Milton UMC is called to the ministry of reconciliation. We embrace, as a gift, the diversity of our neighborhood and the world. We celebrate our human family’s diversity of sexual orientation, gender, race, ethnicity, age, faith, history, economic status, marital status, physical and mental ability, and education.
We affirm that all people are created in the image of God and as beloved children of God; all are worthy of God’s love and grace. We welcome the full inclusion of all people in the life and ministries of Milton UMC as we journey toward reconciliation through Christ.
We recognize that there are differences among us, but believe that we can love alike even though we may not think alike. We proclaim this statement of welcome to all who have known the pain of exclusion or discrimination in the church and society.
We invite all people to join us in our faith journey toward greater love, understanding, and mutual respect.
Black Lives Matter
Our welcome statement affirms people from all genders, ethnicities, races, sexualities, and more. Therefore, we naturally stand with marginalized people affected especially by extra-judicial violence. Especially we stand with black lives affected by violence.
Every day, we recommit to healing ourselves and each other, and to co-creating alongside comrades, allies, and family a culture where each person feels seen, heard, and supported.
We acknowledge, respect, and celebrate differences and commonalities.
We work vigorously for freedom and justice for Black people and, by extension, all people.
We intentionally build and nurture a beloved community that is bonded together through a beautiful struggle that is restorative, not depleting.
As a Reconciling Congregation we have made a commitment to being in loving Christian ministry with all people without prejudice, to truly have “open hearts, open minds, and open doors,” to work toward the time when our congregation, our denomination, and our society live the all-inclusive love that our faith demands. As a sign of that commitment—and a vehicle for helping to achieve it, we have officially affiliated ourselves with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN) and share its guiding principles.
Our Values
Eleven core values bring clarity to what matters most at Milton UMC. They guide how we achieve our mission, influence major leadership decisions, and everyday ministry plans. In short, they keep us focused on the unique call God has given us as a local church.
We love God We value loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind. -Matthew 22:37 We love our neighbor We value and respect the inherent dignity and worth of each and every person. -Genesis 1:27; Matthew 7:12 We depend on God We value a lifestyle fully trusting in God to meet all our needs. -Psalm 62:5-8 We are led by the Holy Spirit We value an open mind when considering new ideas that honor God. -Proverbs 18:15; 19:8 We take the Bible seriously We value the scriptures as a guide to our faith and lives. -2 Timothy 3:16 We encourage one another We value using our words and deeds to build each other up. -1 Thessalonians 5:11 We value diversity We value people’s differences and each unique contribution they bring to our ministry. -1 Corinthians 12:5-6 We are friendly We value welcoming and receiving all with a friendly attitude. -Romans 15:7 We proclaim joy We value not taking ourselves (or our traditions) too seriously and make church membership and ministry fun. -Psalm 16:11 We proclaim equality and equity We value promoting a ministry where all individuals can grow and benefit from a loving relationship with God. -Gal. 3:28 We proclaim the social gospel We value challenging injustice in a Christ like manner to care for the weak, vulnerable, and marginalized. -Matthew 25:31-46
