The United Methodist Church is an evangelical Christian denomination whose doctrines and beliefs stand in the Word of God. It is Protestant because it emphasizes the essence of true Christianity as called for by Martin Luther and other Protestant Reformers of the 16th century. It is "Methodist" because of the methodical and systematic activities of its founder, John Wesley, and his group; it is "with the way" to holiness, or "with Jesus" - the only Way, the Truth and the Life.
The Baguio City First United Methodist Church had its roots when Methodist work started in the 1957 with Rev. Byron Clark as the first missionary to the Cordilleras. About 10 persons of Methodist background initially comprised the emerging congregation. Prayer meetings and worship services were held mostly in the homes of members or rented spaces until a "Quenset Chapel" was erected in 1960 on a newly purchased lot along Marcos Highway. It was recognized as a church by the Northwest Philippines Annual COnferencee on February 23, 1962.
As the congregation grew, a new church building (which now stands beside the Methodist Mission Center) was built and dedicated on November 26, 1989.
The Baguio City First UMC has daughtered three churches in cooperation with Filipino and Korean missionaries. These are Philex Mines UMC at Pacdal, Tuba, Benguet; Whitestone Memorial UMC at Calot, Sablan, Benguet; and, Yak Dai Shalom Kias UMC at Kias, Baguio City. Also in partnership with another Korean mission group, The Chirstian Mission Center (now Methodist Mission Center) - related ecumenical institution, has been established.
At present, there are five (5) mission areas of the church in the Cordilleras, namely: Boklaoan in Kapangan, Benguet; Sowe in Atok, Benguet; Ambasador in Tublay, Benguet; Guesset in Naguillian, La Union; and, Aguioas in Naguilian, La Union.
In 2005, a new vision was born to evangelize further the people of the Cordilleras, the VISION 20/20. The vision has 7 pillar: establishment of 20 local churches by the year 2020 (including a student church), membership development and faith strengthening, member's education and involvement in social ministries, Christian perfection, involvement in ecumenical and interreligious affairs, human resources and asset development, and, worker's recruitment and development.
God's grace continues to pour over us and we thank God for the committed pastors and dedicated lay people of faith, wisdom, and vision whom He has called to work in His vineyard. |
