About Us
Our Faith and Our Foundation
What We Believe & Where We’ve Been
For over 140 years, First United Methodist Church of Valley Center has stood as a beacon of faith, fellowship, and service. Rooted in Wesleyan tradition, we remain committed to the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ and sharing God’s love with the world.
Meet our Leadership Team
Our Beliefs
Centered on Christ
About God
We believe there is one living and true God who is eternal, holy, all powerful, all knowing, and ever present. God is the maker and preserver of all things — both what is seen and what is not seen. In the unity of the Godhead, there are three persons in one — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
About Jesus
We believe Jesus was born of a virgin. Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human. Jesus is the very Word of God and the savior of all humankind who came to earth to live, to teach us how to love, and to restore us to God. Jesus willingly endured the suffering, shame, and death on the cross in order to pay the debt for humanity’s sin. He then rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Jesus is acknowledged as the way to salvation.
About the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. The Spirit is at work in the world and the lives of individuals. It transforms, empowers, and guides believers. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience the fruit of the spirit and spiritual gifts.
About Resurrection
We believe that Jesus physically rose from the dead, walked the earth, ascended to heaven, and will come again to judge all humanity and establish his reign over the earth.
About The Bible
The Bible is the inspired word of God and is the primary source for Christian doctrine. It contains all things needed for salvation and living a life unto God. The Bible is foundational for our beliefs, but United Methodists also look to the traditions of the Church, reason, and experience to help inform our faith and help interpret scripture.
About The Church
We believe that the church is the body of Christ, an extension of Christ’s life and ministry in the world today. The church is “the communion of saints,” a community made up of all past, present, and future disciples of Christ. The church is called to worship God and to support those who participate in its life as they grow in faith.
Doctrine of Grace
We believe grace is the unearned and undeserved favor of God extended toward all humanity. United Methodists believe in three forms of grace:
- Prevenient grace that is at work in our lives drawing us to God prior to salvation.
- Justifying grace that brings us into right relationship with God through faith in Christ.
- Sanctifying grace that continues to work in us to transform us into the image of Christ.
Our Mission
We believe the mission of the Christian life is summed up in the two great commandments of loving God and loving our neighbors. Scripture informs us that this is lived out as we love mercy, seek justice, walk humbly with God and “Go and make disciples of all nations.”
The Creeds
Core UM beliefs
Core UM beliefs are summed up in various creeds. One is the Apostle’s Creed (UM Hymnal #881). Another is the Nicene Creed (UM Hymnal #880), which is printed below:
We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty,
maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from
Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one
Being with the Father; through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven,
was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary,
and became truly human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose
again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into
heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in one, holy catholic and apostolic church.
We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Our Story: A Church with Deep Roots
140 Years of Ministry
Through every chapter—joy and sorrow, growth and change—our church has remained dedicated to worship, community, and service. We are more than a building; we are a family of believers committed to walking in Christ’s love and welcoming others to do the same.