for those who want to know more...

The following books are recommended for a more in depth understanding

about United Methodist beliefs and understandings.

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Publication Date: 01/2005

Binding: Hardcover

ISBN-10: 0687023734 

ISBN-13/UPC: 9780687023738

Retail Price: $18.00

Editor: Gayle Carlton Felton

Webpastor's note: The Book of Discipline, apart from setting down all the rules and regulations of the United Methodist Church, contains extensive historical, doctrinal, and missional material of the United Methodist Church.  The first 125 pages contain the real nuts and bolts of where United Methodists come from, what they believe, and especially, what they are called to be and to do in this complex modern world.

The Book of Discipline is the instrument for setting forth the laws, plan, polity, and process by which United Methodists govern themselves. The Discipline includes the Constitution of The United Methodist Church, Doctrinal Standards and Our Theological Task, Social Principles, The Mission and Ministry of the Church, and Organization and Administration.

This edition includes the legislation approved by the 2004 General Conference of The United Methodist Church, which was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania April 27-May 7, 2004.

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Publication date:  11/1998

Binding: paperback

ISBN-10: 0687082129

Author: Mack B. Stokes

Expresses in simple language what the people of this denomination believe and how they interpret the ageless affirmation of the Bible. Includes study guide, 8 sessions.

Webpastor's note: A very excellent guide in 15 chapters, each of which takes one major United Methodist belief and explores in depth what it means and why it is important.  Examples:  Chapter two: We Believe in the Bible.  Chapter 4: We Believe in Jesus Christ.  Chapter 7: We Believe in the Cross. Chapter 10: We Believe in the Centrality of Love.  Etc.

Publisher:  Abingdon Press

Author: Gayle Carlton Felton

Publishing Date: 08/2007 (now in stock)

ISBN: 9780687492152

United Methodists and the Sacraments is designed for use with any group of adults interested in learning more about how United Methodists understand and practice the sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Writer, Gayle Felton, guides us through the rituals and practices of both these sacraments in order to help us understand their life-enriching value. She reminds us that our lives in Christ are grounded in baptism and sustained by holy communion. In baptism God claims us and makes us members of Christ’s body, the church. In Holy Communion God offers grace and strength for our spiritual journey. We are truly called to live the sacraments of baptism and holy communion, as well as to receive them.

Each chapter offers a comprehensive look at what United Methodists believe and how United Methodists practice the sacraments. Chapter one, “The Sacraments,” gives an overview of the meaning of the sacraments in Christian faith and in the United Methodist Church. Chapters two through five, “Holy Baptism,” “Questions About Baptism,” “Holy Communion,” and “Questions About Holy Communion,” review United Methodist beliefs about these sacraments and questions people have about them. The final chapter, “Living as Baptized and Communing Christians” helps the reader to explore what it means to live out the sacraments in daily Christian life.

Author: Lovett Weems

Paperback: 96 pages

Publisher: Abingdon Press (May 1991)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0687316812

ISBN-13: 978-0687316816

Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.4 x 0.3 inches

Webpastor's note:  This is one of the very best "tell me quick" books on the subject of United Methodism.  Weems makes it make sense.  If you were to choose a first book to give you an excellent, authoritative overview John Wesley's (founder of the Methodist movement) theology and "methodology," you have found the perfect primer.

Lovett Weems has wonderfully reduced the vast theology and message of John Wesley into 96 pages. This book is written in language that can be understood by laity and along with the questions provided at the end of each chapter, this makes for a fantastic group study on Wesley's theology. A wonderful quick reference guide to the bare basics of John Wesley.
 

This will link you to a .pdf document of 43 pages that will explain in depth the United Methodist theology and practice of Holy Communion (also called the Lord's Supper, Mass, and Eucharist).  This document is also an excellent overview of the "Means of Grace" - how United Methodists understand the workings of God's grace.  This document is somewhat long, but is one of the best pieces ever written on this subject.