corevalues
Scripture
Scripture is God breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16) Further, Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation. (United Methodist Article of Religion V) Through Scripture, we are invited to know God, equipped with the tools necessary to serve God, and by its words and commands sent forth into the world to reach the least and the lost. Grace is a church firmly grounded in the Word of God.
Worship
Worship is the primary place where the un-churched are first invited to know God. Through the proclamation of the Word and by preaching, worship is also a place where the church body is equipped for discipleship. Finally, worship is a place where the body of Christ is energized and strengthened to be sent into the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. With these things in mind, worship at Grace is a moving, powerful, and Spirit led celebration and experience of the resurrected Christ.
Community
Community is a key component of the Christian faith. The first Christians devoted themselves to being a part of a community of believers. In these communities, they broke bread and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people and supporting one another in their deepest needs. (Acts 2:42-47) When we invite people to church, we are inviting them to be a part of a community. Further, equipping people for service to God happens best in the midst of community. Finally, when we send folks out to serve, we do so as a community, and to the larger community in which we live. Grace desires not only to be a community of believers, but to also be involved in the community around us.
Outreach and missions
Outreach and Missions are key components of what it means to serve the Lord. Through the work of our hands, our faith is brought to life in this world, for we know that faith without works is dead. (James 2:20) Through the work of outreach and missions we invite people to know God by showing them the power of God's people. Further, we equip our church for greater service to the Lord. Finally, outreach and missions provide an outlet of service for those who are being sent. Grace is committed to meeting the needs of the world both locally and globally by providing opportunities for outreach and missions.
Christian Education
Christian Education is the primary means through which we create disciples. We are called to train up our children in the ways they should go, so that when they are old they will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) We recognize that all of us are children of God, and whether we are old or young we need this training. Through Christian Education we invite people to know God, equip people for discipleship, and send people forth with a greater understanding of God. Grace United Methodist Church will provide Christian Education through weekly bible studies, Sunday school classes, and small group opportunities.
Stewardship
Stewardship is a powerful way we can respond to the many blessings God has giving to us, including our time, talents, and resources. It is through our stewardship that we are able to provide ministries where individuals can be invited to know God. It is through our stewardship that we are able to create programs necessary to equip people for ministry. Finally, it is through our stewardship that we are able to send folks out into the world to serve the Lord. Grace seeks to help nurture a spirit of generosity and good stewardship within our faith community.