As a congregation, we are part of the Methodist "branch" of Christianity, which was established as a reform movement of the Church of England by the Reverend John Wesley, an ordained priest within that church which traces its heritage to the earliest followers of Jesus through the Catholic Church. So, even today, over 200 years since its founding, there are elements which might be termed catholic or reformed within our life together, in worship, study, and mission service.

The following headings constitute the profession of faith which is made at the time one is baptized. Belief in:

1 - God the Father

2 - Son, and

3 - Holy Spirit.

4 - A question the baptismal candidate is asked about faith and the Bible.

5 - A call for a commitment to be a faithful member of the church.

6 - A specific statement about membership.

7 - A commitment of the congregation to each member.

8 - Baptism

9 - Holy Eucharist - Holy Communion

We believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

We believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

he is seated at the right hand of the Father,

and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

We receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.

We promise, according to the grace given us, to join with others in Christ's holy church, to keep God's will and commandments.

We promise to uphold the church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.

Whenever one is received into church membership, the congregation promises to live our lives after the example of Christ and surrounded the new members by steadfast love, to more firmly establish that one in the faith.

In Holy Baptism we receive our identity and mission as Christians. The Baptismal Covenant is God's word to us, proclaiming our adoption by grace, and our word to God promising our response of faith and love. Persons of any age may be baptized. Infants and others unable to take the vows for themselves are presented by parents and/or sponsors, who themselves are members of the church. Any one of the three historic means of baptism may be used (sprinkling, pouring, or immersion). A baptism by any Christian tradition "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit," is duly recognized. Persons previously baptized are not subject to "re-baptism."

Basically, one wishing to be baptized is asked to

1 - Renounce the spiritual forces of evil, and align with the Spirit of God,

2 - Resist evil when it is recognized, and

3 - Choose to follow Jesus, and serve no higher loyality.

Holy Communion is the sacrament that sustains and nourishes us in our journey of salvation. As a sacrament, it is viewed as "an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace." As United Methodists, we believe that Christ is truly present as we participate in Holy Communion. We ,receive both bread and juice (choosing grape juice which has not fermented, as a way of including all persons). All persons who intend to lead a Christian life are encouraged to participate [I.E. - Persons of whatever age or religious profession are invited to receive as their conscience permits. Even baptism is not a requirement, though that is a presumed next step for one intending to lead a Christian life.]

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