About Us
Who We Are
We are men, women, children, students, educators, stay-at-home parents, caregivers, businessmen and women, carpenters, photographers, retired, but most of all we are FAMILY! We are an active, growing church in the fastest growing part of Calhoun County. We offer a great children's program along with an exciting youth ministry. Our purpose is to be a place where you can experience the grace and love of God through worship, study and fellowship. If you are currently looking for a church home or just seeking a place to find love and acceptance, we hope you'll give us an opportunity to serve you. We invite you to be our guest.
OUR VISION
Oxford First United Methodist Church is Jesus-Centered, Grace-Filled, and committed to Transforming Lives for Christ.
OUR MISSION
Oxford First United Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
OUR VALUES
RADICAL HOSPITALITY
Romans 15:7 - Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
We are receptive and welcoming to those seeking a church home. We will support you and show you the love of Jesus as Christ has shown to us.
PASSIONATE WORSHIP
Psalm 84:1-2 - How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
We gather together in authentic and creative worship to find our connection to God. We seek to find life-changing experiences as we experience God’s presence.
INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
We offer high-quality learning experiences to help people understand the Bible. We seek to mature in our faith through study, through fellowship with other Christians, and through disciple-making small groups.
RISK TAKING MISSION & SERVICE
Matthew 25:40 - Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.
We serve to make a positive difference in the lives of others for the purposes of Jesus Christ. We work locally, regionally, nationally and internationally and show the compassion of Christ to others through missions.
EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY
2 Corinthians 9: 11 - You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us.
We give in response to God’s generosity to us. Giving for us is a joyous action, a willingness to commit our resources to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
OUR HISTORY
The date of organization is uncertain, but it is believed a building was erected around 1840. This first building was made of hand-cut weather boarding; there were not windows - only shutters. Candles were used for lighting.
This crude structure was used until 1872 when the present building was begun. The Panic of 1872 caused a delay in the construction, and the building was not completed until 1875. During the construction years, the Methodist congregation worshipped with the Presbyterians.
The interior of the main sanctuary has been changed twice. In the beginning the pulpit was at the south end of the sanctuary, then it was reversed. During the 1960's it was changed back to its present state and the floor was leveled rather than inclined toward the pulpit.
Special features of the sanctuary include the tower bell manufactured by the McNeely Co.; the pulpit made of solid walnut, built by Elbert Green Morris; the rose-colored windows; the stained-glass portrait of "Christ in Gethsemane" above the choir loft; and the pipe organ purchased in honor of former member H. T. Stanford. Handbells were purchased in 2003 and a baby grand piano was acquired in 2005. The Tommy Moore Memorial Center was completed in August 1986 and is used as our Family Life Center.
The church has a rich history, with many fond memories for its members and a valued place in the Oxford community. A wide range of activities are available for all age levels and interests. Our doors are always open and we invite you to be our guest.
