Ozark United Methodist Church | 2850 State Hwy 14 East | Ozark MO | Directions

About Our Practices. . .

United Methodist Church Social Creed

We believe in God, Creator of the world; and in Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of creation. We believe in the Holy Spirit, through whom we acknowledge God’s gifts, and we repent of our sin in misusing these gifts to idolatrous ends.

We affirm the natural world as God’s handiwork and dedicate ourselves to its preservation, enhancement, and faithful use by humankind.

We joyfully receive for ourselves and others the blessings of community, sexuality, marriage, and the family.

We commit ourselves to the rights of men, women, children, youth, young adults, the aging, and people with disabilities; to improvement of the quality of life; and to the rights and dignity of racial, ethnic, and religious minorities.

We believe in the right and duty of persons to work for the glory of God and the good of themselves and others and in the protection of their welfare in so doing; in the rights to property as a trust from God, collective bargaining, and responsible consumption; and in the elimination of economic and social distress.

We dedicate ourselves to peace throughout the world, to the rule of justice and law among nations, and to individual freedom for all people of the world.

We believe in the present and final triumph of God’s Word in human affairs and gladly accept our commission to manifest the life of the gospel in the world. Amen.

From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2000. Copyright 2000 by The United Methodist Publishing House

Communion: As a United Methodist Church, the sacrament of Holy Communion is offered as an open communion.  All believers are welcome at the Lord’s table; it is His invitation to common union with Him.  We observe Communion on the first Sunday of each month and on other special days of the Christian year.

Baptism: We practice infant baptism.  Baptized parents present their children for baptism soon after their birth.  These parents make a solemn vow “to keep their child under the ministry and guidance of the Church until he by the power of God shall accept for himself the gift of salvation, and be confirmed as a full and responsible member of Christ’s church.”  Confirmation is offered to children around the sixth or seventh grade.  Following a period of instruction, these young people are challenged to make a conscious decision to follow Jesus Christ in the living of their lives.  Adult baptism is offered to those who commit their lives to Christ and request it.  Sprinkling is most commonly used, but pouring or immersion may be used upon request. Persons desiring information may schedule a visit from the pastor by calling the church office or by inquiring via e-mail.

Marriages are performed after consultation with the pastor. Premarital counseling is required. Appointments to discuss weddings may also be made by contacting the church office at 581-6853 or click here to email us.

Need More Information?

For more information about Methodist beliefs and history visit the UMC National Web Page. 

Orientation Express: Persons new to OUMC or to the Methodist Church are encouraged to take Orientation Express which is offered periodically throughout the year. Orientation Express meets during the Sunday School hour for 6 weeks and covers topics such as Methodist history, beliefs, Church structure, and what OUMC has to offer. For information on the next Orientation Express class contact the Church office at 581-6853 or click here to email us.  

New Member Boot Camp: No, you are not required to run 20 miles and everyone is welcomed at OUMC with or without membership.  Anyone interested in becoming a full member at OUMC is asked to attend a 2-3 hour new member orientation seminar. All members are asked to support the Church with their presence, prayers, service, and gifts and New Member Boot Camp details what this rewarding pledge means. This class is offered periodically throughout the year.