We believe ¡®A Modern Affirmation¡¯ contained in the United Methodist Hymnal (p. 885) to be a reliable summary of the Biblical and apostolic faith.
We affirm the World Methodist Social Affirmation and the Shakertown Pledge as the most comprehensive descriptions of God¡¯s calling for our lives.
The World Methodist Social Affirmation
We believe in God, creator of the world and of all people;
in Jesus Christ, incarnate among us,
who died and rose again;
and in the Holy Spirit,
present with us to guide, strengthen, and comfort.
We believe;
God, help our unbelief.
We rejoice in every sign of God's kingdom:
in the upholding of human dignity and community;
in every expression of love, justice, and reconciliation;
in each act of self-giving on behalf of others;
in the abundance of God's gifts entrusted to us that all may have enough;
in all responsible use of the earth's resources.
Glory be to God on high;
and on earth, peace.
We confess our sin, individual and collective,
by silence or action:
through the violation of human dignity based on race, class, age, sex, nation, or faith;
through the exploitation of people because of greed and indifference;
through the misuse of power in personal, communal, national, and international life;
through the search for security by those military and economic forces that threaten human existence;
through the abuse of technology which endangers the earth and all life upon it.
Lord, have mercy;
Christ, have mercy;
Lord, have mercy.
We commit ourselves individually and as a community to the way of Christ;
to take up the cross; to seek abundant life for all humanity;
to struggle for peace with justice and freedom;
to risk ourselves in faith, hope, and love,
praying that God's kingdom may come.
Thy kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
The Shakertown Pledge
Recognizing that the earth and the fullness thereof is a gift from our gracious God and that we are called to cherish, nurture and provide loving stewardship for the earth's resources.
And recognizing that life itself is a gift and a call to responsibility, joy and celebration.
I make the following declaration:
¡°It is our prayer that we as the church become a visible sign of God¡¯s presence and love to people in the shore area.¡±
Our History: Brief Form
--In Celebration of Our 130 Anniversary!
In 1873 the Methodist Society in Belmar (then ¡®Ocean Beach¡¯) was organized when two farsighted members of the newly formed Society saw the need for a church in this area. They secured, as a gift, two lots located at the southwest corner of Tenth Avenue and D Street. In the same year a church building was erected, entirely free of debt. It became known as the Tenth Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church of Ocean Beach. A few years later a parsonage was erected on the site.
The church was blessed with an extensive revival in the early 1890¡¯s and the church building was moved from Tenth Avenue and D Street to Ninth Avenue and F Street. The society was re-incorporated under the name of the ¡°First Methodist Episcopal Church of Belmar.¡±
In the year of 1903, our present church site was secured and a new church building erected. The church played as a center of life in this town until a big fire threatened its life in 1964. On August 22, the church building and the chapel were completely destroyed due to fire. Water damage to the Fellowship Hall and Sunday School rooms was extensive. When the fire was extinguished, many of the neighbors and church members descended on the scene. The Hall was cleared of water and readied for worship right away. . A sign was placed in front of the burnt out building, which read ¡°Church Business as Usual.¡± The church courageously overcame this disaster and carried out God¡¯s ministry without ceasing.
After many meetings, the church started the rebuilding project. On February 6, 1966 the cornerstone of the main sanctuary was put in place. On May 18, 1966, with great pride and thanksgiving to God, the beautiful new edifice was consecrated. A dedication service was held on November 19, 1972. Ever since that time, the church facilities have served the needs of the faith community as well as those of Belmar community as a whole.
During the past 130 years of ministry our church has been a visible sign of God¡¯s love to this community. We are proud of our history and legacy committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this community. It is our prayer and dream that we may continue this tradition and legacy by engaging holistic ministry in this society.
