Our Vision

The VISION of the First United Methodist Church of Stamford is:

To become a welcoming, diverse, Christ-centered, and socially just community of disciples making disciples.

As Christ-centered people, we are on a transforming journey toward becoming disciples of Jesus Christ. We invite everyone at any stage of that spiritual journey to nourish a sustaining relationship with God. We come together in groups large and small to worship, to study the Bible, and to give and serve. We encourage each other to grow in faith and in the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through relevant ministries for adults, families, children and youth. Friends and newcomers — as well as those who call this their church home — feel the work of the Holy Spirit making a difference in their lives.
As diverse people, we are united as a vital faith community. Our diversity is our strength. God builds our church to be a sturdy bridge connecting people of different faith backgrounds, ethnic heritages, ages, races and genders. We respect and celebrate the diversity of God’s creation in everything we do, which enriches our worship, study, and fellowship. We all have a voice and a presence in every aspect of our community and ministry. So that all may become involved and freely use their gifts and talents, we strive to eliminate all physical, social, racial, cultural and economic barriers.
As socially just people, we accept the Biblical admonition to love kindness, do justice, and walk humbly with God. We envision, and work, and pray, for a world where there is social justice for all. We embrace John Wesley’s vision of the world as our parish, and advocate for those in need in our community and beyond. Reaching out with hearts and hands to provide support in whatever way we can wherever we are needed, we actively send the message that this is a church for all God’s children. In that spirit, we are doers of the Word and not merely hearers, creating and implementing programs on our own or in partnership with others to serve people at risk and in need.
As welcoming people we endeavor to demonstrate radical hospitality, realized in Truly open hearts, open minds, and open doors. No person will ever be turned away from partaking in the celebration of Holy Communion, in the sacrament of Baptism, or the fullest participation in the life of the church that we have at our disposal. We endeavor to use our blessings and resources creatively and responsibly on behalf of ALL of our neighbors, always placing Christ at the center of our actions. We gather as a people ever mindful of who we are and whose we are, striving to do God’s will.