What makes New Town unique?
The services at New Town United Methodist Church strive to present the basic truths of the Christian faith in a way that is both seeker friendly and spiritually nurturing no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. Our weekend service presents the timeless truths of Christianity in a way that impacts people in their lives today. At New Town UMC you can grow in your understanding of Christianity through fulfilling worship, active faith-sharing, inviting fellowship, timeless teaching and heartfelt service. In addition, Small Groups meet in homes throughout the community, fostering relationships and spiritual growth.
What will the
service be like?
At New Town we believe worship
isn’t something to be endured, but anticipated with expectation. We
accomplish this through a worship style that is a blend of contemporary
praise, worshipful choruses and traditional hymns that have been
rearranged so that they are more culturally familiar in music style, media
presentations and practical
messages.
What should I
wear to New Town?
Casual clothes are the norm at New Town United Methodist Church. For
example, people are encouraged to wear shorts during the summer and
whatever is comfortable for them during the rest of the year. So feel free,
if you like,
to leave the suit and tie at home!
How long are
services?
The weekend services at New Town typically last about an hour.
Will I be
singled out in any way as a visitor?
At New Town, you’ll never be put on the spot, never feel forced to give
money, and never embarrassed. You won’t be asked to participate in the
offering. You don’t have to sign anything or register your attendance (unless you place your child in our children’s ministry and
then only for your child’s security). Let the service be a gift to you.
Where do my kids
go during the service?
Our children’s ministry provides an exciting experience for infants,
toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten through 5th grade. This
allows you to get the most from your experience at New Town while your
child has a great time in a safe, friendly kid-centered environment!
If you have a teenager, they are invited to attend the service with you. In addition, there are student ministries during the week specifically for them. The Middle School Youth Group meets Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. The High School Youth Group meets Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. Both are located at Williamsburg Christian Academy.
What do we
believe?
New
Town United Methodist Church’s beliefs are in harmony with the Doctrinal
Standards of the United Methodist Church.
We are disciples of Jesus Christ in the historical company of the
Rev. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.
Wesleyan theology has been summarized in this way:
* All need to be saved.
*
All may be saved.
* All may know that they are saved.
*
All may be saved to the utmost.
When we use the term “saved” what we mean is that we all can come into a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ by the aid of the Holy Spirit. As a result of this right relationship with God we are set free from bondage to sin, set free from a distorted sense of self, and set free from the skewed value system of society. Through this relationship we receive the gift of eternal life, which is a quality of life that will endure forever in the kingdom of God.
Here
are some other distinctive emphases that we believe as a United Methodist
Church:
* The importance of blending knowledge with vital piety (zealous faith), a quickened (illuminated to the reality of God and God's truth) mind with a warmed evangelical heart (a heart that is ablaze with God's love to share with others).
*
The importance of shared leadership (clergy & laity) in
the life and mission of the Church.
*
The importance of blending personal commitment with social
responsibility; Methodists have always held that the purpose of Christian
conversion is not only to get one’s soul ready for heaven, but also to
taste the first fruit of heaven through a life of justice, love, and mercy
in this world.
*
The importance of singing in worship and teaching Christian
truth.
*
The importance of blending, preaching, and testifying with
sacramental worship (the Lord’s Supper and baptism).
* The importance of expressing gratitude for God’s grace
through unselfish service.
*
The development of congregations into smaller groups for
instruction, pastoral care, and fellowship.
*
The importance of blending ardor with order in matters of
faith and practice.
*
The importance of a connectional system that links local
congregations to districts, to conferences, and to the worldwide
fellowship.
*Read the Doctrinal Standards of the United Methodist Church through this link.