First United Methodist Church of Hanford is part of The United Methodist Church and is shaped by the Wesleyan tradition. At the heart of our faith is the belief that God loves every person and offers salvation as a free gift of grace through Jesus Christ.
We believe that grace comes first — before we understand it, earn it, or even seek it. God’s love meets us where we are and continues to shape us as we grow in faith.
We celebrate two sacred practices called sacraments:
Baptism, which reminds us that God’s grace is at work in our lives at every age
Holy Communion, an open table where all are invited to experience Christ’s love and forgiveness
We believe that everyone matters to God and that all people are created in God’s image. No matter your background, your questions, your doubts, or your story, you are welcome here.
We believe in one God, made known to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — a God who creates, loves, forgives, and stays close to us.
We believe in Jesus Christ, who shows us who God is and how to live. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus brings hope, healing, and new life to the world and to each of us.
We believe the Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us today — guiding us, comforting us, and giving us the strength to love and serve others.
We believe the Bible helps us learn who God is and how to live faithfully, especially when we read and reflect on it together as a community.
We believe the Church is not just a building, but a community of people learning to follow Jesus together by worshiping, serving, caring for creation, and working for justice and compassion in the world.
Above all, we believe faith is meant to be lived out in love — loving God, loving our neighbors, and sharing hope with the world.
For more information about United Methodist beliefs, visit umc.org.