The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  As United Methodists, we join in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people unconditionally, and that we are expected to express that same welcoming inclusive love in everything we do. The United Methodist tradition emphasizes God's unconditional love, which we call "grace".  We believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and the fullest expression of God's grace, and that Jesus's primary purpose is to show us the fullness of God's grace through his teachings, death, and resurrection.

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In the gospel of Matthew chapter 22, Jesus is asked which is the greatest of all the commandments.  Jesus doesn't quote any of the famous 10 commandments.  Instead he said,  "‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

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Jesus said these 2 commandments were connected, so we seek a balance between loving God and loving our neighbors. We believe loving our neighbors is a part of our love for God. This means loving God and loving neighbor are linked together and carry equal weight. Becoming a disciple is a lifelong journey that focuses on our own personal spiritual formation and growth, but we believe that helping others physically and spiritually is an essential part of our spiritual growth.

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We believe God calls us interact with others and show them grace, which means to love them unconditionally.  In a world that seems increasingly divided, it is important to stay connected, especially with those in the margins, who are too often ignored and forgotten.  When we become disconnected it is too easy to allow those we don't know to be oppressed and persecuted.  This calling leads us outside of our comfort zones, and into a deeper appreciation for God's amazing creation.  Because God loves all people and all creation, we are called to do the same.

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We believe the Bible is the source of God's message to us, but we believe the Bible must be understood through the lens of reason, tradition and experience.  This is not to diminish the importance of scripture, but rather to acknowledge the reality that everyone interprets scripture. We do so with our eyes wide open and with full transparency.  We don't shy away from questions or belittle others because they have them.  Instead, we work toward understanding the scriptures together as a community through study, prayer, worship, and the experience of sharing God's grace.  We acknowledge this need as the early follower Paul did when he wrote, "For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)

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United Methodists do not hold one single view on every topic.  Acknowledging that we "see only a flection, as in a mirror", we allow room for disagreement, discussion, and reflection.  For a more complete description of what United Methodists believe, you are invited to look through the Social Principles.  This document is updated every 4 years.  It's most recent major revision was in 2024.  The entire document was edited and reorganized for clarity. At the same time all language of prohibition and oppression of LGBTQ+ people was removed from both our Social Principles and our general rules called The Discipline.  With that removal, we have moved toward being an fully welcoming and inclusive church.  Please use the link below to view the Social Principles of The United Methodist Church. 

Social Principles of the UMC 2025-2028

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If you have further questions, do not hesitate to use the Contact Form on the website, attend one of our Sunday School or Weekday Bible Studies, or ask the Pastor any Sunday morning after church.