About
Our Values and Beliefs
The words of the founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, echo the words of Jesus: “A Methodist is one who loves the Lord our God with all their heart and mind and strength and loves their neighbor as themselves.” Our commitment to Christ is not limited to worship on Sunday mornings but lasts throughout the week in living a life of love and service. We believe the grace and forgiving love of God is available for all people.
This is why we welcome all who wish to be part of our fellowship, and why our Communion Table is open to all people of all ages and faith backgrounds who wish to receive the love and grace of Jesus.
Our Mission
- To Know the love of Jesus in personal ways through worship, prayer and study.
- To Live the love of Jesus through acts of compassion, gentleness and justice.
- To Share the love of Jesus in our homes, our community and the world.
- To Welcome all of God’s children regardless of age, race, ability, sexual or gender orientation, and economic circumstance.
From the Pastor
Dear Church Friends,
What are you going to be for Halloween?
Remember the days when you would begin contemplating that question months in advance? Thinking about your favorite character or how to join friends in a group costume. There was always a lot of excitement, creativity…and last minute changes of plan. Growing up in New England sometimes meant that a great costume got covered by a winter jacket. Bummer.
Two thoughts about “What are you going to be…?”
First, sign-up for Trunk or Treat! Not only do you get to dress-up in costume, but your whole car can be decorated! (We do ask that you refrain from scary or gory.) On October 21, 1-3pm, we will welcome families for a fun and safety event while collecting non-perishable food items for Person to Person.
Second, our Old Testament lesson for this Sunday is Deuteronomy 6:4 – the Shema – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.” Who we are as children of God calls for an opening of our full selves to love, worship and service of God. Being a Christian is not a costume or a garment that we wear one day, one hour a week, or cover up in bad weather. It is being our authentic selves with blessing and challenges as we seek to love God and neighbor with all we are created to be. Come celebrate that identity and belonging!
There are so many great ways to share our faith in this season. I hope to see you in church soon!
Peace,
Pastor Heather
United Methodist Church
of Westport & Weston
Church office: (203) 227-4707
Pastor Heather’s cell: (203) 913-8148
hsinclair@westportumc.org
Church Staff
Rev. Heather A. M. Sinclair
Pastor
Ahyoung Son
Organist
Marilyn Smith
Administrative Assistant
John Hoddinott
Director of Music Outreach
How to Join the Church
We welcome everyone! Members, regular participants, and first-time visitors all will find the same welcoming embrace. Becoming a member enables you to make a public commitment to Christ and the church and claim the values of love and service that we hold dear.
Members hold a diversity of beliefs, but all profess faith in Christ and promise to faithfully participate in the church through their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
Membership classes are offered on a regular basis and introduce newcomers to the church and to Methodism.
Our History
The current church on Weston Road celebrated a 50-year anniversary in 2017. Several of the families who took out 2nd mortgages on their homes to help fund the construction of the church are still members! But the Methodist Church roots in the area go back to 1790 when Jesse Lee, a Methodist from Virginia, rode his horse all around this part of Connecticut gathering people in homes for fellowship and worship.
The Church on Rabbit Hill
The site of the current church is adjacent to the former home of Robert Lawson, author of the children’s book “Rabbit Hill,” and the reason why it has been known as “the church on Rabbit Hill” ever since!