Our Beliefs
At RF-UMC, our beliefs are deeply rooted in the rich traditions and teachings of the United Methodist Church. We strive to live and love as Jesus loves us, guided by the core principles of our faith. Below are the key beliefs that shape our community and our mission:
The Triune God
We believe in one God, who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This Holy Trinity is the foundation of our faith and the source of all creation, redemption, and sustaining grace.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He offers salvation to all people. We follow His teachings and example, seeking to embody His love and compassion in our daily lives.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God's presence with us, guiding, empowering, and comforting us. The Spirit works within us to transform our lives and to help us grow in faith, hope, and love.
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the primary authority for our faith and practice. It reveals God's will and purpose for our lives, providing guidance and wisdom for all aspects of our journey.
Salvation
Salvation is a gift from God, available to all through faith in Jesus Christ. It is the process of being saved from sin and its consequences, leading to a restored relationship with God and eternal life.
Grace
Grace is the unmerited favor and love of God, which we receive through faith. It is through grace that we are forgiven, transformed, and empowered to live holy lives. We believe in prevenient grace, justifying grace, and sanctifying grace, reflecting the various ways God works in our lives.
The Church
The Church is the body of Christ, a community of believers who worship, serve, and grow together in faith. We are called to be a witness to God's love and to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The Sacraments
We celebrate two sacraments ordained by Christ: Baptism and Holy Communion. Baptism is a sign of God's grace, marking the beginning of our faith journey. Holy Communion is a means of grace, a sacred meal that nourishes our spirits and strengthens our unity with Christ and one another.
Love and Service
We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This love is expressed through acts of service, compassion, and hospitality, reflecting the love of Jesus in everything we do.
At Rib Falls United Methodist Church, we invite you to join us in our journey of faith, as we seek to live and love like Jesus loves us. Together, we can grow in our understanding of God's will and purpose for our lives, and make a positive impact in our community and beyond.
The Methodist Cross and Flame
The cross and flame is the symbol of the United Methodist Church (UMC) and has multiple meanings:
The Cross: Represents Jesus Christ and God's love for humanity
The Flame: Represents the Holy Spirit and the origin of the denomination
The General Conference formally adopted the cross and flame insignia in 1968, and it was registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 1971. The General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist Church supervises the use of the emblem.