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The “Top Ten” Frequently asked questions about Boise First United Methodist Church -- The Cathedral of the Rockies

1. Why is The Cathedral growing?

The Holy Spirit is at work here and many gracious and faithful people are responding to God’s Spirit.

2. How do I find out what's going on at The Cathedral?

Through reading your bulletin announcements and the Good News newsletter, you will
keep up with a lot that is happening at The Cathedral.  Always feel free to call the church office at 343-7511.  You can also join our Facebook page! On the first Sunday of every month, we offer Q & A for Newcomers in the Bishop’s Lounge following all the morning services.  Stop in to meet with some of the staff and get your questions answered about the United Methodist Church and the life of this congregation.   

3. The Cathedral seems so big...will I get lost in the crowds?

The Cathedral is a big church. This is a blessing in many ways as we have the resources to offer a wide variety of programs that are not available at other churches. It's amazing how fast a church this size shrinks when you get to know a small group of people who share your interests and are seeking to grow in their faith.

4. How do I get involved with choir or other musical groups?

Call 343.7511 Director of Music, Dr. Paul Aitken or Matt Roos, Director of Disciples in Denim, Jen Drake, Director of Children's Music Ministries, or Steve Peterson, Director of Alive! worship. We have traditional and contemporary music groups for all ages that are fun and challenging. Click Here for Music page

5. How do I join Sunday School or a Small Group?

We believe that Christian Education and spiritual growth through Small Groups is vital for people of all ages so that each person is able to make informed decisions and grow in their faith. For information and e-mail addresses for our program staff, go to About Us.

Program Ministries Staff: 

                
6. What are the beliefs of Methodism?

We believe in a grace filled Creator God, in Jesus Christ, God’s divine gift to the earth, and in the Holy Spirit, God’s gift to all people to encourage and strengthen us as we grow in our faith. We believe God loves all people, forgives all people and is directly available to all people through prayer. Brochures about United Methodist beliefs are available at the First Time Visitors Desk outside both sanctuaries or ask at the Hospitality Desk.

7. How do I get involved at The Cathedral?

Each Sunday, announcements are in the bulletin of small groups starting and ministry opportunities. Everything offered at The Cathedral is open to anyone who would like to participate, newcomers and members alike. If you likt to start a new ministry, call Pastor Sandi MacFadden 343-7511 ext. 226.

8. What is expected of members?

There are 4 expectations of members:

  • Seek to worship routinely.
  • Strive to continue to grow in your faith.
  • Look for ways to serve God through ministry.
  • Give in proportion to your income to God through the church.

9. How do you join The Cathedral?

The first step is to simply check the “Interested in Membership” box on the attendance registration, or contact Cindy Todeschi, Director of Outreach or call the church office at 343-7511. 

All new members or those interested in membership are invited to attend “Lunch with the Pastors” where you’ll learn more about the church, get to know our pastors and staff and review expectations regarding membership.  “Lunch with the Pastors” is a casual, finger food gathering for the whole family that occurs approximately four times a year.  A typical session is held in the Bishop’s Lounge at 12:30pm and lasts about one hour.  The next “Lunch with the Pastors” is Sunday, September 19, 2010.   New members are received into the congregation by profession of faith at all worship services on July 18, November 21 and December 19, 2010. On every 5th Sunday during the year we offer an Open Membership Sunday especially designed for those who would prefer not to stand in front of the congregation to be received as a member. A written pledge form is included in the bulletin.  The entire congregation stands and renews their membership vows together.  Those wishing to join on that day complete the pledge form, sign it, and place it in the offering basket.  We host a reception time in the Bishop’s Lounge following every 5th Sunday Open Membership Sunday.

 

The following questions are those asked at membership:

  • Do you, in the presence of God and this congregation, renew the vow and promise made at your baptism?   
  • Do you truly want to be transformed by God into a faithful disciple of Christ Jesus?
  • Do you believe in God our Creator, Christ our Redeemer and in the Holy Spirit our Sustainer? 
  • Do you believe and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments?
  • Do you promise, according to the grace given you, to keep God’s holy will and commandments and walk in the same all the days of your life as faithful members of Christ’s holy church?
  • Will you be loyal to Jesus Christ through this congregation of the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness?

10. What’s the difference between the services?

Our worship services are designed to help us experience the transformational power of God’s grace and to give thanks to God for the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ. Pastor Steve preaches at the 8:45, 9:45, 11:00 and 11:15am services. Pastor Sandi leads the 6:00pm Praise and Communion service.

9:00am Traditional Service in the sanctuary. Our children and senior high vocal and bell choirs provide the anthem.
10:00am Blue Jeans Worship in the Emmaus Center is upbeat with a band playing a mix of rock, folk, and contemporary Christian music. As the name implies, causal clothing is welcome.
11:00am Traditional Service in the sanctuary featuring our adult choir, the Chancel Choir. This is our most formal worship experience.
11:30am Alive! in the Emmaus Center forcuses on singing, praying and scripture with a variety of art forms incorporated and is in reference to the Book of Acts, Chapter 2, and the story of Pentecost. Expect the unexpected!
5:00pm Vespers and Communion Service in the Cana Chapel combines media with time for reflection and a variety of music.
  Communion is served on the first Sunday of the month at all worship services and the third Sunday after worship in the Cana Chapel.
  Baptism classes are held in the upstairs conference room on the first Sunday at 12:10pm. Please feel free to e-mail or call Nancy Troy at 343-7511, ext. 225 for more information about Baptism.

The Cathedral of the Rockies, a place of promise and hope!

Visitors are always welcome!