Cross Lanes United Methodist Church is part of the United Methodist Church connection, a global denomination with churches in more than 125 countries. As the second largest Protestant denomination in America we uphold our heritage by pursuing ministry in keeping with our tradition.
We seek to be people devoted to God, active in service, generous in spirit, and continually learning how to grow in grace as we make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Cross Lanes United Methodist Church Mission Statement
We have a passionate faith with strong convictions, but we also recognize that the world is not always black and white. We are willing to ask questions, to wrestle with difficult issues, and to do so with grace and compassion. We are “people of the Book,” whose faith is firmly rooted in and built upon the scriptures. We hold the Bible to be divinely inspired and are committed to live by its words and we recognize the Bible was written by people who heard God in the light of their own cultural and historical circumstances.
We believe the goal of the Christian life is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as you love yourself. From the beginning of the Methodist movement, we were known as “reasonable enthusiasts,” those who are both emotionally and intellectually engaged. We devote ourselves to growing spiritually, loving through fellowship, and serving God and neighbor in active community engagement.
We value the spiritual disciplines and take a “methodical” approach to growing in the faith. United Methodists value the full participation of women and men, people of all backgrounds in every facet of fellowship and leadership within the church and society.
For more information please see www.umc.org our denominational website.
Theology
Theology is thinking together about our faith and discipleship. It’s reflecting with others in the Christian community about the good news of God’s love in Christ. United Methodists have a unique theology grounded in the grace of God. United Methodists also share a common heritage with all Christians. According to our foundational statement of beliefs in The Book of Discipline, we share the following basic affirmations in common with all Christian communities:
God, who is one, is revealed in three distinct persons.
We believe in the mystery of salvation through Jesus Christ. God became human in Jesus of Nazareth; and his life, death and resurrection demonstrates God’s redeeming love.
The Holy Spirit is God’s present activity in our midst. When we sense God’s leading, God’s challenge, or God’s support or comfort, it’s the Holy Spirit at work.
Genesis 1:27 asserts that people have been made in the image of the Creator. Like God we have the capacity to love and care, to communicate, and to create.
The church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today.
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word and is the primary authority for our faith and practice.
The kingdom or reign of God is both a present reality and future hope.