We Are:

The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection - we are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. We are more than 12 million members in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.

We are present in more than 100 countries, speaking many languages and representing diverse cultures, and our 43,000 local congregations all share:

• A 238-year, history that has been hope, healing and salvation for millions,
• A mission and ministry that is heart inspired and hands on,
• A commitment to show up when there is a disaster and pray for one another in our daily challenges,
• And a passion for following Jesus through worship, prayer, service and the study of Scripture.

We Believe:

God

God, who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons.

Jesus

We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. God became human in Jesus whose life, death and resurrection demonstrate God's redeeming love.

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is God's present activity in our midst. When we sense God's leading, God's challenge, or God's support or comfort, it's the Holy Spirit at work.

The Bible

We believe that the Bible is the primary authority for our faith and practice.

God's Reign

The kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope and experienced by living the stories and teachings of Jesus.

The Church

The church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ's life and ministry in the world today.

Grace

We understand grace as a gift from God – the undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence. God’s grace is at work throughout our spiritual journeys – it prepares us, redeems us, and continually shapes us into the people we are created to be.

Sacraments

We recognize two sacraments, baptism and communion. Baptism marks the beginning of our lifelong journey as disciples of Jesus Christ. Communion nourishes and sustains us on the journey.

Inclusiveness

All are welcome to participate in the life and work of the church. No distinction is made because of racial or ethnic background, national origin, language, gender, age, handicapping condition, or social status.

How we make a difference:

• 43,000 congregations throughout the World.
• 5,541,338 Church School students.
• 309 Hospitals/Clinics.
• More than 350 missionaries in the United States and 350 other countries.
• United Methodists and UMCOR respond to hundreds of disasters every year in communities like yours.

How Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Makes a Difference (2021-2022)

• Served 11,000 guests at four camps; served 2,300 young people in summer season
• Trained 1000+ laity for ministry in and through their congregation
• 390 Congregations Serving in Every Community Across Eastern PA
• $384,000 given to support Advanced Specials & missionaries throughout the world
• 55 homes being restored from Hurricane Ida & Hurricane Isaias

Does the UMC teach and affirm the full divinity of Jesus?

Yes. from ¶104, Confession of Faith Article II) "We believe in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man, in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly and inseparably united. He is the eternal Word made flesh, the only begotten Son of the Father, born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit. As ministering Servant he lived, suffered and died on the cross. He was buried, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to be with the Father, from whence he shall return. He is eternal Savior and Mediator, who intercedes for us, and by him all men will be judged."

Does the UMC teach and affirm the bodily resurrection of Jesus?

Yes. from ¶104, Articles of Religion, Article III) "Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again his body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the last day." Yes. from ¶106, Articles of Religion, Article III) "Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again his body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the last day."

Does the denomination teach and affirm the historic Christian creeds?

Yes. from ¶102) "Faced with diverse interpretations of the apostolic message, leaders of the early church sought to specify the core of Christian belief in order to ensure the soundness of Christian teaching. The determination of the canon of Christian Scripture and the adoption of ecumenical creeds such as the formulations of Nicaea and Chalcedon were of central importance to this consensual process. Such creeds helped preserve the integrity of the church’s witness, set boundaries for acceptable Christian doctrine, and proclaimed the basic elements of the enduring Christian message. These statements of faith, along with the Apostles’ Creed, contain the most prominent features of our ecumenical heritage."

Together, we are The United Methodist Church,
making a difference in your community and around the world.