CHARTY | FAQ

If you have Charty questions, here are some answers. If you'd like to go ahead and register for a Charty Workshop you can sign up here.

 

What is a charty?

Charter + Party = Charty. We are chartering as a church. It’s like finally getting married after a pro-longed engagement. In short, we are making it official. And we think the milestone deserves more than lemonade and tiny, triangle sandwiches. So, it’s all happening on a Friday night, and the party after the chartering service is open to anyone.

What are the different ways that I can join?

  1. Profession of Faith - Join this way if you were baptized as an infant in another church of any denomination but never professed your faith as an adult. If you need to be baptized that will occur immediately afterwards.
  2. Transfer of Membership - You are on the active membership roll of another church. In this case, simply tell us what church and we will send a letter noting that you are now a member of DOWNTOWN CHURCH.
  3. Reaffirmation of Faith - You’ve made a profession of faith but are not on the active membership role of any church.

Do I have to be baptized again?

No. The Presbyterian Church (USA) recognizes all baptisms administered in a Christian church, irrespective of denomination. This includes the Catholic Church.

What if my membership is currently at the Catholic Church?

You will join by transfer of membership.

What is the difference between a charter member and a plain member?

Charter members are recognized on the church’s Charter, an official document noting who started the church. It’s a one-time opportunity. But, charter membership doesn’t come with any additional privileges besides bragging rights. But please don’t brag.

How do I transfer my membership?

You don’t have to do anything other than remember the name and address of your former church. There will be a form to complete online prior to December 5 where you can share this information. We’ll handle the rest.

How do I reaffirm my faith?

At the chartering service on December 5, all those reaffirming their faith will be asked to do just that, reaffirm their faith.

How do I make a profession of faith?

At the chartering service on December 5, you will make a profession of faith with language set forth in our Book of Order. If you need to be baptized, will that would occur immediately afterwards.

Can I be a member of two churches at the same time?

Yes and No. You cannot be an active member of DOWNTOWN CHURCH and be an active member somewhere else. But you can be an affiliate member. Affiliate members do not participate in congregational votes but can eat all the cookies and drink all the coffee they want.

If I was baptized in another denomination, does that count?

Yes.

Will there be a confirmation process for young people that never joined the church their parent’s attended?

Yes. We will begin confirmation workshops in the spring leading up to Easter. Normally confirmation is a process reserved for middle and high school age youth baptized as infants that have not yet made a public profession of faith. However, it is likely that we will make the confirmation workshops available to adults as well.

Is attendance at one of the four charty workshops required to be accepted as a charter member on December 5?

Yes. There will not be any make-up sessions. Arrange your schedule to make it to one of the four workshops. We are doing our best to make this process easy and stress-free, so cut us a break and don’t ask for any special treatment.

Can I join the church as a member later if I don’t join on December 5?

Yes. New member workshops will continue to be offered on a quarterly basis in the future.

Does joining the church as a member cost money?

Technically, it does not. But don’t be a mooch because being a part of a community means that you are committed to supporting it with your time, gifts, and your money. Relative to other Presbyterian Churches our size, the annual budget of DTC is less than half the national average. We’ve managed to do a whole lot with a handful of committed supporters. But, now that handful needs to double in size and make two handfuls. So join the church but don’t be a mooch.

What if this FAQ didn’t answer my question?

Use the contact form here and submit your question. We will respond and probably add it to this FAQ.

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