Chapel of the Hills Community United Methodist Church*

OUR VISION Come share a mountain-top worship experience with us! The famous Brooklyn Preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, (1813-1887) wrote: "Through the week we go down into the valleys of care and shadow. Our Sabbaths should be hills of light and joy in God’s presence; and so as time rolls by we shall go on from mountain top to mountain top..." Scripture records that Jesus was transfigured on a mountain top (Mark 9:2). We can’t promise transfiguration experiences like His, but we do believe that worshiping with us will make a difference in your life today!

OUR MISSION We seek to build a community of faith that embraces the peoples of the Mountain Empire, including Descanso, Alpine, Guatay, Pine Valley, Boulevard, Lake Marina, and Campo. We believe that all ministry is a direct result of developing a community of sharing that fosters a personal relationship with God. At Chapel of the Hills, Community United Methodist Church, located in the community of Descanso, we are committed to cultivating among our members and friends:

A foundation of values that are rooted in the historical tradition of Methodist beliefs. A practical theology that upholds the teaching of Christ as exemplified in the Scriptures such as, Colossians 3:15-17 and I Peter 4:7-11. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Col. 3:15-17) "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:7-11) A safe haven and sanctuary where members reach out to provide support to the local and larger community. A learning atmosphere for all generations, based on the influence of the Holy Spirit. A commitment to bearing one another’s burdens and bringing people to Christ.

* Adopted at Annual Charge Conference Meeting on 10/17/2000

WHAT METHODISTS BELIEVE There are four (4) historic questions asked of those who would unite with us in Christian faith in the United Methodist tradition.** These questions form the basis of our beliefs. Question One: Do you here, in the presence of God, and of this congregation, renew the solemn promise and vow that you made, or that was made in your name at your Baptism United Methodism hold that at whatever age a person is baptized (see Acts 16:15), he or she is given new birth, incorporated into God’s saving acts, and initiated into the Church Triumphant. There was a time in church history when baptism was thought to have magical powers. From our point of view, the mere application of water does not change the nature of a person. However, we do believe that our Christian life begins with the sacrament of baptism, or seal of God’s forgiveness and saving help. Question Two: Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and pledge your allegiance to His Kingdom? We are Christians because we believe there is something distinctive about Christianity. We are persuaded that in the midst of our condition of need and alienation, God’s unfailing grace shows itself to the highest degree in Jesus Christ’s suffering love working for our redemption. When Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, there was not another Christian in the world. All those who responded to Christ’s call "Follow me," are rightly called Christians. Question Three: Do you receive and profess the Christian faith as contained in the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments? Since there is no creed to which all United Methodists must yield allegiance, our guide is the Bible. The Scriptures, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, are a unique testimony to God’s self-disclosure. In them we find answers to questions about creation, alienation, redemption and the person of Jesus Christ. We believe that by opening our minds and hearts to the Word of God, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, faith is born and nourished. Question Four: Do you promise according to the grace given to you to live a Christian life and always remain a faithful member of Christ’s Holy Church? John Wesley, our founder, on one occasion said: "Let us unite the two so long divided, knowledge and vital piety." Although the word "piety" seems out of place in the 21st century, Wesley encouraged Christians to seek the "warmed heart," and "the joy of the Lord," with excitement and enthusiasm. We believe that Christians are called to a life of vitality, joy and a deep sense of commitment in the practice of our faith in Christ’s Church Triumphant! Methodists are a Christian people called to utilize the whole person: brain, body, emotions and relationships to the glory of God. We exercise the right to free inquiry within the boundaries defined by four main sources and guidelines: Scripture, Tradition, Experience and Reason. Taken together, these sources provide us with a rich heritage and fertile soil in which to cultivate a faith in Christ Jesus. John Wesley (1703-1791) would ask of Methodist Christians the tough questions that challenge faith development, while his brother, Charles Wesley, would write nearly 6,500 hymns for the church. His hymns are still to be heard today on numerous continents: "O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace." -and- "Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee." -and- "Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the new born King; peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled. Joyful, all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem." **Sources: Colaw, Emerson (1987) Beliefs of A United Methodist Christian, Nashville: Discipleship Resources. The United Methodist Hymnal (1989) The United Methodist Publishing House.