Our Beliefs¶
Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church is part of The United Methodist Church, a global denomination that seeks to be faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The United Methodist Church¶
As United Methodists, we affirm the traditional Christian beliefs while embracing a spirit of theological diversity and open dialogue. We believe in:
The Trinity¶
- God the Father - Creator and sustainer of all life
- Jesus Christ - God's son, our savior and redeemer
- The Holy Spirit - God's presence active in our world today
Scripture¶
We believe the Bible is the word of God and the primary source of our faith and practice. We interpret Scripture through the lens of tradition, reason, and experience.
Grace¶
God's love and forgiveness are freely given to all people. We believe in: - Prevenient Grace - God's love that comes before we even know it - Justifying Grace - God's forgiveness that makes us right with God - Sanctifying Grace - God's transforming power that helps us grow in holiness
The Sacraments¶
We celebrate two sacraments instituted by Christ: - Baptism - A sign of God's grace and our acceptance into the Christian community - Holy Communion - A means of grace where we remember Christ's sacrifice and receive spiritual nourishment
Our United Methodist Heritage¶
The United Methodist Church traces its roots to John Wesley's revival movement in 18th-century England. Wesley emphasized:
- Personal Holiness - Growing in love of God and neighbor
- Social Justice - Working to transform society
- Practical Divinity - Faith that makes a difference in daily life
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors¶
This motto reflects our commitment to: - Open Hearts - Welcoming all people with God's love - Open Minds - Engaging faith with intellectual honesty - Open Doors - Creating inclusive communities of grace
Questions Welcome¶
We believe faith involves both the heart and the mind. Questions, doubts, and honest searching are not only welcome but encouraged as part of the journey of faith.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength... Love your neighbor as yourself." - Mark 12:30-31