Sometimes we think of membership like being a member of the Auto Club or the Country Club where we pay for services and privileges. Church membership is different. You can become a member of the body of Christ, the church, by being baptized into it or by reaffirming your baptism.
Baptism is a ritual made up of questions and promises, prayer, and washing.
In most United Methodist churches the washing is accomplished by sprinkling. Sometimes it is done by pouring or immersion, but you will choose which way you want to be washed. Youth and adults go through a time of preparation and instruction before they are baptized. In the case of infants and children, the parents receive instruction. Baptism initiates a covenant of relationship between God and the baptized person and between the church and the person.