Beliefs
What Do United Methodists Believe?
We believe in…
* the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as Lord
and Savior of our lives.
* salvation that comes from the grace given to us by God to have faith in Jesus Christ.
* the Bible as the holy and inspired Word of God given to us as the self-revelation
of God.
* the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - One God in three natures.
* the forgiveness of sins through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
* the Virgin Birth and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as the supernatural
bookend events of his life brought about by the power of God.
* the centrality of love in the message and life of Jesus Christ.
* the new life of a believer in Jesus Christ.
* the Church as the body of Christ in the world today.
* faith in action by the doing of good works in the world as a response to the love
Jesus Christ has expressed to us.
* everlasting life and the reality of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Character that United Methodists Strive For:
They…
1) have the love of God in their heart.
2) are happy in God.
3) have the hope of everlasting life.
4) pray without ceasing.
5) show their love for God by loving their neighbors.
6) seek only to do God’s will.
7) manifest the fruit of the Spirit.
8) keep God’s commandments.
9) live with accountability.
10) do good to all people.
Sacraments and the United Methodist Church
In the United Methodist Church there are two sacraments that are celebrated—Baptism and Holy Communion. We baptize children, youth, and adults. Traditionally we use the method of sprinkling for the act of baptism, but will also baptize by the method of pouring or immersion if requested by the individual being baptized.
Holy Communion in the United Methodist Church is open to all worshippers who desire to receive the sacrament. You do not have to be a member of First United Methodist or any other church in order to receive the grace of Jesus Christ that is present in the sacrament. Holy Communion is served to all ages as desired. The sacrament is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month at the morning worship services.
For more information about what United Methodists believe or the sacraments, please contact Rev. Jack Matkin, Senior Pastor; Dr. Kenn Munn, Associate Pastor; or Rev. Mike Schutz, Associate Pastor.
