White Plains UMC is a
Lighthouse Congregation
of the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church,
in partnership with the United Methodist Collective
and the Office of New Faith Communities.
We are so pleased to announce that the Church Council (the governing body of White Plains UMC) voted unanimously on January 28, 2023, to become a Lighthouse Congregation. White Plains was the first large membership church in the Capital District to adopt this designation as an intentionally welcoming safe space for those who may have been hurt or abandoned by the church. If this describes you or someone you know please know that we mean it when we say “All are welcome here.” Watch the video above and read the information below about the lighthouse congregation movement to understand why this is so significant for us and our community. Better yet, come and join us in worship and experience what it means to make God’s love real by centering our lives on loving God and loving our neighbors.
Lighthouse Congregations are local churches in The North Carolina Conference that are particularly equipped and willing to be a caring and hospitable place that welcomes anyone whose church has closed or disaffiliated. If you find yourself in these circumstances, a Lighthouse Congregation may be just what you need to fulfill your desire to remain United Methodist. Consider these faith communities a resting place, with people who will care for you while providing a haven of peace and grace.
Lighthouse Congregations will be committed to the following:
(1) Worship: Providing worship opportunities whether online or in person. These services should be intentional about engaging and welcoming new people into the fold.
(2) Discipleship: Creating space to learn and grow, through small group gatherings, Bible studies, and prayer opportunities.
(3) Mission: Inviting fellow United Methodists into opportunities to serve through hands-on ministries. This can include things like backpack ministries, community gardens, literacy, and C4C programs, or anything that involves making a difference and sharing the love of God with others.
(4) Sacrament: Communion will be offered at least one Sunday a month, but also may include invitations to communion outside of traditional worship such as mid-week gatherings and in small groups.
(5) Pastoral Care: Offering care such as hospital visits, gatherings at coffee shops, and finding ways to be available to those who are in need of pastoral care. This is not just the responsibility of the pastor, but includes ways in which the congregation may engage in visitation ministries, meal trains, and communications ministries.
Whether you are an individual or a group of people who have become displaced or disconnected because of a closing or disaffiliation, Lighthouse Congregations will be there for you during this difficult time. As you consider what is next for you, specific pathways for you to choose from will continue to emerge as the Conference, Districts, and local churches come together to be The Connection at its best.
Lighthouse Congregations are part of the UM Collective Movement which seeks to be a connecting space for those who find themselves displaced because of disaffiliation. Its mission is to provide worship, discipleship, mission, sacrament, and pastoral care to all who need us. The UM Collective is a hybrid community that will connect you with real people for anyone who might be wondering about different ways to remain United Methodist. For more information, visit https://www.nccumc.org/umcollective.
We love you. We care about you. We’re here for you.