What We Believe
Traditions that Unite Us
Our faith is about living out our beliefs.
We are a community that celebrates diverse expressions of faith. We always work to transform our beliefs into tangible love and support for one another and our wider community.
A Welcoming Space
We understand that faith journeys are personal and complex.
You might not agree with every detail of our beliefs, and that’s okay. We welcome anyone seeking real spiritual growth, regardless of where you are in your faith journey.
Have questions or want an honest conversation about faith? We’re here to listen and talk.
United Methodist Beliefs
As a United Methodist congregation, we are rooted in a rich tradition of faith that emphasizes God’s grace, love, and transformative power.
Our church welcomes people from all walks of life, united by a shared commitment to following Christ’s teachings of compassion and service. You can learn more at the United Methodist Church website.
Baptism
What We Believe About Baptism
Baptism signifies entry into the household of faith. It is a powerful symbol of repentance, inner cleansing, and new life in Christ.
A person’s baptism represents a fresh start — the beginning of Christian discipleship and God’s grace working in their life.
We believe children are covered by Christ’s grace and are part of God’s kingdom. When parents bring their children to be baptized, the church commits to helping them grow in faith.
Our goal is to support these children as they learn about God and eventually choose to confirm their baptism through their own profession of faith.
How Baptism Works at Salem UMC
We offer baptism during our worship services for people of all ages.
We practice two ways of baptizing: sprinkling and pouring. For infant baptisms, we invite sponsors or godparents to help guide the child’s spiritual path.
People often choose to use music, candles, and special prayers during baptism to celebrate God’s love in this special moment.
Important Notes About Baptism
We don’t rebaptize individuals because we believe the first baptism remains a meaningful expression of God’s grace. We welcome and honor baptisms from other Christian churches.
Interested in baptism?
Our pastor would love to talk with you. Please get in touch via the form below.