ABOUT US
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We believe in the existence of one God who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. We affirm the belief in the Trinity, that God is three-in-one - Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. We believe in God's love, grace, and mercy, and emphasize the importance of responding to God's love through faith and service in the world.

We believe in the concept of the Kingdom of God, which represents God's reign and presence on Earth. We believe that the Kingdom is both present and yet to come, embodying justice, peace, and righteousness. We strive to promote the Kingdom by participating in acts of love and compassion, seeking social justice, and spreading the message of God's love and grace to all people.

We believe in the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, affirming that it is by God's grace that individuals are saved. We believe salvation is not earned by good works alone, but is a result of God's love and forgiveness, which is freely available to all who accept and believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We emphasize the importance of both faith and works, believing that a transformed life is evidence of true faith in Christ.

We believe that the Church is a community of believers that is called to spread the love and teachings of Jesus Christ, to make disciples, and to serve the needs of the world. We emphasize the importance of worship, sacraments, spiritual growth, and social justice. We also believe in the connectional nature of the Church, with a strong belief in collaboration and accountability within the denomination.

We believe that baptism is a sacrament (an oath) of initiation into the Christian faith and become a member of the Church. We affirm that through baptism, God's Grace is bestowed upon individuals through the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. United Methodists practice both infant and adult baptism, and see the sacrament as a means of grace that invites individuals into a lifelong journey of faith and discipleship. We recognize the baptism of "believers only" traditions; people baptized in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We do not re-baptize individuals who have already been baptized, regardless of the denomination or form in which it was administered.

We believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the savior of humanity, and the embodiment of God's love and grace. We affirm his divinity, his role as the mediator between God and humanity, and his resurrection as a symbol of victory over sin and death. We emphasize the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus and strive to follow his teachings and example in their daily lives.

We believe in the sacred worth of every individual, affirming the dignity and value of all people as being created in the image of God. We reject any form of discrimination or exclusion based on race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic, and advocate for inclusivity, justice, and equality for all.

We believe in the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity, who is regarded as active and present in the life of individuals and the church. We believe that the Holy Spirit empowers and guides believers, enables them to live a holy life, helps them discern truth, and equips them with spiritual gifts for ministry and service. The Holy Spirit is seen as the source of comfort, inspiration, and renewal, and we seek to cultivate a personal relationship with the Spirit through prayer, worship, and the study of scripture.

We believe that the Bible is the primary source of authority and guidance in matters of faith and practice. We hold that the scriptures contain the inspired word of God and offer a revelation of God’s nature, the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and instructions for Christian living. We interpret the Bible through a lens of tradition, reason, and experience and strive for a balance between scripture, tradition, reason, and personal experience in their understanding and application of biblical teachings.

We believe in the sacrament of Communion as a means of God's grace, inviting all baptized Christians to partake in the elements of bread and wine (or grape juice) to remember and participate in the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. We believe in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament, nurturing and nourishing the spiritual growth of believers. The act of Communion also symbolizes unity with fellow Christians and serves as a reminder of Christ's sacrifice for the redemption of humanity. All are welcome at God's table, Methodist or not. You do not have to be a Member of St. Paul's.