1st UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

ORONOGO MISSOURI

176 S 4TH, ORONOGO MISSOURI 64855

• Sacraments: Of Holy Communion & Holy Baptism:
  

Baptism is God's gift of unmerited grace through the Holy Spirit. It is an incorporation into Christ, which marks the entrance of each person into the church and its ministry (Romans 6:3, 4,18).

Entrance into the church is acknowledged in baptism and may include persons of all ages. In this sacrament the church claims God's promise, the seal of the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).

Because the redeeming love of God revealed in Jesus Christ extends to all persons, and because Jesus explicitly included the children in His kingdom, Christian parents or guardians are encouraged to present their children to the Lord in baptism at an early age.

Communion is celebrated in remembrance of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all people.  In the upper room, Jesus shared a final meal with His disciples.  Taking the bread, He lifted it and gave thanks, breaking it He said “this is my body, broken for you.  Take; eat in remembrance of me.  After the meal, He took the cup, lifted it, He said this is my blood, as often as you drink of this cup, do so in remembrance of me.”

Our Basic Practices:

• Holy Communion       
  

Open Communion: is Celebrated by anyone desiring to come to the Table of the Lord.  Members of the church and non-members as well are welcome to participate.  John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement taught that even the unbelievers could come to experience the Body of Christ through the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

It is our practice that each one comes forward, breaking off a piece of bread and dipping it into the chalice.  Everyone may spend time at the altar for silent thanksgiving.  The Pastor is available if you desire, to pray with you.

• Holy Baptism:      
  

Baptism is the mark of Christian discipleship.  We believe that it is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.  Through baptism, we make a puplic confession of our faith that we have become members of the Body of Christ.

The water is a symbol of the Holy Spirit working in us and signifying God’s grace and renewal of us.  Whether it be by immersion or sprinkling, it is the Spirit working and transforming us.

The United Methodist Church does not re-baptism.  A person who has been baptized regardless if it was in the United Methodist Church, other denomination, or by any other means is accepted by their profession of faith.  We do though; practice re-affirming of ones baptism, as a renewal of the covenant made with God.

• Membership:       
  

Membership in the local church is a separate act in itself.  After baptism, people are invited to become members of the local church, where they may serve God through that particular congregation, but not limited to.

Servant hood through the commissioning of Christ.  The Great Commission Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus charged us to not just reach out and minister to the needs of the world, but that we are to make new disciples, to continue to teach, train and baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Message from our Pastor

Rev. Max Raney

The strength of any community lies in the values and morals of the people who live and provide leadership in that given community.  I believe it is the responsibility of the church to provide leadership of the community and to help each person find a positive and godly direction in his or her own life.

I was raised in a Baptist family and became a Methodist in 1975.  Sense then, I have found that it is not the denomination that determines salvation, but where we find a place we can worship and serve God, and grow in a Christian Community.

As a Methodist, I believe in the Holy Trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.  Knowing and experiencing God in many ways in my life and seeing God at work in the lives of others has given evidence of God’s unlimited power and ways of working in His creation.

To God Be the Glory, AMEN

I believe God leads us into a particular congregation to grow personally but also where we can best serve Him.  Where we are united with others in a common goal, where we are able to do greater things for the glory of God.

Sunday Morning: Breakfast Fellowship 8:30 am - Worship 9:00 am - Children's Church 9:15 am - Church School 10:30am - Youth 4:00 pm