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.
Welcome, Pastor Choi
Pastor Jinha Choi was born in South Korea and was called to the ministry in his high school years. He studied theology and ministry at Hyupsung University, a Methodist theological school in South Korea, and graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. In the Fall of 2007, he came to the United States and continued his studies at Drew Theological School, a seminary in New Jersey, and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree and Master of Arts degree.
Pastor Choi has extensive experience in ministry with children, youth groups, and young adults. He started his pastoral ministry in the United Methodist Church in 2020. He is a Provisional Elder and is moving from West Haven where he has been a pastor for First & Wesley United Methodist Church in the Connecticut District.
United Methodist Church
of Westport & Weston
Church office: (203) 227-4707
pastorchoi@westportumc.org
Church Staff
Rev. Jinha Choi
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!