Our Beliefs
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Isaiah 40:8
Helotes Hills United Methodist Church is a congregation that believes and teaches United Methodist doctrine in the Wesleyan tradition. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. To complete this mission, which is the common mission of all United Methodist Churches, we employ this vision statement:
We are a vibrant spiritual community learning to love
God, love others, and serve the world.
Our vision statement is based on Biblical scripture:
LOVING GOD: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5);
LOVING OTHERS: “You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself” (Matthew 23:39);
SERVING THE WORLD: “For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
We believe in God’s great love for us, God’s always-present grace, and God’s forgiveness for our sins.
To find out more about the United Methodist Church and the Wesleyan tradition, please visit http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe
Resolution to become a
Lighthouse Church
We at Helotes Hills United Methodist Church resolve to be a lighthouse congregation by remaining committed to our denomination. We acknowledge that despite the recent controversy over LGBTQ inclusion, we choose to be a church that is a beacon of hope and light for those who want to stay in the UMC. As such we will continue to offer a safe and welcoming environment to learn about God, grow in faith and serve Jesus Christ for all people. In Matthew 5: 14-16 New International Version we find Jesus’ words: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Being Christ’s light in the world is a vital part of being United Methodist Church. In Christ’s light we offer a place for people to come together to worship, learn, and serve, and they provide a safe and welcoming environment for all people.
Being Christ’s lighthouse means that we commit to:
• Providing worship opportunities that are welcoming to all people.
• Offering opportunities for people to learn more about the Christian faith and to grow in their faith.
• Engaging in ministries that make a difference in the world, such as feeding the hungry, clothing
the poor, and caring for the sick.
To this end, we the Helotes Hills United Methodist Church Administrative Board resolve by unanimous vote on July 11, 2023, to be a Christ’s light and as a lighthouse for the United Methodist Church. Whereas a significant number of themselves alienated or excluded through the actions of disaffiliating congregations; Whereas a “Lighthouse Congregation” is a United Methodist local church that declares itself to be a safe haven and refuge for individuals who seek to remain United Methodist; and, Whereas Helotes Hills UMC, of Helotes, Texas will retain its United Methodist connection and identity with a commitment to conduct on-site and online ministry with inclusion, respect, hospitality, love, and grace for all persons consistent with the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Therefore, the Administrative Board of Helotes Hills UMC declares Helotes Hills UMC to be a “Lighthouse
Congregation” and offers its love, prayers, fellowship, and ministry to faithful United Methodists who have been harmed, alienated, and stranded by the disaffiliation process.
We will ask that every person who is a member, visitor or guest be treated with dignity and respect.
We will not condone open and public discussions that undermine the status of the United Methodist Church and HHUMC and its ministries and mission.
We will encourage thoughtful conversation that neither inordinately blames or accuses a particular religious affiliation, political party or position.