
    Worship: 9:15 AM  |  Sunday School: 10:30 AM   

Membership

Welcome New Members!


How does one become a member of Our Redeemer?

First and foremost, a person becomes a member of the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior and Lord. In other words, we become Christians by believing that Jesus has died on the cross for us and paid the full price for our sins. We do not teach that a person becomes a Christian through good works or simply by joining a church. When a person visits us who is not a believer and desires to learn what the Christian life is all about, or who wish to join our church, they are then invited to Adult Catechism.

Here at Our Redeemer and for Lutherans in general, infants are baptized in the name of the Father, +Son, and Holy Spirit. The child is then taught the Christian faith at home by his parents. Additionally, children are continually taught the faith through worship, Sunday School, First Communion, and Catechism. Older people who have not been baptized first make a profession of faith and then prepare for Holy Baptism through adult catechism.

Adult Information Classes are a multiple week course taught by our Pastor that provides a lasting framework for spiritual growth as Lutherans. This class provides an overview of our church’s beliefs, with a focus on showing where these teachings are found in the Bible. It also gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have about what we believe and why.

 

This class serves as preparation for becoming a confirmed member of Our Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church — but everyone is welcome to attend the class, without any obligation to join.  The class can also serve as a refresher for those who are already members. Using Luther’s Small Catechism as the lens through which to understand the Bible, we examine key tenets of our faith including the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar (Communion).

 

Whether you are considering membership here at Our Redeemer, have been a member for some time, or are just curious about what we believe, Adult Information Classes will offer you insight into our faith.

 

This course is offered two to three times per year and is a great opportunity for fellowship with a small group of people growing in the foundations of our Christian faith. Contact our office (office@orelc.org) to sign up for the next session.

Members of other Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregations who have moved into our area request a transfer of membership from their home congregation. There is no need for Adult Catechism for transfers. We simply ask a transferring family to undergo one orientation session. Of course, if there is a desire to undergo instruction, this is certainly a welcome option.