Our Vision of Georgetown United Methodist Church

We are an active, diverse group of believers seeking to grow in our understanding of and commitment to God.

Our purpose is not to tell you what to believe or how you must believe it, but to lead you into a deeper exploration and experience of the presence of God. We trust that God always reveals what we need know ( both in the ancient Scriptures of the Bible and through modern revelations) and that the relationship with God is more important that any set of creeds, beliefs, or doctrines.

Looking for a community that is open and accepting of who and where you are on your spiritual journey, that is a "safe place" in which to grow, and that will offer you multiple ways to live out your Christian faith daily? Then come and check us out. We want to meet and serve you in the spirit of Jesus Christ.

From Pastor Bills:

From Pastor Bills: At the August 9, 2007 meeting of the Church Council, a motion was adopted that stated that our goal for the next 12-18 months would be "to grow in unity and live out our vision." We set for ourselves the following vision:

• MAKE DISCIPLES FOR CHRIST
• GROW SPIRITUALLY
• LOVE ONE ANOTHER
• SERVE OTHERS

This was the outcome of a significant amount of work over a considerable period of time. That work was begun before I was appointed as your pastor. It was something new to me when I arrived at Georgetown UMC. Getting started in a new pastorate takes a lot of time and energy. I sometimes get bogged down in little details like learning people's names and figuring out who is really in charge of what here. Because of that, I am afraid I let this vision statement and the work done by the Strategic Planning Team, slip a little bit down my list of priorities lately.

I am really glad that I am the only one who has done that! As I look at the above vision statement, I can imagine that there are many, many creative ways that individuals and groups within the church are living out that vision. I have probably been so busy throughout the fall and winter getting my feet on the ground, that I have missed some of those wonderful and creative ways. I'm sure that each and every one of you is busy living out the vision even as I write these words. Those who aren't are probably deep in thought planning their next steps for living our vision!

The Strategic Planning Team recommended to the Church Council, that they and every group or committee in the church, come up with at least one, two or three concrete plans for how they will live out our vision. I would love to hear your ideas, whether they come from a committee, a group, or an individual, for living the vision. How are you doing at it?

The data collected from last year's SWOT survey were distilled down to three priorities for us as a church: Spiritual Growth, Improved Communications and Local Outreach. Those things are general enough to allow for significant freedom and creativity. I am going to start ordering my work and ministry around those priorities as I try to live our vision. I know I need to get busy so I can get caught up with the rest of you! In the mean time, let me know what you are doing, what your plans are and how you think it best for you or your group to help me get this vision off my desk and into the real life of the congregation on an every day basis!

Each Individual has a Mission to Share

Christ's ministry on earth was a combination of a spiritual ministry and a social mission. His example of ministry in action sought to bring about the relief of suffering. We believe that as children of God, each individual is given a passion and gift. Therefore each of us has a mission and ministry to share with the world as we are called. At Georgetown, we strive to help each person find their ministry and give everyone the opportunity to put that passion into action. For examples of where and how people are putting ministry into action at Georgetown, click here.