United Methodists are.........

...involved, committed, diverse, open.

A people who try to be accepting, caring, hospitable and inclusive.

Family-and community-oriented.

A people who are concerned about those beyond their communities, around the world. Active in mission, responsive.

A people who love music, church suppers and a sense of community.

Initiators, with a history of creative ministries related to education, employment, health and other issues.

A people who like to tell the story of God's redeeming grace.

......A Covenant People

When you join a United Methodist congregation, you become a member of the United Methodist connection. Members promise God and the congregation to uphold the church with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.

......A Diverse Community

The United Methodist Church was formed when the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged in 1968. United Methodists trace their spiritual heritage back to 18th Arial leaders including John and Charles Wesley, Jacob Albright, Philip Otterbein, Martin Boehm and Francis Asbury.

All persons are welcome in the United Methodist Church. We are committed to inclusiveness. Celebrating a diversity of people, ideas and cultures, we are enriched by our history.

......Biblical in Faith

United Methodists trust free inquiry in matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience and reason. Of paramount importance is Scripture. For United Methodists, the Bible is the record of God's people living out god's promise.

......Mission-Oriented, Socially Conscious

United Methodists are mission-oriented and socially conscious. This is important to our faith. We are aware of world events and strive to help those in need. United Methodists are one in faith and tradition with Methodist Christians around the world.

Through the World Methodist Council, Methodists from 68 member churches cooperate in support of ecumenical, educations, evangelical and other ministries.

.....Ecumenical

For generations, United Methodists have cooperated with other churches to spread the gospel, care for those in need, alleviate injustice and foster peace. In national interfaith groups, United Methodists reach beyond our own churches and communities to express concern and to share God's love with people of many faiths.

......Involved

For more than 200 years, The United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies have expressed concern for the worker, the sick, the poor, the orphaned, the aging, the impaired, the oppressed and the imprisoned.

Our church participates in the struggles of women, people with physical and mental impairments, and racial-and ethnic-minority persons, helping them to attain equality in the church and society.

United Methodists positively influence the world through responsible social action.

......Connectional

United Methodism took form as an organized church in the United States during the revolutionary period of our history. Its structures parallel those of the U.S. government. Church leadership is shared by executive, legislative and judicial branches.

The highest legislative body - the only organization that can speak for the church is the General Conference. An assembly of up to 1.000 delegates, it is composed of equal numbers of laity and clergy and meets once every four years. Delegates are chosen by regional units (annual conferences) thought the United States and in 15 other nations.

Non-voting representatives come from affiliated churches in 25 other countries.

Annual conferences respond to needs in their regions by developing programs and ministries that carry  out the work of Christ and support the policies set by the General Conference.

......Evangelical

The United Methodist Church continues its strong, evangelical heritage. Within each congregation is a vital center of biblical study and evangelism - a blending of personal piety and discipleship.