Atwood Otterbein Joins Global Methodist Church
The congregation of Atwood Otterbein Church gathered on the church steps for a photograph Sunday, July 2, after the congregation officially joined the Global Methodist Church. Photo by Al Disbro.
News Release
ATWOOD — Effective Saturday, July 1, the Atwood United Methodist Church affiliated with the Global Methodist Church because its beliefs adhere to those of its members. The church has chosen the name Atwood Otterbein Church, still worships at 306 E. Main St. in Atwood and continues to be led by Pastor David Banning.
In April, the church family voted unanimously to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church denomination and the change was authorized at the United Methodist Conference on June 8. There have been many changes within the denomination of the United Methodist Church. A faction of the churches in that denomination have adopted progressive positions which are far different from what the Atwood congregation believes, according to a news release.
The congregation celebrated the change at its July 2 Sunday service. A welcome video from the Global Methodist Church leaders was shown to the congregation. Banning then presented the charter to lay leader Curt VanDeWater. The service also included five baptisms and three new member transfers followed by a congregational photo and meal of celebration in Fellowship Hall.
Regardless of the change and the new name, members continue to “operate solidly within the spirit of Jesus Christ,” according to a news release. The news release said the church will continue its mission: “To spread the Word of God and win disciples for Jesus Christ; connecting ourselves to Jesus, and faithfully living our daily lives in relationship to Him and to each other.”
As part of the Global Methodist Church, Atwood Otterbein Church members believe “the Bible is God’s Word to all People written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
Sunday in-church services begin at 9:30 a.m. and are posted for viewing on the church’s Facebook page on Mondays. The church’s congregation also has Bible studies, an active women’s organization, monthly men’s breakfasts and weekly coffee gatherings in the Fellowship Hall, monthly informal gatherings around the campfire at the nearby parsonage and annual vacation Bible school for children, which this summer will be held from July 17-21, among other services and programs. Those without a church home are invited to attend.
For more information about the congregation and the church’s services, check out the Facebook page at Atwood Otterbein Church. A new website is under development and will be available soon. The church office can be reached at (574) 858-2291 or by email at [email protected]. The office is located across the street from the church.
