Chester UMC

United Methodists share a common heritage with Christians of every age and nation - that is Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord. John Wesley once described "Methodists" as people who love God and neighbor. He was simply repeating the words of Jesus when asked about the most important commandments.

Methodism did not arise in response to a specific doctrinal dispute rather our founder, John Wesley, wanted people to experience the grace of God. He called people to then grow in that grace and share that grace with others in acts of service. The hallmark of United Methodist is faith and love put into practice. We call it a "practical divinity".

Chester United Methodist Church is a community in Christ who joins with other United Methodists in the mission to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Our vision is to be rooted in God, growing in Christ, and bearing fruit in the Spirit. As disciples of Jesus Christ we believe in the triune God and commit to Bible study and prayer that changes the way we live. We promise to nurture the spiritual formation of children, youth and adults, love and care for each other in tangible ways, and share Christ with the world through service. We pledge to be open, welcoming and accepting and commit ourselves to an outward and future focus executed with excellence, integrity and innovation.

The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice. Its members have often taken forthright positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles. Early Methodists expressed their opposition to the slave trade, to smuggling, and to the cruel treatment of prisoners. These social principles are not considered to be church law rather they are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit.

To learn more about the social stands United Methodists have on issues from ecology to abortion check out http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?mid=519

We started in what is now known as Ware Bottom. That church was burned in the Civil War. In 1873 another building was built on Winfree Street in Chester on property given by Mary Snead. In 1927 the church relocated again to Percival Street in Chester (our current site) and a sanctuary was built in 1927. When that sanctuary was outgrown a new one was built on the same property in 1972. The 1927 sanctuary was later converted into classrooms but the stained glass windows remain. A large fellowship hall and education wing were added in 1990. Major renovations were made in 2008. At one time we shared pastors with other Methodist congregations, even other denominations. The ecumenical spirit begun more than 100 years ago continues today in worship, fellowship and outreach to the community.