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ALL MEANS ALL
THE GARDEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IS A COMMITTED COMMUNITY OF CHRIST-FOLLOWERS GROWING IN OUR LOVE OF GOD AND NEIGHBOR AS WE SEEK TO MAKE DISCIPLES OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE WORLD.
WE CELEBRATE GOD’S GIFT OF DIVERSITY AND VALUE THE WHOLENESS MADE POSSIBLE IN COMMUNITY EQUALLY SHARED AND SHEPHERDED BY ALL. WE WELCOME AND AFFIRM PEOPLE OF EVERY GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION, AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION, WHO ARE ALSO OF EVERY AGE, RACE, ETHNICITY, PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABILITY, LEVEL OF EDUCATION, AND FAMILY STRUCTURE, AND OF EVERY ECONOMIC, IMMIGRATION, MARITAL, AND SOCIAL STATUS, AND SO MUCH MORE.
WE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT WE LIVE IN A WORLD OF PROFOUND SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL INEQUITIES. AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS, WE COMMIT OURSELVES TO THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE AND PLEDGE TO STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH ALL WHO ARE MARGINALIZED AND OPPRESSED. WE BELIEVE THAT EACH PERSON IS A UNIQUE AND VALUED PART OF GOD’S CREATION.
WE ARE AN ISLAND OF MISFIT TOYS AND NO MATTER WHAT, YOU ARE LOVED BY JESUS CHRIST AND WELCOME AMONG THE GARDEN.
Our story
The Garden is a new church that came into existence in 2018 through the merging of two United Methodist congregations: St. Johns and Fairmont Park UMC. The Garden is an inclusive congregation that is seeking to sow love and to make disciples of Jesus Christ in the East Little Creek Community. We have sought to make disciples through social media and online groups as well as through in person engagement. Making disciples is our future, it is our whole story and our purpose.
FAQS
How do I dress for worship? Dress at The Garden is casual. Jeans and t-shirt, shorts and sandals, dresses and skirts, all are welcome.
What happens in worship? In worship, we do four things. We gather and celebrate our community. We share the word by listening to Scripture and hearing a sermon. We respond by giving in service and taking communion. Finally, we are sent forth and reconciled people who were made to love and be loved.
Who can participate in communion? The United Methodist Church practices an open table. All are welcome, member and non-member, sinner and saint, young and old. If your little one isn’t ready for communion the pastor will offer a blessing.
Who can attend worship? All ages are welcome in worship. We have a pray-ground for our youngest ones in worship. Families are welcome to sit at the pray-ground or sit in the nursery where worship is live-streamed. Any person is welcome to attend worship at The Garden. We are an open and affirming church. Come as you and who you are and you will be accepted.
Who leads worship? Each service is led by lay and clergy together. Music is led by a praise band in modern worship and a choir in traditional worship.
What about baptism? The United Methoidist Church believes in infant baptism. We do not rebaptize but welcome anyone who has not been baptized to receive the sacrament of baptism. If you are intereted in baptism please contact the church office.
How do I become a member? If you are interested in becoming a member of The Garden we invite you to join us for The Garden 101 and The Garden 201. These conversations and learning opportunities are held quarterly and can help you get connected with our church. You can become a member on any Sunday during worship. Our next Membership Sunday is December 3. You can join The Garden at any time. Membership is not required to participate in any of our ministries.
What does membership mean? When we become members, we profess our faith in God, our desire to live as disciples of Jesus Christ, and commit to join with our church community to keep the vows made at baptism.
What are expectations of membership? The Garden encourages all members and regular worshippers to practice five principles of discipleship: Worship, Grow, Serve, Give, and Share. Members are expected to worship with us regularly, join a small group online or in-person, volunteer with our ministry programs or community programs, give of what you can to support the ministries of the church, and share about why The Garden matters to you.
What do United Methodists believe? United Methodists believe in actualizing their faith in community — actions speak louder than words. The three simple rules are: “Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.” Some beliefs we share with other Christians are the Trinity (God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and Jesus’ birth, death and Resurrection.
How can I get connected at The Garden? The Garden has opportunities for children, youth, and adults to connect through small groups and events. Learn more at our CONNECT page.
How can I serve at The Garden? You can serve at The Garden in several volunteer opportunities from yard maintenance to volunteering on Saturdays with our Food Pantry. Learn more at our SERVE page.