Welcome to 

First United Methodist Church 

Greetings!

We United Methodists are a people from all across the globe.   In our churches, we worship and serve with a flavor of our cultures and sub-cultures.  I have visited more than one United Methodist Church geographically within a five mile radius and the worshiping style is reflective of the worshiping community.  Even though the church uses the same version of the Bible and the same United Methodist Hymnal, some of the song selections are the same though different ones are incorporated more frequently sensitive to the sub-culture of the community.

We are a church which includes political affiliations applicable to the people of specific nations and countries.  The United Methodist Church is in the Philippines, Germany, Eastern Angola, Mozambique, Korea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Great Britain which should not be considered an all-inclusive list.  Think of the various political opinions and positions on world issues.  Members of one household and all baptized United Methodists hold dear very different positions on social, political and economic issues encountered in living relationally with other people.

Since the United Methodist Church includes persons of various cultures, backgrounds, nationalities and beliefs, then the question on the mind asks: what is the distinguishing significance of a Methodist?  You are not the first to ask the question; therefore, our reference is entitled "Basic United Methodist Beliefs" with chapters by several writers.  The Appendix B: "The Character of a Methodist" is written by John Wesley.  Wesley writes that "we believe all scripture is given by the inspiration of God; the word of God is the only and sufficient rule of the Christian faith and practice in our lives; Christ is the eternal, supreme God."  In summation, a few of those indicators have been provided for review.

Methodist are always happy is one statement which resonates for our strength.   The term "happy" in the Hebrew translates as "blessed."   An expression of happiness is recorded in Psalm 1:1, "Blessed is the man who has not followed the counsel of the wicked, or taken the path of sinners, or joined the company of the insolent."  Though one may be caught in the struggles of life, challenged by activities of the day, or lured into confrontational situations, the Holy Spirit has not left us alone.

God is our joy.  "Perfect love cast out fear."  As we remember our baptism, whether sprinkled, poured or by immersion, we live to affirm Jesus as the living water creating new life daily in those who love God and seeking to live the new life. 

In summary, this quote communicates living blessed, "The greatest good work a Methodist can do is to help somebody get into right relationship with God."

Pastor Gwen

To contact Pastor Gwen Roberts by email: gwen.robertsmc1st@sbcglobal.net

This is her private E-mail for church business.

Get-To-Know-You Gatherings held at the church in small group settings provides an opportunity for you to know Pastor Gwen and for her to know you.  

• Dates & times are posted on sign-up sheets in the narthex.  
• Please register today for the date you would like to attend.

Gatherings are sponsored by Staff/Parish Relations Committee.