To God’s People at East Harwich, September 2025….    FYI

A Christian creed is a series of defining statements that express the core beliefs of Christians. Several specific creeds came to prominence and were used by many people as a confession of faith prior to being baptized. Today, these creeds remain as declarations of faith for Christians around the world.

Creeds usually affirm our believe in the Trinity saying something about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. In addition, they often state our understanding of Scripture, Humanity, The Church and The Kingdom.

In our denomination we recognize The Apostle’s Creed as the earliest faith statement. It has been used since c. 180 AD. It is important to note that the use of the word “catholic” refers to the entire Christian faith community and not just the Roman Catholic practices of the faith. The Nicene Creed was created in 325 AD. There are other historic Creeds, each responding to councils clarifying current theological issues.

In post WWII hymnals we find A Modern Affirmation and the faith statements of Methodist sister churches: 

The Korean Methodist Church is a large Methodist denomination in South Korea and the rest of the world. Methodist missionaries came from the United States in the late 19th century. It became independent in 1930, and celebrated its centennial in 1984. The denomination has ties with its mother church, the United Methodist Church.

In 1986 the World Methodist Council created the Social Affirmation found in our hymnal.

The United Church of Canada is a mainline Protestant denomination that is the largest Protestant Christian denomination in Canada. This year they celebrated 100 years since the union of the Congregational, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches of Canada. In 1968 the Evangelical United Brethren church in Canada joined the union.The United Church of Canada is ecumenical in spirit, open in discussion, and cooperative in action.

Certain portions of Scripture affirm our faith and may highlight on Christ Jesus.

What is your Faith Statement?

Peace and Blessings, 
Pastor Dianne