To share hope, belonging, and liberation with the world by living out Jesus’s extravagant love.
Our mission is to change the world by living the love, hope, belonging, liberation, and perseverance we have come to know through Jesus. We think loving God and changing the world should start right here in Sanford, which is why we’re always trying to find new ways to Love Thy Neighborhood.
Love Thy Neighborhood
Outwardly Focused
We believe the love of Jesus isn’t meant to stay inside our walls—it’s meant to reach out into the world. That’s why we focus our time, energy, and resources on serving our neighbors in Sanford and beyond. Whether through partnerships, advocacy, or hands-on help, we are always seeking ways to extend compassion where it’s needed most. Christ’s love doesn’t have limits, and neither should the church.
Missionally Driven
We exist to join in the mission of Jesus: to love God and love our neighbors, especially those often forgotten. Every ministry, every gathering, every prayer is shaped by this purpose. We want our faith to make a difference in real lives, in real time. For us, mission isn’t a program—it’s a posture.
Hospitality for All
God’s table has no exceptions. We work hard to create a church where all people feel welcome, seen, and safe—no matter their background, beliefs, ability, or identity. You don’t have to look, sound, or love a certain way to belong here. We are an LGBTQIA+ affirming and fully inclusive congregation, and we celebrate the beautiful diversity of God’s people. If you’re looking for a place to be your full self and grow in love, there’s a seat for you.
Rooted in Sanford
Sanford isn’t just our location—it’s our home. We’ve been here since before the city was incorporated, and we’re deeply invested in its flourishing. We love this city, its people, its stories, and its future. Our ministry is shaped by the hope, needs, and gifts of this place we call home.
Formed by Our History
We’ve been doing this for 150 years—and we’re still learning. We honor the saints and stories that brought us here, while also telling the truth about where we’ve fallen short. Our history gives us both roots and responsibility: to keep growing in love, justice, and grace. We’re proud of where we’ve come from and hopeful about where we’re going.
Big Dreams, Small Teams
We may not have a huge staff or budget, but we have big hearts and bold dreams. Our church is powered by volunteers, shared leadership, and a deep sense of community. Around here, everyone pitches in—and everyone matters. We believe that with God’s help, small things can lead to great transformational impact.
What Love Looks Like
We believe that faith is meant to be lived—not just spoken. At FUMC Sanford, we’re committed to embodying God’s love in practical, everyday ways. We know it’s one thing to say we love our neighborhood, and another to actually do it. Here’s what love looks like for us:
Partner for Success
We collaborate with other churches, nonprofits, and community leaders to multiply impact. We believe that when we work together, we can do more for our neighbors than we ever could alone. One of the ways we live this out is through our Neighborhood Co-Op — a space we share with other organizations to provide resources, build relationships, and serve our community together. Jesus built relationships that crossed lines, and so do we. This is what love looks like when we partner for the common good.
Make Care Concrete
We don’t just say we care—we show it. Through pastoral care, community support, food distribution, resource assistance, advocacy, and more, we make love tangible for those going through hard times. Here, care means action.
Reach Out to Those Who Feel Left Out
Too many people have been hurt or excluded by the church. We’re working to change that. Our doors and hearts are open wide to people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. No fine print. No exceptions.
Look to Our Future
We invest in children, youth, and young adults not just as the future of the church, but as the church today. We’re planting seeds of faith that we hope will bear fruit for generations to come.
Seek Christian Formation
We believe faith is a lifelong journey. Whether through Bible study, small groups, worship, or conversation, we’re growing in love, knowledge, and courage—together.
Core Beliefs
As a congregation of the United Methodist Church (UMC) we subscribe to the Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith as found in the United Methodist Book of Discipline. We are also highly influenced by the sermons of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement in 18thcentury England.
For a detailed explanation of our beliefs, visit the UMC web site. For access to John Wesley’s sermons, visit the General Board of Global Ministries/UM History web site.
About the United Methodist Church
Regardless of one’s age, race, life-story, or standpoint, each unique individual is welcomed within our church. No matter where a branch of the United Methodist Church may be located, the underlying structure remains the same, which we refer to as “connectionalism.” We strive to weave the fabric between our disciples through our appointed-clergy system, mission-based outreach practices, and united giving.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” (Acts 28:19-20)
Derived from this “Great Commission,” our church’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We uphold this all-encompassing objective through four basic principles: welcoming, worshiping, nurturing, and sending.
This page provides a brief overview of our purpose of action within the United Methodist Church. Please visit the Main UMC Website for more details on our mission, our faith, our people, and our world.