Our Beliefs
HISTORY:
John Wesley, an ordained Anglican priest in London, received an inspiration at a prayer meeting in 1738 which led him to become the first teacher of "Methodism." He and his brother Charles set out to form societies of "Methodists" who followed a daily routine of religious observance and social work. In America several denominations of "Wesleyans" were formed, but in 1968 the Evangelical United Brethren Church and the Methodist Church joined to form The United Methodist Church - America’s second largest Protestant denomination.OUR FAITH:
As United Methodists we put our whole trust in the grace of Jesus Christ, our Savior, and promise to serve him as our Lord, in union with the Church which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations and races. We accept the freedom and power that God has given us to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they may present themselves. We vow to be loyal to the Church and strengthen its ministries through our participation in prayer, worship, the sacraments, the study of scripture and in the Christian actions of giving, discipline and teaching Christ’s truth.THE LORD'S PRAYER:
Although we use the following version, please feel free to speak the words with which you are familiar:"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by the name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
HOLY COMMUNION:
Open communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month at 9:00 a.m. and on the third Sunday of the month at 10:30 a.m., and at other special services. It is open to all Christians who wish to acknowledge God’s presence in their lives.BAPTISM:
Baptism is the sacrament of initiation that joins us with the church and with Christians everywhere. Infants through adults can be baptized. Baptism is a symbol of a new life and a promise of God’s saving love and forgiveness. Water is the special symbol of baptism, and The First United Methodist Church of Warren baptizes by sprinkling or pouring