Lighthouse Congregation

At our Church Council (Leadership Board, Administrative Council) met on March 21 and approved the following: 

Our congregation, Soapstone UMC, has decided to become 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. In doing so, not only do we commit to remaining a part of The United Methodist Church, but we also commit to serving those who have lost their church homes through disaffiliation or closure. We will partner in this work in the following ways: 

• Worship: Providing worship opportunities whether online or in person. These services should be intentional about engaging and welcoming new people into the fold. 

• Discipleship: Creating space to learn and grow, through small group gatherings, Bible studies and prayer opportunities.  

• 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.

• 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.
  
  
• 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.