Core Beliefs
As United Methodist Christians, we are a part of the universal church of Jesus Christ. We share much in common with other denominations and expressions of the Christian faith. We believe that God has been revealed through Scripture, especially the witness of the New Testament.
Grace
For John Wesley and early Methodists, grace was the powerful process by which believers came to experience God and know God’s salvation. Wesley believed grace was ever-present and influential in believers coming to repentance. He believed grace could lead believers to love God with all their being and to love neighbors and the world as they loved themselves
(Answering the Call, 35).
At Fremont First UMC we believe that grace is given in abundance to us all. Grace is God meeting you at every corner, reaching out to you in love. When you say yes to the invitation of grace, you begin to live and grow in God’s perfect love. We are not saved through any effort of our own, we cannot earn salvation. We are saved by the unbidden grace of God.
(Answering the Call, 35).
At Fremont First UMC we believe that grace is given in abundance to us all. Grace is God meeting you at every corner, reaching out to you in love. When you say yes to the invitation of grace, you begin to live and grow in God’s perfect love. We are not saved through any effort of our own, we cannot earn salvation. We are saved by the unbidden grace of God.
Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience
John Wesley considered four sources key for making faith-based decisions. We believe the core of the Christian faith is revealed in Scripture, illuminated by tradition, made vivid in personal experience, and confirmed by reason.
We believe that Scripture is the primary authority, but the interaction of the four is key in enriching our own understanding and challenges us to live our best Christian witness.
We believe that Scripture is the primary authority, but the interaction of the four is key in enriching our own understanding and challenges us to live our best Christian witness.
The Sacraments
United Methodists affirm and practice two sacraments: baptism and Holy Communion. At Fremont First UMC, we believe that the sacraments are signs of grace and God’s good will. The sacraments strengthen and confirm us in the faith.
Baptism
At Fremont First UMC, we believe that baptism is an event where God’s children celebrate the love of God. We believe that baptism, as God’s grace, is a gift from God. As such, there is never a correct age or proof that one is good enough to deserve it. All people, at any age and ability, should be showered with the grace of God and the gift of baptism. Anytime, including infancy, is a good time for God’s gift of new birth and life for us.
Holy Communion
Holy Communion is both a sign of love that we have for one another as humans and also a demonstration of our redemption through Christ Jesus. With the bread we partake of the body of Christ and with the cup we partake of the blood of Christ. Christ’s life becomes a part of our own lives.
At Fremont First UMC, we celebrate an open table at communion, meaning ALL are welcome regardless of membership, denomination, baptism, etc. Jesus invites all who love him, who repent of their sins, and seek to live in peace with others to come to the table.
At Fremont First UMC, we celebrate an open table at communion, meaning ALL are welcome regardless of membership, denomination, baptism, etc. Jesus invites all who love him, who repent of their sins, and seek to live in peace with others to come to the table.
A Triune God
The Father – We believe on true, holy, and living God who is creator, sovereign, and preserver of all. God is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of all people.
The Son – We believe that God is best known in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. He is the source and measure of all valid Christian teaching. We believe in the mystery of salvation in and through the redeeming love of God found in the teachings of Jesus, in his resurrection, and in his promised return. Through Jesus we are forgiven and reconciled with God.
The Holy Spirit – We believe that God’s love is realized in human life by the activity of the Holy Spirit, both in our personal lives and in the church. The Holy Spirit comes from the Father and the Son, is a constant presence in our lives where we find strength and power in in times of need. We are comforted, sustained, and empowered by the Spirit.
The Son – We believe that God is best known in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. He is the source and measure of all valid Christian teaching. We believe in the mystery of salvation in and through the redeeming love of God found in the teachings of Jesus, in his resurrection, and in his promised return. Through Jesus we are forgiven and reconciled with God.
The Holy Spirit – We believe that God’s love is realized in human life by the activity of the Holy Spirit, both in our personal lives and in the church. The Holy Spirit comes from the Father and the Son, is a constant presence in our lives where we find strength and power in in times of need. We are comforted, sustained, and empowered by the Spirit.
Our Mission:
Seek Jesus, Make Disciples, Love Always
It is our mission at Fremont First UMC to seek Jesus. We believe that the heart of Jesus is for ALL people and that we love our neighbor. All are welcome at Fremont First UMC regardless of past, present, or future and are held in the sanctifying embrace of Jesus Christ.
We accept the charge of discipleship. At Fremont First UMC, we believe in connecting and transforming our lives with Christ and to accept the call to share with others the same incredible love and transfiguration that comes from God through the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ.
Above all, we are called to love. And these three remain: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these, is love.
We accept the charge of discipleship. At Fremont First UMC, we believe in connecting and transforming our lives with Christ and to accept the call to share with others the same incredible love and transfiguration that comes from God through the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ.
Above all, we are called to love. And these three remain: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these, is love.