We believe in God

The nature of God is much more complex and mysterious than any of our descriptors or categories can adequately define, so all of our affirmations about God necessarily begin with faith. Ultimately, we believe God is so great as to be the eternal source of life and of love, and yet God is so personal as to know and love each of us as if there were only one of us.

We receive the Bible as inspired and inspiring, instructive for life and faith

In faith, we receive the Bible's stories, testimony, songs and traditions from people's experience and worship of God as instructive for our understanding of God's nature and God's work. Thus we come to believe in God as Creator, Savior and Sustainer of life, among many other "names."

We believe Jesus reveals God

Our best understanding of who God is, what God is like, how to know God's will and how to live God's vision of the heavenly life comes from studying and following Jesus of Nazareth. We believe that Jesus is "God with us" in the flesh. We believe that God was in Christ Jesus, in his faithful life, his self-giving love, his death and his resurrection, reconciling a straying, war-torn, wounded world to our original relationship in shalom (peace, wholeness) with God.

We believe that Jesus invites us to follow him

We don.t have to be perfect before we follow. Following Jesus. way of life has a way of cleaning up our acts. We follow by loving those Jesus would love. We follow by forgiving, others and ourselves. We follow by searching our own hearts for God's still, small voice. We follow by putting our trust in God and placing our lives in God's hands. We believe that following Jesus brings us Life that this Earth can't contain.

We believe that God is still present and working through Holy Spirit.

We believe that prayer connects us with God and others in healing, transforming, peace-restoring ways.

Our Church is made up of many members with many different beliefs

But the guiding principle which binds us, even in our very different beliefs, is that which Jesus identified as "the greatest commandment: Love God and your neighbors with all your heart, soul, mind and strength."

We believe that Westlake United Methodist Church has been blessed by God to bless to others, a community of open hearts, open minds and open doors serving God and the community in all that we do.

Does your church have a vision statement?

Yes! Our mission is to live so that others will want to be followers of Jesus

VISION

Living in the image of Christ, we positively impact primarily the Westside of Cleveland

VALUES

V Living the good news of God’s love, forgiveness and empowerment

V Focusing on scripture so we are formed in the image of Christ

V Practicing prayer more as seeking and following God’s will for our lives than expressing our needs

V Engaging both in acts of mercy and justice ministries

V Lay initiative and empowerment

V An all encompassing welcome, inviting people to join with us

V Vibrant worship

V Discovering and using spiritual gifts

V Faithful and sacrificial giving

V Maturity of faith

V Small group participation

GOALS

V Expand and enhance worship opportunities to include a wide range of experiential options for parishioners and community

V Involve 50% of total membership in hands-on mission projects

V Encourage 15 new lay initiated ministries on ongoing basis

V Involve 50% of average attendance in worship in weekly or bi-weekly small groups which provide opportunities for community, care, spiritual growth and service (preferred to be in addition to Sunday morning)

V Have age appropriate discipleship programs that would have introductory and intermediate levels

What is distinctive about being a United Methodist?

While we share in common with all Christians the faith that God was in Christ, recovering and restoring our lives to wholeness ("salvation"), the energy that fuels United Methodism stems from a historic emphasis on "practical divinity." In simple terms: "Now, Walk the Talk."

We believe that in response to God's incredible, amazing grace in our lives, we are called to "re-present Jesus," extending his same indiscriminate, unmerited grace to others. We believe that this life of loving and serving others is, in fact, worked in us by God, who empowers us to live with "Christ in us." The $20 U.M. term for God-powered lives of loving response is "sanctification."

United Methodists didn't invent the following, but we also tend to be pretty fierce about inclusiveness: regarding men and women as equally gifted and called by God for a variety of ministries, and holding all persons, regardless of age, class, race, ethnicity or sexual orientation as individuals of sacred worth.

We respect others' faith traditions. We do not ascribe to a narrowly defined creed. In the spirit of our founder, John Wesley, we "think and let think," understanding that no single belief system can adequately express or fully comprehend the totality of God. United Methodism is proud to be a diverse community of people with diverse beliefs.

For more info about the United Methodist Church, visit the national website: www.unitedmethodist.org

How long has Westlake United Methodist Church been around?

Westlake United Methodist Church was established in 1825. The rich history of the Church has helped define who we are as a congregation. Visit our History page to find out more about our church's 180 plus year journey to the present.

What happens on Sunday morning?

As you enter Westlake United Methodist Church you'll experience the energy that comes from a diverse group of people coming together to celebrate God's gifts and seek meaning and purpose in their lives. All people regardless of their age, race, social and economic background, and sexual orientation are welcome in this congregation.

How do people dress for Sunday service?

You'll find people dressed up, down and every which way on Sunday mornings, so come dressed as you feel comfortable!

When should I arrive?

Worship services are held at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. during most of the year, 10:00 a.m. during the summer months. There are visitor parking spaces near the front entrance reserved for your convenience. Children are welcome at any worship service at the church, though most people with children choose the 10:30 worship because Sunday School for kids age three to grade six is at the same time. Children's worship bags are available at each entrance for those who prefer to have their kids with them in worship. We also provide childcare for children through age two all morning, from 8:30a.m. to the end of the second service.

Where should I go?

When you arrive, look for the friendly greeters at our entrances who will be happy to help direct you. The sanctuary is at the front of the building on Center Ridge Rd. The infant and toddler care rooms are upstairs on the same level as the sanctuary. For all other Sunday School classes go downstairs to the Visitor Welcome Station in Fellowship Hall where a greeter will take you to your class. Click here for a map of the facility.

What is a typical worship service like?

Both worship services balance time-tested worship practices with relevance to current times. Inspirational messages draw on modern illustrations (and a dash of humor) to connect age-old Christian teachings to real life challenges. A variety of musical styles helps to support the worship experience. Most people refer to our worship as traditional, but informal and open.

Will I be singled out or can I remain anonymous?

Your level of initial contact is your choice. We don't put anyone on the spot. However, we have a gift for first time visitors, and we would love the opportunity to greet you personally. Sharing some contact information is helpful for us in following up, but it is certainly not a requirement.

I don't know very much about the Bible...will this be a problem?

We value the Bible as central to the Christian faith and we also believe that the Bible and its interpretation should be used in a way that includes people. It is our hope that you'll want to learn more about the Bible and that our opportunities for Bible study will help you gain understanding of God's word and its meaning for your life.

How and when is Communion celebrated?

We celebrate Communion at both services on the first Sunday of each month and at other services as appropriate. You do not have to be a member of our church or a United Methodist to participate; you only need to seek to follow Christ. We use unfermented grape juice and offer gluten-free and dairy-free bread so that all can participate.

How do you accommodate people with disabilities?

Access to the building can be made from the front circle drive, up the ramp into the main lobby. Alternately, there is handicap parking available at the rear of the building from which access to the elevator is made at the end of the education hallway. Handicap accessible bathrooms are located immediately opposite the elevator on the basement level.

An extra wheelchair is available in the parish nurse's office. Please ask a greeter or usher who will bring it to you.

Office signs are in Braille as well as print. Large print bulletins are available from the ushers.

Audio equipment is available from the ushers for those with hearing impairments.

Is there a time to meet the Pastor and get to know the people of this church?

Following each service there is a time of fellowship. After the 8:30am service, coffee and tea are served in the lobby for people to connect with one another. After the 10:30am service, the congregation gathers in fellowship hall on the lower level for light refreshments and a chance for the church family to be together. During the summer months, coffee and refreshments are served on the east lawn after the 10:00 worship service, weather permitting.

The people of Westlake United Methodist Church believe strongly in discovering and strengthening the connections that God has put in place. We realize that it is a difficult process to determine if a church will be a fit for you. We welcome your questions and look forward to assisting you on your journey to find a church home.