As a modern people in the late twentieth century, we live in an ever changing world where our lives and the lives of those around us are subject to the influence of constant change. in the midst of this milieu, we struggle personally and corporately to define those qualities, beliefs and values that are universal.

These universals for United Methodist Christians are set forth clearly and succinctly in the founding documents and may be found in The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. These theological and social principles are steeped in the traditions of the ancient, undivided Church, the Protestant Reformation in general, and in Wesleyanism in particular. Our faith is grounded in Scripture, informed by Christian tradition, enlivened in human experience, and tested by human reason.

Citing these universals, our creed takes this form:

We believe in God, creator of the world and all people; and in Jesus Christ, incarnate among us, who died and rose again; and in the Holy Spirit, present with us to guide, strengthen, and comfort; in the final triumph of goodness over evil and in life everlasting.

We rejoice in every sign of God’s kingdom: in the upholding of human dignity and community; in every expression of love, justice and reconciliation; in the abundance of God’s gifts entrusted to us for ministry; and in the responsible use of the earth’s resources.

We label as sin the violation of human dignity based on race, class, age, sex, sexual orientation, nation or faith; the exploitation of people because of greed or indifference; the misuse of power in personal, family, communal, national, or international life; the search for security by those military and economic forces that threaten human existence; and the abuse of technology that endangers the earth and all life upon it.

Therefore, as a community of faith, we the members of the First United Methodist Church of Shelburne commit ourselves individually and as a community to the way of Christ: to take up the cross; to seek abundant life for all humanity; to struggle for peace with justice an freedom; and to risk ourselves in faith, hope, and love- always praying and working to insure that God’s will, as we understand it, is done on earth as it is in heaven.