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
July 18, 2024
Dear Church Friends,
The Council of Bishops of the UMC released a statement this week condemning divisive rhetoric and political violence in light of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. You can read the full statement here: https://www.unitedmethodistbishops.org/newsdetail/umc-bishops-condemn-political-violence-18422584
This international and diverse group of church leaders express their concern about existing vitriol and hatred. The bishops call upon United Methodists to be instruments of peace and agent of change.
“As Christ’s followers, we are called to be healers in our churches, communities, countries, and the world. In these times of political tension and disagreement, we must remember our shared humanity, the sacred worth, and the inherent dignity of every person.
It is at times like this that God is calling us to renew our commitment to non-violence and remember our baptism vows, which urge us to renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world, and repent of our sin. Our baptism vows compel us to accept the freedom and power that God gives us to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.”
The lyrics to the hymn “Let There Be Peace on Earth” are simple, yet profound. We cannot expect or hope for peace if we are not willing to “let [peace] begin with me.” Peace begins in our own hearts, in our conversations at home, in the community and church. Peace is respectful, even amid disagreements. Peace speaks the truth in love, otherwise, it is nothing more than a “clanging gong or crashing cymbal.” (1 Cor 13)
In these challenging and often divisive times, let us watch our words (and social media posts). May others see in us not echoes of hatred, but a desire for peace and justice. Let us speak boldly and passionately of our concerns and visions for the nation and the world and in ways that all “will know we are Christians by our love.”
This Sunday, “The Lord’s Prayer” Sermon Series will focus on “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Jesus preached that the kingdom of God will come, and is already here, in stark contrast to the kingdom of this world. How do we pray and act for God’s will to be done? We will Worship at 10am in Fellowship Hall with reflections and conversation. If you have Prayer Book from last week, please bring it with you. If you’ve been away, come join!
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!