Our Beliefs

...involved, committed, diverse, open. A people who try to be accepting, caring, hospitable and inclusive. Family & community oriented. A people who are concerned about those beyond their communities - around the world. A people who love music, church suppers and a sense of community. A people who like to tell the story of God's redeeming grace.

When you join a United Methodist congregation, you become a member of the United Methodist connection. Members promise God and the congregation to uphold the church with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.

All persons are welcome in The United Methodist Church. We are committed to inclusiveness. Celebrating a diversity of people, ideas and cultures, we are enriched by our history.

United Methodists trust free inquiry in matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Of paramount importance is Scripture. For United Methodists, the Bible is the record of God's people living out God's promise.

We are aware of world events and strive to help those in need. Through the World Methodist Council, Methodists from 68 member churches cooperate in support of ecumenical, educational, evangelical and other ministries.

United Methodists took form as an organized church in the United States during the revolutionary period of our history. Its structures parallel those of the U.S. government. Church leadership is shared by executive, legislative and judicial branches.

The highest legislative body - the only organization that can speak for the church - is the General Conference. An assembly of up to 1,000 delegates, it is composed of equal numbers of laity and clergy and meets once every four years.

Annual conferences respond to needs in their regions by developing programs and ministries that carry out the work of Christ and support the policies set by General Conference.

For more information about the United Methodist Church, visit www.umc.org