Calvary Church - A United Methodist Church : About Methodism : Chambersburg PA, Fayetteville PA, Central Pennsylvania

About Methodism

Igniting Ministry

When you join a United Methodist congregation, you become a member of the United Methodist connection--a covenant community dedicated to making disciples for Jesus Christ. Members make a solemn promise to God and the congregation to uphold the church with their prayers and their presence, their gifts and their service.

A Diverse Community

All persons are welcomed in The United Methodist Church--with open hearts, open minds and open doors. Celebrating a diversity of people, ideas and cultures, we are enriched by our history.

The United Methodist Church was formed with the merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church in 1968. United Methodists trace their spiritual heritage back to the 18th-century evangelical leaders John and Charles Wesley, Jacob Albright and Philip William Otterbein.

Biblical in Faith

United Methodist's trust free inquiry into matters of Christian doctrine. Our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. Scripture is of paramount importance. For United Methodists, the Bible is the record of God's people living out God's promises.

Sharing God's Gifts

United Methodists have believed, from the beginning, that each of us is called to participate in the outreaching ministry of Jesus Christ. John Wesley and our evangelical forbearers saw our work in the simplest, plainest terms: Do all the good you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can.

Sharing God's Love

We support worldwide ecumenical and educational ministries. For generations United Methodists have collaborated with other churches to spread the gospel, care for those in need, alleviate injustice and foster peace around the world. We reach beyond our own churches and communities to share God's love with people of many faiths.

Socially Concerned, Personally Involved

For more than 200 years, The United Methodist Church and its predecessors have worked to help the poor, sick, orphaned, aging, oppressed, and imprisoned. Our church participates in the struggles of women, people with physical and mental challenges, and racial and ethnic minority persons, helping them to attain equity and equality in the church and in society through responsible social action.