What is a “United Methodist” church?
The United Methodist church is a unique and richly diverse denomination.  Churches within the United Methodist denomination range from large metropolitan congregations to small country churches.  Our worship styles vary from traditional formats to free flowing contemporary service and our theological emphases range from conservation to liberal, and every shade in between.  In short, we are the most ethnically and socially diverse as well as the most evenly distributed denomination in America.   Whatever your needs and interests, there is a United Methodist Congregation for you.  We are all members of God’s family.  We are brothers and sisters who love the same God, proclaim Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and believe in the Holy Spirit

What is a United Methodist?
In the words of our founder, John Wesley, “A Methodist is…one who loves the Lord God with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their strength.”  In today’s church, a United Methodist Christian is a person who seeks to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, lives as an example of sharing the presence of God through faith and actions, is concerned with social problems, is inclusive to people of other faiths, and believes in the constant grace and forgiveness of God’s love.

How do I need to dress to attend LebUMC?
Dress casual!   Our worship services are open to all people and we warmly invite you to attend any of our services!

Do you have childcare? 
Yes, childcare is provided for each worship services, classes and fellowship events.  We have a Child Protection Policy and our children are cared for in a loving and godly environment. 

I see the Cross and Flame on United Methodist churches.  What does this symbol mean? 
The Cross and Flame is the official logo of The United Methodist Church.  The Cross represents the Cross of Jesus Christ.  The Flames represent the Holy Spirit.  In 1968 the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged to create The United Methodist Church.  Two flames represent each of these churches and call us to remember that The United Methodist Church is a blended and diverse denomination.

What is a “Sacrament”?
In the Christian church a “sacrament” is a certain rite instituted by Jesus Christ and regarded as a visible sign of inward grace.  

Which sacraments does the United Methodist Church celebrate?
The United Methodist Church celebrates two sacraments: 

Holy Baptism is the sacrament of initiation that joins us with the church and with Christians everywhere.  It’s a symbol of new life and a promise of God’s saving love and a sign of God’s forgiveness for our sins.  Water is the special symbol of baptism. Any Christian baptism is recognized by the United Methodist Church.

Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper is a holy meal of bread and wine (juice) that symbolizes the body and blood of Jesus Christ.  By sharing this meal, United Methodists give than for Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.  The Lord’s Supper recalls the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and celebrates the unity of all the members of God’s family. Every United Methodist should receive Communion when given the opportunity.  People from other denominations are welcome to receive Communion within a United Methodist church. Children may receive Communion in a United Methodist church. 

I’d like to get married at your church, whom should I contact?
Contact our church office at 804.746.0980.

Does the United Methodist Church baptize infants?
Yes. We believe that infant baptism emphasizes that God’s love is freely given, not “earned” by our actions and it is the responsibility of the church and its members to nurture, affirm and protect all members.  To schedule your infant’s baptism, contact the Pastor, Rev. Spencer Broce at 804.746.0980

Am I required to have my infant or child baptized by a certain age?
No.  We believe baptism to be a parental decision as to when their child will be baptized.  (Our pastor is available to answer your questions.)

Do you baptize older children and adults? 
Yes.  We believe that baptism of older children and adults emphasizes a personal acceptance of God’s gift of grace and forgiveness, and diligent preparation and serious commitment to Jesus Christ. 

Can I be “re-baptized” as an adult?
No.  The United Methodist Church does not “re-baptize” someone because baptism is one of God’s promises.  We believe God’s promises last a lifetime.

How does the United Methodist Church baptize someone?
We celebrate three modes of Baptism:  Immersion, pouring, or sprinkling.  All baptisms are done with the three-part blessing, “in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  It is a personal decision of the person being baptized as to which mode they choose.

As United Methodists we believe that baptism unites us with Christ’s church.  Baptism brings new members into the fellowship of the church and marks the beginning of a process of growth toward God.  We believe that every member of a United Methodist church should understand the significance and practice of baptism participate in the baptismal celebration whenever possible, help new members grow in Christ and fulfill their baptismal commitment, and renew their own baptismal commitment, when appropriate, to strengthen their faith.

What is a Profession of Faith? 
A Profession of Faith (Confession of Faith) is a public testimony of one’s faith in Jesus Christ.  A Profession of Faith is an extension of a baptism, not a repetition of it.  For information regarding church membership, adult baptisms, or Professions of Faith,  please contact our church at 804.746.0980

What is Confirmation? 
During Confirmation, the occasion for public profession of faith in Christ, a commitment to a life of Christian discipleship and the acceptance of the responsibilities of church membership are made.   At Lebanon United Methodist Church our 7th  grade youth, and older, are invited to take the Confirmation Class.  

What does “holy catholic church” in the Apostle’s Creed mean? 
This simply means, “Church Universal”.  As Christians we are of one body throughout the world.

What are the basic theological beliefs of the United Methodist Church?

• We believe in a triune God.  God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• We believe in salvation through Jesus Christ, who was the only Son of God. 
• We believe in the celebration of the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.
• We believe in the Bible as contained in the Old and New Testaments.
• We believe that God has mercy and love for all people. 
• We believe in repentance and the forgiveness of sins.
• We believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

How do I make a charitable contribution?
Click here for information regarding charitable contributions to Lebanon United Methodist Church.