LOVE GOD. REACH PEOPLE. SERVE ALL.
At First Methodist Church, we’re all about putting God first and people first. We believe God loves each of us no matter what, and God’s love inspires us to show up for others in the same way.
Mission Statement
As a Spirit-filled faith community we:
LOVE GOD through faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, loving our neighbor, personal and corporate prayer, practice of spiritual disciplines, weekly worship, and the study of Scripture.
REACH PEOPLE by inviting and welcoming all God’s beautifully diverse people with radical hospitality: by working toward full inclusion of all as a Reconciling Community of Faith; by engaging in digital and in-person ministry initiatives, including efforts that focus on reaching families with children; and by creating intentional discipleship pathways that span all generations. In this way we invite, connect, equip, and unleash disciples of Jesus Christ.
SERVE ALL through Holy Spirit-breathed passionate ministries, mission, and outreach to a hurting and needy world by using our God-given gifts and resources (people, facilities and finances) to transform lives, families and communities in the name of Jesus Christ.
Vision Statement
First Methodist Church of Moorestown’s vision is for our community to know us as:
- Offering a thriving digital ministry where people can take steps of faith 24/7.
- Activating modernized facilities for community, engagement, ministry, and mission.
- Reaching and helping thousands of people to take steps in their life/faith journey
- Being multigenerational and providing a faith home for all ages
- Developing and multiplying leadership so that every generation has a voice and makes an impact
- Mirroring our community
- Everyone is welcome, no exceptions, in our culture of love and grace.
- We will model how to love those who are not like us.
- We want to be perceived as a faith community seeking justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and holistic well-being for all.
History
First Methodist Church in Moorestown
Over 200 Years of Faith, Hope, and Love.
Moorestown’s First Methodist Church is a vibrant and modern spirit-filled faith community. It also draws on centuries of tradition and the contributions and commitment of countless former church members and clergy.
John Wesley, founder of Methodism in this country, sent the first missionaries to the Moorestown area in 1769. The denomination took root, and a Methodist Meeting House was officially established on the south side of Main Street by 1815. A larger facility was constructed across the street in 1860 to accommodate a growing congregation.
Within a few years of the church’s 135th anniversary, the popular church again required more space. Consequently, the Board of Trustees purchased six acres of land in 1953 at the intersection of Camden Avenue and Pleasant Valley. The first church structure was erected on this property in 1957.
Church leadership launched another building campaign in 1961 to expand the campus and construct the current Sanctuary. The congregation’s needs continued to multiply, and in 1997, plans were approved for the Education and Music Building. The new addition provided space for additional church activities and the First Light Preschool program.
In 1968, Moorestown’s Methodist Church joined with the United Brethren as part of The United Methodist Church. The church joyfully celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2015.
Church members voted to become a Reconciling Congregation in 2018, demonstrating the full inclusion of all people to worship, love, serve, and grow in this faith family. In addition, the church deepened its commitment to serving and reaching a broader community by adding the Social Justice Committee in 2020.
Members of Moorestown’s First Methodist Church have demonstrated a strong commitment to God’s word and adherence to the Great Commission for over two centuries. We are blessed to continue to love God, reach people, and serve all in the years ahead.