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
December 7, 2020
Dear Church Friends,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Emmanuel, God with us!
Some claim that the Bible holds 365 occurrences of the directive, “Do not be afraid!” Others dispute that claim, and honestly, I have never counted. However, the idea that humanity needs to hear those words at least once a day, every day of the year, rings very true.
2020 has been a year full of fears, doubts and anxieties. I do not need to list them here. You have felt them, lived them, witnessed them in your life and in the lives of others. Fear has stopped us in our tracks. Fear has scrambled our everyday decisions. Fear has left us feeling uncertain about the future. These fears are real and will not be swept aside at the stroke of midnight as we usher in 2021.
At its best, fear raises our attention, makes us more aware of our surroundings and more intentional about the ways we step forward. When we are honest with ourselves, as individuals, a congregation and a community, about our fears and griefs and willingly place them into God’s hands, we will find the hope, peace, joy and love that guides us to a transformed tomorrow.
Do not be afraid…to hold HOPE.
Do not be afraid…to bring PEACE.
Do not be afraid…to practice JOY.
Do not be afraid…to choose LOVE.
“Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
Friends, this Advent and Christmas, may we face our fears and embrace the presence of Emmanuel, God with us. As the light of Christ illuminates our hearts and spirits, we are free to receive the gifts of new hopes and possibilities. And then, we are called to be messengers bringing good news to a broken and dis-eased world.
As we journey into a new year of possibilities, let us sing: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace!” (Luke 2:14)
Stay well. Emmanuel is with us always.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Heather
Church Staff
Rev. Heather A. M. Sinclair
Chris Hisey
Ahyoung Son
Marilyn Smith
How to Join our Church
We welcome everyone to our Church! 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 our 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!