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THINGS WE VALUE
Our values are not just high ideals, but a set of expectations that members have of themselves. Therefore, these expectations reveal a sort of "genetic code" for Harmony UMC that represents the way we intend to pursue our mission. The following list represents our values and is presented without a priority ranking.
Value 1: Authority of Scripture. Because of their wisdom and authority, we teach the Scriptures as found in the Old and New Testaments and always apply them to every circumstance or problem.
Implications: (1) The Bible is true and that it is our only absolute standard of truth; (2) the God who is spoken of in the Bible exists, and that He is who the Bible says He is: the Creator of heaven and earth and all things in them.
Value 2: Genuine and Sincere. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we will strive to be open and trustworthy in all things and actions.
Implications: Whenever possible, we expect to share our views freely with one another, to go to scripture and prayer to discern God's will for us, and to take action together. This is a hallmark of Christian faith and a great witness to the world of the presence of the Living God.
Value 3: Spiritual Growth. We believe that God calls all disciples to grow and mature spiritually. This growth takes place within the individual, but is often experienced in the midst of sharing and group activities.
Value 4: Intentional Covenant Living. We believe that God calls each believer to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, and that each of us should always strive to be more Christ-like. We live out the call through commitment and active participation in the life of our congregation and throughout our day-to-day activities.
Value 5: Fellowship. We believe we should welcome others, share our time as a group of believers and unite in God’s love.
Implications: We are called to reach out to others, as all are precious in the Lord's sight. We value community within our congregation and with other Christians. And we offer assistance to those in need, be it with a helping hand or the offer of Christ's redeeming love.
Value 6: Prayer. We value prayer for its comfort and hope during personal and congregational times of need.
Implications: We believe that all disciples are called to relate to God through prayer. Prayer is a crucial means of experiencing the Holy Spirit and of understanding God's will for our lives.
Value 7: Commitment. We will provide an atmosphere where people wish to accomplish whatever is needed for the betterment of the entire church community, and willing to follow through.
Implications: We believe that our church's leaders need to be gifted by the Holy Spirit, called to serve and willing to offer those gifts to further the Lord's kingdom. We commit to providing our leaders with the support and training they need to fulfill their call.
Our Programs
Harmony has many fine programs to offer visitors: Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis [the youth counterpart to Emmaus], Creation, an active women's group called the MaBea's, Vacation Bible School, Kidspace Sunday School, Youth Alive and adult and youth mission trips. We also have a small group ministry called LIFE [Living In Faith Everyday] Groups. Our LIFE Groups will provide an ideal time to meet and share with fellow Christians.
What makes us unique at Harmony is that you will be able to cultivate and see "a living faith in Jesus." God has blessed us with some beautiful people.
Our
History!
Harmony
United Methodist Church enjoys a rich history with Methodists meeting
near the site of the present church since 1791. The church was officially
organized in 1795. In the beginning, the original sanctuary was
shared with three other denominations: Episcopalians, Presbyterians
and Quakers. It was the sharing of facilities that gave the church
its name. In fact, the unity, amity and loyalty shared by early
congregations as they worshiped here, led to the name "Harmony"
being applied to them as well.
Over
the past 200+ years, three sanctuaries have stood on the site officially
deeded to the group known as "Harmony" by John and Letticia
Robinson in 1818. It is believed that as the other denominations
grew, they moved on to establish their own separate sanctuaries.
Today, Harmony Church keeps the faith in the Methodist tradition,
with our current church facility being erected in 1871 and last
renovated in 1970 including a new organ, piano and altar furniture.
An emergency exit doorway was also installed.
With
the many changes Harmony Church has experienced over the years,
one thing has remained steadfast - our devotion to God and the teachings
of his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
After
111 years of being on a circuit with St. Paul's Church, Geigertown,
Harmony and St. Paul's Churches voted in 1981 to dissolve the circuit
and become two independent charges, each supporting their own pastor.
As a result, Harmony Church purchased a parsonage for her pastor
on June 5, 1981. |