"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."
- A.W. Tozer
At First United Methodist Church of San Fernando, we are about the work of making lifelong learners and disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
We are part of the United Methodist Church, a Christian tradition rooted in God’s grace, the love of Jesus Christ, and a life of growing faith. We believe God’s love is for everyone, and we are called to respond by loving God and our neighbors in meaningful, practical ways.
Faith is something we learn and live together—through worship, service, and lifelong growth. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on children, families, and education, partnering with our school to help nurture both a deep faith and a love of learning. We strive to be a welcoming community where people of all ages can ask questions, grow in understanding, and discover how God is at work in their lives.
We are part of the United Methodist Church, a Christian tradition rooted in God’s grace, the love of Jesus Christ, and a life of growing faith. We believe God’s love is for everyone, and we are called to respond by loving God and our neighbors in meaningful, practical ways.
Faith is something we learn and live together—through worship, service, and lifelong growth. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on children, families, and education, partnering with our school to help nurture both a deep faith and a love of learning. We strive to be a welcoming community where people of all ages can ask questions, grow in understanding, and discover how God is at work in their lives.
Who are We?
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds, and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action.
We are a worldwide connection including people in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Philippines, the United States, and more. We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God’s love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.
Here in our community, that same connection comes to life in a more personal way—especially among children, families, and learners of all ages growing together in faith. Whether you are exploring faith or looking for a church home, you are welcome here.
We are a worldwide connection including people in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Philippines, the United States, and more. We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God’s love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.
Here in our community, that same connection comes to life in a more personal way—especially among children, families, and learners of all ages growing together in faith. Whether you are exploring faith or looking for a church home, you are welcome here.
What do we Believe?
The United Methodist Church shares a great deal with other Christian denominations. We believe God’s grace is open to all, and that salvation is a gift from God, received by individuals through faith.
We are a “big tent” theologically, providing space for conversation, learning, and even disagreement, while remaining rooted in the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Like many other Christians, we affirm the beliefs expressed in the Apostles’ Creed, including:
We believe the Bible is the primary source and guide for our faith and life, interpreted through tradition, reason, and experience.
We believe that God loves all people, and that we are called to share that love in the world. In the tradition shaped by John Wesley, we understand faith as something that grows over time—through learning, community, and lived experience.
Here, that growth includes people of all ages, as children, families, and lifelong learners are invited to deepen their faith together.
We are a “big tent” theologically, providing space for conversation, learning, and even disagreement, while remaining rooted in the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Like many other Christians, we affirm the beliefs expressed in the Apostles’ Creed, including:
- Belief in one God, the Creator and sustainer of the universe
- Belief in the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- Belief in Jesus Christ as fully human and fully divine
We believe the Bible is the primary source and guide for our faith and life, interpreted through tradition, reason, and experience.
We believe that God loves all people, and that we are called to share that love in the world. In the tradition shaped by John Wesley, we understand faith as something that grows over time—through learning, community, and lived experience.
Here, that growth includes people of all ages, as children, families, and lifelong learners are invited to deepen their faith together.
What do we Do?
When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus answered: “You must love the Lord your God” and “You must love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:34–40).
Following Jesus’ call, John Wesley taught that we grow in our faith by “doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all.” He described this as social holiness—a faith lived out in love and service.
This way of life includes both personal holiness—our relationship with God—and social holiness—how we care for and serve others. We grow through practices like prayer, worship, learning, service, and community, often called the “means of grace.”
United Methodists are active in their communities and around the world. Through our global connection of congregations and ministries, we serve both nearby and across great distances.
In our own church and school community, this takes shape in everyday ways:
Learn More: https://www.umc.org/en/how-we-serve/
Following Jesus’ call, John Wesley taught that we grow in our faith by “doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all.” He described this as social holiness—a faith lived out in love and service.
This way of life includes both personal holiness—our relationship with God—and social holiness—how we care for and serve others. We grow through practices like prayer, worship, learning, service, and community, often called the “means of grace.”
United Methodists are active in their communities and around the world. Through our global connection of congregations and ministries, we serve both nearby and across great distances.
In our own church and school community, this takes shape in everyday ways:
- Gathering for worship, prayer, and spiritual growth
- Serving our neighbors through local mission and outreach
- Supporting global relief efforts through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) and other ministries
- Working for justice in areas such as poverty, hunger, and inequality
- Investing in children, families, and lifelong learning
- Offering care, encouragement, and support in times of need
Learn More: https://www.umc.org/en/how-we-serve/