First UMC
200 State Street
Belle Vernon,
PA 15012
Ph: 724-929-4696
Fax: 724-930-0651
First United Methodist Church of Belle Vernon
(Click on the map for driving directions)
The Methodist Class in Belle Vernon was organized in 1830 being the oldest religious organization in the community. In 1834 the Class was made a part of the re-organized Redstone Circuit with J. H. Ebbert, I. N. McAbee, and Warner Long as the preachers on the Circuit. In 1850 Cookstown (now Fayette City) and Belle Vernon were made a Charge. The first Church building was erected in 1867. The second and present church was dedicated by Bishop J. F. Berry on October 15, 1908. In 1954 a new Mohler Organ was installed, and in 1965 the parsonage was completely remodeled. The membership in 1968 was 539.
"United Methodists Are..."
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| A covenant people | When you join a United Methodist
congregation, you become a member of the total United Methodist
connection. Members promise God and the congregation to uphold the
church with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.
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| A diverse community | United Methodism was formed when the
Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged in
1968. United Methodists trace their spiritual heritage back
to18th-century leaders including John and Charles Wesley, Jacob
Albright, Philip Otterbein, Martin Boehm and Francis Asbury.
All persons are welcome in the United Methodist Church. We are firmly committed to inclusiveness. We celebrate a diversity of people, ideas and cultures and are enriched by our broad history.
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| Biblical in faith | United Methodists trust free inquiry
in matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture,
tradition, experience and reason. Of paramount importance is
Scripture. For United Methodists, the Bible is the record of God's
people living out God's promise.
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| Mission-oriented, socially conscious | United Methodists are
mission-oriented and socially conscious. This is important in our
faith. We are aware of world events and strive to help those in need.
United Methodists are one in faith and tradition with Methodist
Christians around the world.
Through the World Methodist Council, Methodists from 68 member churches cooperate in support of ecumenical, educational, evangelical and other ministries.
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| Ecumenical | For generations, United Methodists
have cooperated with other churches to spread the gospel, care for those
in need, alleviate injustice and foster peace. In national and
interfaith groups, United Methodists reach beyond our own churches and
our own communities to express concern and to share God's love with
people of many faiths.
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| Involved | For more than 200 years, The United
Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies have expressed concern for
the worker, the sick, the poor, the orphaned, the aging, the impaired,
the oppressed and the imprisoned.
Our church participates in the struggles of women, people with physical and mental impairments, and racial - and ethnic - minority persons, helping them attain equality in the church, the economy and society. United Methodists positively influence society through responsible social action.
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| Connectional | United Methodism took form as an
organized church in this country during the revolutionary period of our
history. Its structures parallel those of the United States
government. Church leadership is shared by executive, legislative and
judicial branches. Representative bodies carry out church functions at
local, regional and churchwide levels.
The highest legislative body - the only organization that can speak for the church - is the General Conference. An assembly of up to 1,000 delegates, it is composed of equal numbers of laity and clergy and meets once every four years. Delegates are chosen by regional unites (annual conferences) throughout the United States and in 15 other nations. Non-voting representatives come from affiliated churches in 25 other countries. Annual conferences respond to the needs in their regions by developing programs and ministries that carry out the work of Christ and support the policies set by General Conference.
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| Evangelical | The United Methodist Church
continues its strong evangelical heritage. Within each congregation is
a vital center of biblical study and evangelism - a blending of personal
piety and discipleship.
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| ...a happening people! Involved, committed, diverse, open. A people who try to be accepting, caring, hospitable and inclusive. Family- and community- oriented. A people who are concerned about those beyond their communities, around the world. Active in mission, responsive. A people who love music, church suppers and fellowship. Initiators, with a history of creating ministries related to education, employment, health and other issues. A people who like to tell the story of God's redeeming grace. | ||
How do I Join The First United Methodist Church?
We invite your participation and membership in
the First United Methodist Church of Belle Vernon.
You may unite with us in one of several ways, as outlined below. Regardless of the way you come to join our church, part of the process of membership in First United Methodist Church will be your participation in an orientation with others in a New Members Class that is led by the pastor.
By Profession of Faith & Baptism
If you are not now a baptized Christian, the minister will be happy to discuss the meaning of the Sacrament with you in your home or in his office at your convenience.
By Transfer from another united methodist church
Simply mark the attendance registration sheet at a Sunday service “Wish to Join” and the minister will get in touch with you. You may request that we write for your letter of transfer. It is not necessary for you to write your former church; we will handle the details for you.
By Transfer from another Christian denomination
The process is very much like the one above. Since you are already baptized and confirmed, these steps will not be repeated. You will be asked to take the one vow taken by all members of the United Methodist Church:
“Will you be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service?”
By Transfer from a denomination which does not accept transferal across denominational lines
Your baptism is accepted. You will be reconfirmed in a process called Renewal of Vows.
Affiliate membership
If you are a United Methodist temporarily living in the Belle Vernon area and you wish to retain membership in your “home” church, you can become an Affiliate Member of First United Methodist Church. This grants you pastoral care, fellowship and participation at First United Methodist Church. You will be counted on the rolls of your “home” church.
The lord's supper
Many persons ask about taking communion if they are not a member of this church. The United Methodist Church believes that the Communion table is open to all who can accept the invitation, regardless of any church membership.
The invitation is to all who are truly sorry for their sins and intend to lead a new life.
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