What We Believe at Burke UMC
The Mission of Burke UMC
The mission of BUMC is to offer engaging worship, foster a deeper understanding of Christian faith, nurture meaningful relationships, and create a loving and inclusive community in Christ that works together to promote positive change in our world through social justice in action.
The Vision of Burke UMC
Our vision is to combine faith and action to become a beacon of hope and a living witness of God's love, both within our immediate community and reaching far beyond. We aspire to be a vibrant congregation that radiates love, inclusivity, and transformative impact.
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The Values of Burke UMC
Radical Inclusivity:
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Offers radical hospitality to everyone.
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Affirms all people so that everyone feels seen, heard and loved.
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Recognizes and honors the image of God in every human being.
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Appreciates differences as representation of the Kingdom of God.
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Authentic Relationships:
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Exhibits personal authenticity, true respect, and validation of others.
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Builds trust through listening emotionally and fostering empathy and compassion for others.
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Tolerates ambiguity and acknowledges limitations, seeking to learn.
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Acknowledges conflict or pain and works towards resolution.
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Dynamic and Active Spirituality
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Empowers individuals to develop a vibrant and authentic relationship with Christ.
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Recognizes scripture reading, prayer, worship, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as central aspects of our faith.
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Encourages creative expressions of faith from diverse perspectives.
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Gathers for regular fellowship, nurturing the needs of all who gather.
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Faithful Community Engagement
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Commits to justice with unyielding persistence and unwavering commitment.
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Addresses systemic issues of injustice through informed action.
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Builds cooperative relationships with other faith traditions.
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Alleviates suffering due to poverty, hunger and homelessness by providing resources to those in need.
Our Welcome Statement
Welcome! We are a caring community from various backgrounds, drawn together by the love of God and the transforming message of Jesus. We believe all persons are of sacred worth and dignity as part of God’s creation and as demonstrated by the ministry of Jesus Christ. We welcome everyone without exception – everyone means everyone – regardless of age, race,
ethnicity, gender, family structure, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity,
economic background, political affiliation, physical or mental ability, faith history or life experience. We recognize among us differences in theology and biblical interpretation, and we covenant to accept, respect, and love one another along our faith journeys. We hold an unwavering commitment to alleviate suffering and confront the root causes of injustice through informed action and actively seek cooperative relationships with other faith communities.
Please join us, because wherever you are on life’s journey, there is a place for you here at Burke United Methodist Church!
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More About The United Methodist Church
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United Methodism is a legacy of the work and thought of John Wesley (1703-1791). Wesley was an Anglican priest in England with a passion for uniting social action and inward holiness. He blended a deep spiritual commitment to Jesus Christ and a deep social commitment to justice for others. Early followers were mocked for their methodical practices of religious observance and social work, hence, the name “Methodists.”
United Methodists do not necessarily agree on all matters of belief. We are not required to assent to a specific theological creed. But you will find these characteristics among nearly all United Methodists:
Grace is Primary. God, who is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ, loves human beings and all creation. God persistently initiates loving actions among human beings through the Holy Spirit. Our life is always in response to the unearned blessings of God. (Ephesians 2:4-9)
Holiness is Personal & Social. John Wesley encouraged our seeking both inward transformation and outward service. There is no inner holiness divorced from loving outreach, and no social justice that is not anchored by personal faith in God. (Luke 10:25-28)
Baptism is Blessing. Because we believe in the supremacy of God's grace, baptism shows forth God's blessing. Infant baptism shows God's loving claim on our lives; believer baptism and confirmation show forth the necessity of our human response. One baptism is sufficient. (Mark 10:13-16; Ephesians 4:4-6)
Communion is Open. Everyone is welcome at the celebration of the Lord's Supper. The bread and cup are not restricted by baptism or church membership. Communion is Christ's gracious meal of nourishment and peace, available to all. (Luke 13:29-30)
God is Triune. We join with Christians throughout history in affirming that the one God has been revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This three-in-one and one-in-three God is our Creator, Savior, and Redeemer. (Mathew 28:18-20)
Churches are Connected. We are linked with other United Methodists at local, regional, national, and international levels. United Methodist congregations are not isolated church units. We are organized worldwide for ministry! (1 Corinthians 12:12-28)
To learn more about who United Methodists are, click here.
To learn more about what United Methodists believe, click here.
To learn more about how United Methodists serve, click here.