United Methodists are...

A Covenant People:  When you join a United Methodist congregation you become a member of the United Methodist Connection.  Through membership, believers promise God and their local congregation to uphold them with their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.

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 the 18^th century, to founders John Wesley, Charles Wesley, Jacob Albright, Philip Otterbein, Martin Boehm and Francis Asbury.

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 presents the record of God's people living out God's promise.

Mission-oriented, Socially Conscious:  United Methodists are both 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, educational, 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 and 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.