What is the UMC?
Part of a Bigger Story
Lexington First is part of The United Methodist Church, a worldwide Christian denomination rooted in the Wesleyan tradition and the historic faith of the Church.
Our Methodist heritage traces back to an 18th-century renewal movement led by John and Charles Wesley. The early Methodists were passionate about helping ordinary people encounter the grace of God, grow as disciples of Jesus, and put their faith into action in everyday life.
That same emphasis continues to shape us today.
A Wesleyan Way of Following Jesus
At the heart of Methodism is a deep confidence in the grace of God.
We believe God's grace reaches toward us before we ever reach toward Him, invites us into a restored relationship through Jesus Christ, and continues transforming us throughout our lives. Following Jesus isn't simply about what we believe—it is about becoming people whose lives are increasingly marked by love for God and love for our neighbors.
John Wesley described the Christian life as growing in holiness of heart and life: allowing God's grace to transform both who we are and how we live.
That means faith is deeply personal, but it is never meant to remain private.
Faith Lived Together
Methodists have always believed that following Jesus happens best in community.
From the earliest Methodist small groups to congregations around the world today, we gather to worship, study Scripture, pray, encourage one another, receive Holy Communion, serve our neighbors, and help one another grow in faith.
United Methodist churches are also connectional. Lexington First isn't an independent congregation—we are connected with other churches and ministries in Illinois, across the United States, and around the world. Together, we share resources, support mission and ministry, develop leaders, and participate in God's work beyond what any one congregation could accomplish alone.
Grace That Goes Into the World
Our Methodist heritage has always connected personal faith with love of neighbor.
The early Methodist movement cared for people experiencing poverty, visited prisoners, educated children, cared for the sick, opposed injustice, and shared the good news of Jesus wherever people could be found.
We believe God's grace doesn't simply change us—it sends us.
That's why we seek to live our faith beyond the walls of the church, loving our neighbors and participating in God's work in our community and throughout the world.
United Methodist. Here in Lexington.
Being United Methodist connects Lexington First to a much larger Christian family, but our calling is lived out right here.
We want to be a church deeply rooted in Scripture, dependent upon God's grace, open to the work of the Holy Spirit, committed to growing as disciples of Jesus, and actively loving and serving our neighbors.
We're grateful for the Methodist tradition that has shaped us—and we're continuing to discover what it means to faithfully follow Jesus together today.