Our Core Values
ChristA saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ is more important than anything else in life. (John 11:25)
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Hospitality
The open, welcoming and gracious ideal of fellowship practiced by Jesus in the Gospels must be reflected in all aspects of church life. (Luke 14:13)
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ParticipationTogether we are the church and each of us is a separate and necessary part.
(1 Corinthians 12:27) |
Spiritual Growth
God wants us to grow, to know the whole truth, to live and love like Christ. (Ephesians 4:16)
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ScriptureThe Bible is inspired by God and is the rule and guide for our faith and practice. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
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EvangelismGod's saving mission is that all people should come to know and love Jesus Christ as Lord. (Romans 1:5-6)
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Service
Every believer has been blessed with some of God's many wonderful gifts to be used generously in the service of others. (1Peter 4:10)
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RelationshipsThe Kingdom of God is revealed among persons who strive to live in Christ-like relationships in the way they think, care and decide about others (Acts 2:42-47)
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Statement from the GUMC Leadership Team on November 3rd, 2022
Our church family engaged in a series of discussions over several months in 2022 about the issues facing the larger United Methodist Church and future options for Methodism. Together with our friends at other nearby United Methodist churches, we had two dialogues with our District Superintendent, followed a presentation from a representative from the newly formed Global Methodist Church. We also held a listening session with members of our church family where we each had the chance to share our own views, thoughts, concerns, and vision for the future.
After considering the information from all of these discussions, the input we have received, and after much discussion and prayer on our own and as a group, the Grace UMC leadership team is not requesting that we pursue a disaffiliation vote from the United Methodist Church.
While there are many unknowns about the future, it is important to note that the United Methodist Church has not made any doctrinal or organizational changes, although some do expect to see changes in the future as denominational realignment proceeds. The mechanism for any changes will not occur until at least 2024. More importantly, our local church has no plans to change what we believe or teach. Still, we recognize that many church families - including our own - are wrestling with difficult issues, challenges, and questions about the future.
With that in mind, while we have completed these conversations as a church, planning for the long-term future of Methodism in the Keweenaw and discussions about the best path for our future ministry at Grace UMC will continue within the leadership team.
We continue to pray about, discuss, and plan for the future of our church and we ask that you do the same. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, we welcome them.
Thank you for your continued contributions to the ministry of the church through your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
Our church family engaged in a series of discussions over several months in 2022 about the issues facing the larger United Methodist Church and future options for Methodism. Together with our friends at other nearby United Methodist churches, we had two dialogues with our District Superintendent, followed a presentation from a representative from the newly formed Global Methodist Church. We also held a listening session with members of our church family where we each had the chance to share our own views, thoughts, concerns, and vision for the future.
After considering the information from all of these discussions, the input we have received, and after much discussion and prayer on our own and as a group, the Grace UMC leadership team is not requesting that we pursue a disaffiliation vote from the United Methodist Church.
While there are many unknowns about the future, it is important to note that the United Methodist Church has not made any doctrinal or organizational changes, although some do expect to see changes in the future as denominational realignment proceeds. The mechanism for any changes will not occur until at least 2024. More importantly, our local church has no plans to change what we believe or teach. Still, we recognize that many church families - including our own - are wrestling with difficult issues, challenges, and questions about the future.
With that in mind, while we have completed these conversations as a church, planning for the long-term future of Methodism in the Keweenaw and discussions about the best path for our future ministry at Grace UMC will continue within the leadership team.
We continue to pray about, discuss, and plan for the future of our church and we ask that you do the same. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, we welcome them.
Thank you for your continued contributions to the ministry of the church through your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.