WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE NEXT

NEW MEMBERS CLASS

In four sessions, we’ll explore the intersection of your story and God’s Story, What Makes Us Who We are (Our United Methodist Heritage), the story of now (Why Us, Why Now) and What’s My Next Faithful Step (How is God calling me to embody the Good News of God’s love Now). Then, on October 4, 2026 we’ll celebrate you and your beloveds in a special worship service of welcome.

Come as you are. Come ready to grow. Come join the family! 
We look forward to welcoming you!
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Online New Members classes for Fall 2026 will be on September 10th , 17th , 24th and October 1st from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.
Below is a deeper look at the content for each session:
Session 1 — The Intersection of My Story and God’s Story
Our lives are stories, and God has been present in them.
  • What brought you to First UMC of Hyattsville?
  • Key moments, people, challenges, and choices that shaped your faith
  • Where have you experienced God’s grace?
  • What are you seeking in this season of your life?
  • Sharing a brief “Why I’m Here” story
Session 2 — Our Story of Us: Who Are We? Who and What Makes Us Who We Are?
Our individual stories become part of a larger story.
  • The story and heritage of First UMC of Hyattsville
  • Our United Methodist identity and Christian commitments
  • Stories of people and moments that have shaped this congregation
  • What values and experiences hold us together?
  • What does it mean to belong to this church community?
Session 3 — Our Story of Now: Why Us, Why Now?
Our shared story calls us to respond to what God is doing now.
  • What is happening in God’s church and community right now?
  • What needs, opportunities, and challenges do we see around us?
  • Where do we notice God already at work?
  • What breaks our hearts? What gives us hope?
  • How do our gifts, experiences, and faith connect with the mission of the church?
Session 4 — Self + Us + Now: What’s Our Next Chapter?
Our stories come together in a shared commitment.
  • What have I discovered about myself?
  • What have I learned about who we are?
  • What is God calling us to do now?
  • What does membership mean in practice?
  • How will I worship, grow, serve, give, and connect?
  • What gifts can I offer to the church and community?
  • Preparing our hearts and commitments for the October 4 Welcome Service
  • What is my theology of generosity?