About Laramie First United Methodist Church

God is one in essence and exists eternally in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God and serve as the authoritative guide for Christian faith and practice.

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.

God's redeeming love is revealed through Jesus Christ — His incarnate life and teachings, His atoning death, His resurrection, His continued presence throughout history, and His promised return. Through Christ, salvation is available to all who believe.

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."

The United Methodist Church recognizes two sacraments — Holy Baptism (a sign of new birth and entrance into the church; not repeated; administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion; accepted from other Christian traditions if performed in the Trinitarian formula) and Holy Communion (affirms the real presence of Christ but not transubstantiation; bread and wine are effective signs of His body and blood; the celebration is a remembrance of Jesus's sacrifice; open communion is practiced). Other rites — Confirmation, Ordination, Marriage, Funerals, and Anointing of the Sick — are meaningful but not considered sacraments.

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 is God's unearned, freely given favor to all people. While it can be resisted, it is always extended through divine love.