We are a congregation of diverse ages, backgrounds, stories and views (both political and theological) that together are seeking to love God and love our neighbors in Laramie and beyond. We see our diversity as a sign of the Holy Spirit's many gifts and a strength of our congregation.
In the original Methodist movement, John Wesley sought to unite the diverse aspects of Christian expression - personal piety with social justice, critical thinking with heart-centered devotion - into a full and vibrant faith. As a congregation, we bring this tradition with us into a 21st century context.
We see our church as one community of faith cooperating with many others (both United Methodist and ecumenically) in the work of God's Kingdom in Laramie and across the world to spread the good news of God's saving love through Jesus Christ.
Core Beliefs of the United Methodist Church (UMC)
Triune God:
God is one in essence and exists eternally in three persons:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Scripture:
The Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God and serve as the authoritative guide for Christian faith and practice.
Sin
Though humans were created in God’s image, sin has distorted that image in all people.
Sin separates us from God, corrupts human nature, and makes us unable to heal or save ourselves
Salvation Through Jesus Christ
God’s redeeming love is revealed through Jesus Christ:
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His incarnate life and teachings
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His atoning death
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His resurrection
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His continued presence throughout history
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And His promised return
Through Christ, salvation is available to all who believe.
Sanctification
Sanctification is God’s grace at work in the believer, drawing them toward Christian perfection.
John Wesley described this as a heart “habitually filled with the love of God and neighbor,” and having “the mind of Christ and walking as He walked.”
Sacraments
The United Methodist Church recognizes two sacraments:
Holy Baptism
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A sign of new birth and entrance into the church
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Not to be repeated
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Administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion
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Accepted from other Christian traditions if performed in the Trinitarian formula
Holy Communion
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Affirms the real presence of Christ (but not transubstantiation)
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Bread and wine are effective signs of His body and blood
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The celebration is a remembrance (anamnesis) of Jesus’s sacrifice
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Open to all—open communion is practiced
Other rites—Confirmation, Ordination, Marriage, Funerals, and Anointing of the Sick—are meaningful but are not considered sacraments.
Free Will
Though affected by sin, human beings—enabled by God's grace—are free to choose or reject Him.
We are accountable before God for our choices.
Grace
Grace is God’s unearned, freely given favor to all people.
While it can be resisted, it is always extended through divine love.