Our Mission, Vision, and Core Values |
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Mission
At Westminster UMC we are...
Changing lives through Jesus Christ to make a difference.
This is an active tense mission statement.
Changing lives through Jesus Christ to make a difference.
This is an active tense mission statement.
- What are we about? What are we about, here at Westminster UMC?
- We are about “Changing lives.” Our lives as well as the lives of those we have the opportunity to come in touch with through the mission and ministries of Westminster UMC.
- We are doing it through “Jesus Christ.”
- Why? “...to Make a difference!”
- We thought about specifying “Make a difference in our world” but we also thought that leaving it open ended allows for more ways to make a difference.
Vision
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
Joel 2:28
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions.”
Joel 2:28
God’s vision is often given to a group of people for a season of their church life. As God’s vision is realized then new visions will be raised up, so the vision drives our ministry. Resources, financial and personnel, will be focused toward the realization of the vision.
Vision 1
There will be no lonely people in our congregation.
Hospitality and welcoming ministries will be implemented. Fun Fellowship team was created to bring our members together for no other reason than to enjoy each other’s company. It is through these events that we come closer together and build our relationship and fellowship. We have already begun a good foundation of care-giving ministries at Westminster.
Hospitality and welcoming ministries will be implemented. Fun Fellowship team was created to bring our members together for no other reason than to enjoy each other’s company. It is through these events that we come closer together and build our relationship and fellowship. We have already begun a good foundation of care-giving ministries at Westminster.
Vision 2
We will grow small group ministries so that our congregation can actively engage in Bible study, devotion, and service as a participant in a small group.
We believe it is through small groups that members and those affiliated with us have an opportunity to grow deeper in their spiritual relationship with God and with others. It has been said that as a community of faith grows larger it must also grow smaller. What is meant by this is that as our congregation grows larger our membership needs to affiliate themselves in small groups for bible study, devotion, and service.
We believe it is through small groups that members and those affiliated with us have an opportunity to grow deeper in their spiritual relationship with God and with others. It has been said that as a community of faith grows larger it must also grow smaller. What is meant by this is that as our congregation grows larger our membership needs to affiliate themselves in small groups for bible study, devotion, and service.
Vision 3
As the church at Center & Main, we proclaim God’s love by serving all in our neighborhood and beyond.
Twenty years ago, Westminster UMC made a decision to remain at the Corner of Center and Main. This decision came out of a discernment process between two choices of abandoning our current location for a location on the outskirts of town what would allow for a new facility to be built, complete with parking lot. The decision at that time was made to remain as an in-town church. In these twenty years, Westminster has transitioned from a town to a city complete with the challenges that are inherent of a city church. If we are to be the church at Center and Main, then we need to begin actively seeking ways to support our local neighborhood. In our discussions we lifted up specifically how we are ministering to the three square block areas around Westminster, but rather than defining this we reference the neighborhood and also point to opportunities to be in mission “beyond.”
Twenty years ago, Westminster UMC made a decision to remain at the Corner of Center and Main. This decision came out of a discernment process between two choices of abandoning our current location for a location on the outskirts of town what would allow for a new facility to be built, complete with parking lot. The decision at that time was made to remain as an in-town church. In these twenty years, Westminster has transitioned from a town to a city complete with the challenges that are inherent of a city church. If we are to be the church at Center and Main, then we need to begin actively seeking ways to support our local neighborhood. In our discussions we lifted up specifically how we are ministering to the three square block areas around Westminster, but rather than defining this we reference the neighborhood and also point to opportunities to be in mission “beyond.”
vision 4
We will encourage EVERYONE to discern and use their spiritual gifts so that they may find meaningful opportunities for Christian service
In several of Paul’s letters he affirms that each of us are entrusted with gifts from the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body of Christ. It is vital for our members to discern God’s spiritual gifts so that we can find meaningful places of Christian service in the kingdom of God.
In several of Paul’s letters he affirms that each of us are entrusted with gifts from the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body of Christ. It is vital for our members to discern God’s spiritual gifts so that we can find meaningful places of Christian service in the kingdom of God.
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Core Values
Core Values are those stated and unstated concepts or standards that we currently, or hope to, embody through the collective ministries of our congregation.
Bible
Bible: We believe the Bible was written by people inspired by God. Through the study of Scriptures, we are able to become wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures equip the person of God for every good work. (2 Timothy 3: 15-17)
church Family
Church Family: There is a richness of being part of a church family. Through our gifts of time, talent, and money we have an opportunity to work for the good of all. (Galatians 6:10)
Discipleship
Discipleship: We strive to better love God and love our neighbor. People of all ages grow in faith by participating with others in small groups of prayer, study, worship, fellowship, and service. (Philippians 1:6)
Evangelism
Evangelism: We embrace the opportunity to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Through our faith, witness and action, we proclaim, demonstrate, and spread the love of God to all. (Matthew 28: 19-20)
Extravagant Hospitality
Extravagant Hospitality: We provide a welcoming environment where we receive and care for all who enter our doors so together we may discover the richness of life in Christ. (Hebrews 13:2)
Missions
Missions: We seek to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus, continuing his work in this world in our local community and beyond. (James 2:18)
Prayer
Prayer: Prayer, as a means of grace, is a direct and trusting communication with God. Through prayer, we praise and thank God for God’s love and mercy, confess our sins, and seek God’s will for our lives. (Philippians 4:6)
Unity & Diversity
Unity and Diversity: We are a family of faith welcoming all persons as children of God. We respect a diversity of individuals and ideals that work in harmony to promote one body of Christ. (Galatians 3:28)
Worship
Worship: We come together to praise God and to encounter and proclaim the good news of the gospel. We experience the power of the Holy Spirit and partake of the sacraments through a variety of worship styles. (Psalm 100)