OUR MISSION The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
OUR VISION The congregation known as Polk City United Methodist Church seeks to be welcoming of all people with the transforming love of God while serving in community with each other and the world.
OUR PATH In order to help people become and grow as disciples, or deeply-committed followers of Jesus Christ and the Way of Love, we have developed a path for discipleship which is simply to WELCOME, WORSHIP, GROW, GIVE & GO:
WELCOME
As beginners on the path to discipleship, we are welcomed first by the love of God which has surrounded us from our birth. Then, when we are ready to begin a relationship with God, we welcome the Holy Spirit into our life through baptism and confirmation. Once we have been established on the pathway, we begin to welcome others into a life of faith with extravagant hospitality.
WORSHIP
Worship is understood to be our response to God’s presence in our lives. We come together weekly to join with other members of our community of faith, also known as the Body of Christ, in order to encourage each other as we remember together the ways that God is working in our lives and in our world, and to be encouraged by one another. We believe that weekly corporate worship is vital to becoming a deeply-committed follower of Christ. We also believe that as we grow in our discipleship, that worship will become a way of life, as we begin to develop a constant conversation with God in each aspect of life.
GROW
To grow implies placing ourselves in an environment that allows growth; such as a plant being placed in an environment consisting of fertile soil and moisture. Such is the same at Polk City UMC; to grow means to take an action to seek out the benefits of a small group or bible study that helps you learn more about God and the ways God would have us live. It is in small groups that we find a place of being connected to God and to one another through prayer, study and relationship.
GIVE
We are created by God to be generous and sharing people. Most people feel a sense of joy when they are able to help and serve others, and to offer back to God a portion from God’s blessings in our lives. Through giving of our time, talents and treasures, we become partners with God in touching the lives of others.
GO
As we become more deeply-committed followers of Jesus through our worship, study, relationships and service, we begin to realize that what we have found in Christ and in the community of faith is worth sharing with others whose souls may be hungry for the love and grace we’ve found. So we are asked to go into our families, workplaces, and communities sharing the love and grace of God, witnessing to the Way of Jesus.
OUR MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS WORSHIP
Attend worship in person every weekend, unless you are sick or out of town. (If you are traveling, you are encouraged to worship where you are visiting.)
GROW
Participate in at least one activity each year aimed at helping you grow in your faith, apart from worship attendance (Sunday school, Bible study, reading the Bible at home, small group studies or other short-term classes we may offer, such as Alpha).
GIVE
Give of your time & talents in Christian service at least once each year both inside and outside the walls of the church. Give financially in proportion to your income with the goal of tithing.
SHARE
Share the good news about your faith with those around you through word and actions, by witnessing to God’s love while learning to love your neighbor.
MEMBERSHIP VOWS The vows we make to participate in the ministries of the church are not multiple choice. Just as Jesus calls us to love God and neighbor through heart, soul, mind, and strength, so being a disciple involves the whole self; we strive to commit our entire lives to God through our:
PRAYERS – Prayer and Scripture Meditation
Spending time in prayer each day and studying and reflecting on the Bible to experience the living Word of hope in the written word of Scripture.
PRESENCE – Corporate Worship and Small-group Community
Celebrating God’s presence in worship with a faith community and experiencing Christian community in a small group to pray, learn, and grow together.
GIFTS – Financial Generosity
Practicing Christian stewardship through the biblical discipline of tithing.
SERVICE – Spiritual Gifts andGifts-based Service
Discovering our spiritual gifts and participating in God’s work through the ministry of the church.
WITNESS – Invitational/Relational Evangelism
Having relationships & conversations which invite others to experience God’s love and become disciples of Jesus Christ.
