What do United Methodists believe?
(From www.umc.org)
United Methodists share a common heritage with all Christians. According to our foundational statement of beliefs in The Book of Discipline, we share the following basic affirmations in common with all Christian communities:
LGBTQ+ PEOPLE
Am I welcome at St. Luke?
YES!! We have been a reconciling congregation since 2018. Reconciling Ministries is an organization that advocates for queer inclusion in the United Methodist Church, and with their help we crafted an inclusion statement together as a congregation in order to further live out our mission to love all people, really. We welcome individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We are a community that is always learning together how we can love God's people better. Historically, the UMC has not been as inclusive as we should have been. As of April 2024, our denomination voted to change church policy. Queer people are welcome to participate in every aspect of the life of the church from baptism to ordination as pastors, throughout the entire denomination and especially locally at St. Luke.
Can I get married at St. Luke?
St. Luke UMC gladly opens our doors to celebrate the weddings of all prepared couples who, in consultation with our pastor, seek to commit their lives to one another with the blessing of our Creator. The wedding vows build upon our baptismal covenant. The pastor will perform Christian wedding ceremonies for members and non-members, either at St. Luke UMC or off-site. In most cases, pre-marital sessions are required for counseling and planning purposes. There are fees for the use of the church facility. Click here to email the pastor to begin the conversation.
United Methodists share a common heritage with all Christians. According to our foundational statement of beliefs in The Book of Discipline, we share the following basic affirmations in common with all Christian communities:
- Our Christian Roots: God
When we say the Apostles' Creed, we join with millions of Christians through the ages in understanding God as a Trinity—three persons in one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.... Read More - Our Christian Roots: Jesus
We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. God became human in Jesus of Nazareth; and his life, death and resurrection demonstrates God's redeeming love. Read More - Our Christian Roots: 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. Read More - Our Christian Roots: Human Beings
Genesis 1:27 asserts that we've been made in the image of the Creator. Like God we have the capacity to love and care, to communicate, and to create. Read More - Our Christian Roots: The Church
The church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today. Read More - Our Christian Roots: The Bible
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word and is the primary authority for our faith and practice. Read More
- God's Reign
The kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope. The church is both a witness to what God's kingdom will be like and a participant... Read More
LGBTQ+ PEOPLE
Am I welcome at St. Luke?
YES!! We have been a reconciling congregation since 2018. Reconciling Ministries is an organization that advocates for queer inclusion in the United Methodist Church, and with their help we crafted an inclusion statement together as a congregation in order to further live out our mission to love all people, really. We welcome individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We are a community that is always learning together how we can love God's people better. Historically, the UMC has not been as inclusive as we should have been. As of April 2024, our denomination voted to change church policy. Queer people are welcome to participate in every aspect of the life of the church from baptism to ordination as pastors, throughout the entire denomination and especially locally at St. Luke.
Can I get married at St. Luke?
St. Luke UMC gladly opens our doors to celebrate the weddings of all prepared couples who, in consultation with our pastor, seek to commit their lives to one another with the blessing of our Creator. The wedding vows build upon our baptismal covenant. The pastor will perform Christian wedding ceremonies for members and non-members, either at St. Luke UMC or off-site. In most cases, pre-marital sessions are required for counseling and planning purposes. There are fees for the use of the church facility. Click here to email the pastor to begin the conversation.
