First United Methodist Church - Who We Are.
What is wonderful about First Church is that you are welcomed before you enter the door. No matter who you are, there is a place for you here; a place to belong, a place to become and a place to make a difference.
We are a church where people matter. Here you will find warm and supportive people who know first-hand the struggles and joys of living. We understand that each person is on a unique path in a journey with God. We trust that each person is his or her own expert about that journey. What we offer is not a new set of rules, but support, and if desired, guidance as each person grows along the way.
We believe that Jesus’ self-giving love provides the Way, Truth, and Life for all who are called into discipleship through the church. Both of our worship services – whether Traditional or The River – help people experience the wonderful, freeing grace of Jesus Christ and then live in his love as maturing disciples. When you leave here on Sunday morning, we want you to know that you live and work in God’s grace.
If you are looking for a community of Jesus that will love you and hold you dear, I invite you to join me here at First United Methodist Church. Even before you enter the door, you are welcome.
Joe-d DowlingSoka
Pastor
As United Methodists, we have an obligation to bear a faithful Christian witness to Jesus Christ, the living reality at the center of the Church’s life and witness. To fulfill this obligation, we reflect critically on our biblical and theological inheritance, striving to express faithfully the witness we make in our own time.
STRUCTURE
United Methodists often joke about the many organizational layers of church life, but, as members of other denominations have been heard to say: “If you want something done, get the Methodists to do it.” Followers of the Wesleys are indeed “methodical” about the ways they approach mission and ministry.
One reason United Methodists are able to accomplish great things is the church’s emphasis on “connectionalism.” It is common to hear United Methodist leaders speak of the denomination as “the connection.” This concept has been central to Methodism from its beginning.
The United Methodist Church, which began as a movement and a loose network of local societies with a mission, has grown into one of the most carefully organized and largest denominations in the world. The United Methodist structure and organization began as a means of accomplishing the mission of spreading Scriptural Holiness over the land. John Wesley recognized the need for an organized system of communication and accountability and developed what he called the “connexion,” which was an interlocking system of classes, societies, and annual conferences. (UM Member’s Handbook, p 24)
No local church is the total body of Christ. Therefore, local United Methodist churches are bound together by a common mission and common governance that accomplish reaching out into the world. United Methodist churches and organizations join in mission with each other and with other denominations.
Connectionalism shows through the clergy appointment system, through the developing of mission and ministry that United Methodists do together, and through giving.
An example of connectionalism: Mission work around the world, whether it be a new university in Africa or bicycles for Cuban pastors, is the work of “the connection,” as opposed to the work of a single congregation.
