About

The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.

Love Boldly: We passionately love God and, like Jesus, embrace and include people of every age, nation, race, gender, and walk of life. (Matthew 22:37-39 | John 13:34-35)

Serve Joyfully:  With the heart of Christ, we journey alongside the most vulnerable among us, offering care and compassion with joy. (Psalm 100:1 | Nehemiah 8:10 | John 13:14-15 | 1 Peter 4:10)

Lead Courageously: Following Jesus’ example, we resist and dismantle all systems of evil, injustice, and oppression, striving for peace, justice, and reconciliation. (Joshua 1:9 | Ephesians 6:10)

The United Methodist Church shares a great deal with other denominations. Explore what we believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and more.

We also have a unique heritage and areas of emphasis. Learn what we mean when we talk about grace, how we serve people around the world, and ways we grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. 

Also, be sure to check out our answers to some common questions.

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL THAT GREW INTO A CHURCH 

"I thank God for His Salvation and for being one of the flock of the late Rev. Cecil Axworthy, pastor of First Baptist Church in Vallejo. He was the one who inspired me to start a Sunday School for Filipino children and any other racial group. That was about September 1939. 

We had ten children to start with. The next Sunday the attendance doubled. So Rev. Axworthy and I asked the services of two devoted ladies to assist me: Mrs. Licklider who was gifted in music and singing and Mrs. Thurburn who was an excellent teacher. Mrs. Viola Balbin came to help once in a while. During the 1940 Christmas program there were 45 Sunday School members strong. I liken it to the parable of the sower — the little group was growing and showing its light on top of the hill. 

In January 1941, the late Dr. Ernest Lyons, Superintendent of The California Oriental Mission Conference and Rev. Pio Baba came to Vallejo and asked us if we wanted to join their Mission. After conferring with Rev. Axworthy, we decided to join the Methodist Church as the Northern Baptist Convention did not have any mission point in our area nor funds to support it. Somehow, the purpose of God through the Gospel was being made known to us through the Methodist Church. 

Now, 45 years later, we are grateful to God for He has seen fit to nurture the seeds that were planted in the early days so that His Kingdom may be felt in this community through Fellowship United Methodist Church. Congratulations to all the members and to Rev. Taylor who is doing wonderful work for the Lord."

Eugene Marquez