The body of Christ," Paul says. "The communion of saints," suggests the ancient creed. "Open to people of all ages, nations, and races," are the words from the Baptismal Covenant. "The area through which disciple-making occurs," according to The Book of Discipline, 2004.

The church universal includes all who follow Jesus into the presence of God from every time and place. First United Methodist Church is part of the church universal revealed in Independence, Kansas. Human beings are social creatures. We do not know the fullness of our purpose apart from community. This congregation is a community

in which we grow in relationship to God through Jesus Christ;

in which we proclaim the good news of God's love for the world, revealed in Jesus Christ;

through which we love the people of the world as God loves them.