
Some of our folks have mentioned that people are asking about United Methodist Doctrine. They might ask where we stand on a variety of issues. This is wonderful, and I am always happy and eager to talk about these questions of our faith and tribe. If you have these questions, or are talking with someone else who does and are unsure how to respond, don’t hesitate to call me.
One of the interesting things is that we are not a very doctrinal denomination. We have no Augsburg Confession as the Lutherans do, or Westminster Catechism like the Presbyterians, or Papal Encyclicals as the Catholics. There is no one set of systematic beliefs we are required to adhere to. In a sense, we are the First Amendment of the Protestant denominations: our members are free to harbor a wide variety of beliefs.
Our “doctrine” is brief and simple. We believe in Jesus as the Son of God; in the salvation he brings through his life, death and resurrection; in the new life he bestows through the Holy Spirit. These are basic to just about all Christian congregations. In the details, we aren’t as specific.
We do have guiding documents, such as Wesley’s sermons, the Articles of Faith, the Social Principals and such, but we do not require absolute adherence to every word of them for people to be members of our congregations or worshiping communities. You can read these documents by going to the United Methodist website: www.umc.org. In the top bar there is a link to “What We Believe.”
Wesleyan doctrine and theology have always been very practical. Our faith and practice of it is both personal and social, and not historically divisive. We seem to be able to get along with fellow Methodists who are liberal and conservative, marchers and thinkers, dreamers and doers. We have never thought that unity meant uniformity. Wesley would say, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things,charity.” Again, if you have questions, come talk with me, and we’ll explore together.
– Pastor Bruce Weiman

Sunday Worship at AUMC
8:00-8:45 a.m. Early Service
The Early Service at AUMC is a traditional format for worship. We sing traditional hymns, accompanied by a wonderful pipe organ. Although the service itself is a bit more formal, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.
10:00-11:00 a.m. Worship
9:00-9:45 Sunday School Classes Available
–Age 3-Kindergarteners-Balcony Level
In this class we learn about God and His infinite love for us. We learn basic Bible Stories in a fun, yet relaxed environment with plenty of room for giggles and games!
–Grades 1st-3rd-Third Floor
Taught by: Carol Petersheim & Monica Green In this class we follow the study “Grow! Proclaim! Serve!” which walks us through Biblical Truths through plays and games.
–Grades 4th-6th-Third Floor
Taught by: Tim & Monica Miller & Ruth Miller Again we use the “Grow! Proclaim! Serve!” series by Cokesbury to delve deeper into the Bible and apply it to our lives. This class loves to play games!
–Junior High-Third Floor
Taught by: Scott Seegmiller In the junior high class, we spend time studying the Bible as it applies to situations we face in our lives each day. We discover ways that God can work through us as Christians and move toward Confirmation in the Church.
–Senior High-Third Floor
Taught by: Steffanie Seegmiller Senior High youth focus on deepening our faith in our Savior and discussing some of the more in depth topics in Christianity.
–Adult Sunday School-Second Floor Lounge
Taught by: Pastor Weiman