We are a spiritual community that draws upon the diverse and wondrous gifts of our members and friends. We care for one another while allowing others to care for us. We are believers, questioners and doubters, young and old, gay and straight, partnered and single, many with children and all who were once children, those who know what they believe and those who are still trying to figure it out. Some of us grew up in church. For others, this is our first spiritual community. Our life together is grounded in worship that draws from the best of Christian tradition and celebrates the Spirit in us today.
Together we engage in programs of education, service, spiritual practices, fellowship and music—that we might grow closer to God, be drawn into deeper relationship with one another and be more steadfastly connected to the world in which we live. We rely on God's grace and guidance to show us the Way. We created and are growing into an overarching vision for the Living Hope United Methodist Church built upon four guiding directions for our life together:
Exalting in Worship—celebrating God through worship, music, and art
Deepening in Christian Faith and Spirituality—equipping ourselves for lifelong spiritual journeys
Gathering in Community—creating a sense of home in our community
Stretching into Justice—following Christ by serving others.
Living Hope United Methodist Church was created in 2014 from two, historic United Methodist congregations in Clifton Park and Waterford. Both churches brought a legacy of Christian faith and service to the newly formed congregation.
In Clifton Park, Methodist meetings were held as early as 1796 and a formal church building erected in 1842. In Waterford, records show that Methodist “classes” were held from 1794 on, and that Bishop Asbury’s preached here in 1807.
The current church building was consecrated in 1967 and is located at 126 Middletown Road in Waterford, NY, across from the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School.
Living Hope United Methodist Church is known for its welcoming spirit and warm hospitality. We have a strong faith and hope for the future as we “commence and continue.” We seek to fill the ideals expressed in our mission and vision:
Our Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our Vision: Sharing God’s love with all, growing in faith together.
Note: More detailed information on the histories of Clifton Park and Waterford United Methodist Churches are found in A Spreading Flame, The Story of the Churches of Troy Conference, by Charles Downer Schwartz and Ouida Davis Schwartz, published by The United Methodist Church, Troy Annual Conference Commission of Archives and History in 1986.
