ESTABLISHED 1785
OUR MISSION
"To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world"
OUR VISION
Our vision of the Church is "Upreach, Inreach, Outreach,
until JESUS shines through us all."
Our congregation loves God and cares for one another. We share in each other’s joys and provide mutual support and prayers during tough times. We reach up to God, reach in feeding our spiritual selves and working with our God given gifts, and reach out to our friends and neighbors both near and far.
We reach up to God by:
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Providing meaningful and vital worship
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Cultivating rich prayer lives
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Providing educational experiences such as:
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Bible Study
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Sunday School
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Seasonal Studies
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We reach in by:
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Practicing spiritual disciplines such as:
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Tithing
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Meditation
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Fasting
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Discerning our God-given gifts for Kingdom building
We reach out by:
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Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ
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Sharing God’s love in service to all
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Establishing effective communication within the church and community
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Enhancing relationships among individuals and among churches in the community
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Offering worship which transforms lives
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Relieving suffering and offering hope
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Assessing and addressing the ever-changing needs of those around us
OUR HISTORY
Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church has a special place in southern New Jersey’s Methodist history. The fact that Bishop Francis Asbury visited three times and set in motion plans for an educational academy built later on the grounds gives proof to its expanding ministry and importance to Methodist work in the area. Port Elizabeth’s spiritual heritage through the years includes a famous 1869 revival and strong temperance stand in 1884.
Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church is one of the oldest organized Methodist Episcopal Church congregations in New Jersey at over two hundred and thirty years and was part of the original Salem circuit in southern New Jersey.
Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church started out as the Methodist Society at Morris’ River around 1778 during the American Revolution. Benjamin Abbott, southern New Jersey’s influential “War Time Evangelist” attended the quarterly meeting.
Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church’s cemetery contains the remains of Richard Swain and his family. Swain served under Abbott and was appointed to several circuits in the New Jersey area until 1803. His leadership helped make Methodism successful in the southern New Jersey area.
Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church erected the first building exclusively used by Methodists, completed in 1786. The present edifice dates from 1827.
Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church was dedicated Historic Site No 511 on June 5, 2016.