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
February 2, 2023
Dear Church Friends,
Happy Groundhog Day! (eyeroll) What does a groundhog have to do with the weather? And will winter come to CT this year?
Did you know that today is Candlemas on the ancient Christian calendar? Candlemas is the celebration of Jesus’ presentation in the Temple, forty days after Christmas. Traditionally, Christmas decorations, especially nativity sets, are put away on February 2. In some cultures, candles are brought to the church to be blessed and returned to the home for use the rest of the year. The blessed candles are a reminder of the light of Christ in our heart, homes and the world. (If you want to know more about Groundhog and Candlemas, check out this interesting article: “What Does Groundhog Day Have to Do with Christianity?” https://www.ctcumc.org/newsdetail/669459
Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world 24/7/365 (Matthew 5:14). The Sermon on the Mount gives us wise, inspiring and challenging insights on how to be the light of the world. This week, we come to “do not judge,” “do unto others,” and “seek God first” (Matthew 7:1-14) Simple phrases with complex meanings. “The gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:14) The good news is that we are invited to travel this narrow road together as a community of faith. This Sunday’s sermon “Do Not Judge” will challenge us to consider how our tendency to judge can harm the body of Christ and how we are called to seek healing and reconciliation.
May the bright winter sun shine in and through you this day as you journey on the path of faith.
See you in the church!
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 Collinge
Director of Music & Community 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 our current church was adjacent to the 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!