First Bethel United Methodist Church

Who We Are

First Bethel United Methodist Church is a Christian congregation that seeks to live out its mission to “nourish every body, satisfy every soul, and stimulate every spirit for the glory of God,” and in doing so to fulfill the call to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

As a United Methodist congregation we minister in special connection with all United Methodists throughout the world, though our partnership in ministry with other Christians knows no denominational boundaries. Rather, we are all members of Christ’s universal Church.

United Methodism as a denomination began in 1968 with the combining of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren. These branches of the denominational “family tree,” in turn, date back to the 18th century, drawing from the Methodist movement in England as well as the German-speaking communities of the Evangelical Association and the United Brethren in Christ here in the United States. One could trace this tree even further, through the Protestant reformation to Roman Catholicism to the earliest Christians. And even this trunk, with Christ at its foundation, has as its roots the ancient Israelites who were called into a covenant by God.

Where does First Bethel United Methodist Church locate itself on this richly variegated tree of God’s people? We began as King’s School over sixty years ago, and have since grown into the worshiping fellowship we know today. We invite you to grow with us as we live the next chapter of God’s continuing story!

What We Believe

United Methodists profess the historic Christian faith in God, incarnate in Jesus Christ for our salvation and ever at work in human history in the Holy Spirit. Living in a covenant of grace under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we participate in the first fruits of God’s coming reign and pray in hope for its full realization on earth as in heaven.

Our heritage in doctrine and our present theological task focus upon a renewed grasp of the sovereignty of God and of God’s love in Christ amid the continuing crises of human existence.

Our forbears in the faith reaffirmed the ancient Christian message as found in the apostolic witness even as they applied it anew in their own circumstances.

Their preaching and teaching were grounded in Scripture, informed by Christian tradition, enlivened in experience, and tested by reason.

Their labors inspire and inform our attempts to convey the saving gospel to our world with its needs and aspirations.

- 2004 Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, page 41