Doctrine - The Bible is the ultimate source of our beliefs as United Methodist Christians. In order to understand the scriptures, we seek also to understand the tradtions handed down through two thousand years of Christianity. We value what those who have lived the faith have to say that help us to more clearly understand God's word.
Salvation - Ephesians 2: 8-9 summarizes our understanding of salvation. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. Salvation is a gift from God that can not be achieved but simply accepted. As Christians, our salvation is evident in the life we live; the fruit we produce.
Sacraments - United Methodists recognize two sacraments: baptism and Holy Communion. A sacrament is a special means of God's grace coming to us. Baptism is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace; a sign that God is at work in the life of the person being baptized. Baptism is something God does and therefore, never needs to be repeated.
In Holy Communion the bread and wine represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ as he spoke of them at the last supper with his disciples before being crucified. All persons of any age or race who affirm that they love Christ, repent of their sins and seek to live in peace with others is invited to receive the elements of the Lord's Supper.
Membership - Baptism ushers a person into the family of Jesus Christ, and is the first step in becoming a member of a church. To be received into United Methodist membership a person promises to be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and do all in their power to strengthen its ministries. To become a part of a local congregation a person pledges to participate in that church's ministries with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.
Social Positions - The United Methodist Church as a denomination takes positions on many social issues. While membership in the United Methodist Church does not in any way mandate personal concurrance with any denomination stance, it is important to know what one's parent organization supports.