Beliefs
Our churches comprise a diverse fellowship of believers. We stand in the great cloud of witnesses of faithful people and hold some core convictions in common with Christians in all times and places. These basics are foundational elements of our Methodist heritage and they remain the cornerstone of our faith. We 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. We live in God's grace under the Lordship of Jesus, and we participate in the ever-unfolding reign of God as we pray and work for its full realization on earth as in heaven. We believe that every person stands in need of a life-changing experience of faith centered in Jesus Christ.
Beyond these basic affirmations of faith, United Methodists are not known to be a confessional people in the sense that there is a set creed to which we adhere. Indeed, we know that each person arrives at a confession of faith in his or her own way. Here at Seward Memorial UMC, we believe that we are guided by God's Holy Spirit as together we "work out our salvation with fear and trembling." Do not worry if you struggle with faith, for you are not alone! The struggle is an important part of the journey!
United Methodist theology is firmly rooted in grace. We understand God's grace to be all around us, found within us, and made real in the world through us. We define grace as God's love given to us for no reason other than that God loves us. And God does love us, no matter what! Our response to God's love, and our living in God's love, is what life is all about.
We believe that faithful living is always a process of growing toward God. John Wesley, the 18th century Anglican priest who founded Methodism, used to say that we are all going on to perfection. None of us is there yet, and we invite you to share the journey!
We offer classes and Bible studies here at SMUMC to help people explore faith. We aren't afraid of the hard questions, and we invite you to come and grow in faith with all of us. Our pastor is always willing to talk about faith questions. We hope and pray that this church will be a place where you will feel welcomed as you grow in your faith!
Joining the Church
We welcome you to walk with us in your spiritual journey. The following membership vows are made by those who choose to affiliate with the church.
Do you here, in the presence of God and this congregation, renew the solemn promise made at your baptism?
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Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world and repent of your sins?
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Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?
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Do you confess Jesus Christ as your savior, put your whole trust in his grace and promise to serve him?
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Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?