First Time Visitor

Rationale for Our Mission—The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by proclaiming the good news of God’s grace and by exemplifying Jesus’ command to love God and neighbor, thus seeking the fulfillment of God’s reign and realm in the world. The fulfillment of God’s reign and realm in the world is the vision Scripture holds before us. The United Methodist Church affirms that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the Lord of all. As we make disciples, we respect persons of all religious faiths and we defend religious freedom for all persons. Jesus’ words in Matthew provide the Church with our mission: “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you” (28:19-20), and “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. . . . You must love your neighbor as you love yourself” (22:37, 39).

This mission is our grace-filled response to the Reign of God in the world announced by Jesus. God’s grace is active everywhere, at all times, carrying out this purpose as revealed in the Bible. It is expressed in God’s covenant with Abraham and Sarah, in the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, and in the ministry of the prophets. It is fully embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is experienced in the ongoing creation of a new people by the Holy Spirit.

Invitation

Our communion liturgy begins with words spoken on Jesus’ behalf inviting “all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another.”

There are no conditions for church membership or completion of a class required.

The baptized present are all invited, even if they belong to a different church. Those not baptized are not barred from receiving, but “should be counseled and nurtured toward baptism as soon as possible,” This Holy Mystery advises.

In addition, there is no minimum age. Even baptized infants are invited. The Rev. Taylor Burton-Edwards, former director of worship resources with Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church, explains, “To whatever degree they’re able to participate in the Great Thanksgiving — even if that’s simply being held in their mother’s arms while they sleep — they are there. They are part of what we are all doing together, so they are welcome to receive.”

Parking is on all side of our church. We have a parking lot on the north side of the building. Building will be open 1 hour before service. There is adjacent on-street parking, and handicap-reserved spaces on the north side of 2nd Avenue.

A nursery is available for parents of all children of all ages. We have plenty of toys to keep your young ones occupied while you enjoy service. All are welcome!

Everyone is welcome to worship and engage in the community at First United Methodist Church. Our goal is to provide each individual and family unit an atmosphere where they can grow as disciples of Jesus Christ by being a part of the  church community, and find ways to channel each person’s gifts, skills and talents to be in ministry to the world.