Beliefs and Theology
We, as United Methodists, believe:
God is Love
God is love, first and foremost, and God longs for loving relationships among all people.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the lens through which we know God and through whom we examine Scripture, in light of his teaching to 'Love God and love your neighbor,' as well as his life, death, and resurrection.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers and connects us to the mission of sharing God’s love with our neighbors.
A People of Grace
Before we were even aware, God was already sharing love with us, stirring in us a curiosity for something deeper. God’s love moves us to respond and to trust that a life connected to Jesus leads us on a journey of becoming more loving. The ultimate goal of grace is that we grow more and more into the likeness of Christ.
A People of Acceptance
We believe all are welcome and should be embraced with the good news that God loves you and invites you to be part of something bigger—expanding love to transform the world into the Kingdom of God. Our community strives to be kind, forgiving, compassionate, and encouraging.
A People of Mission
Our roots in our founder, John Wesley, are grounded in outreach to those who struggle and those who are marginalized. We are committed to loving our neighbors through service. From food ministries to children’s literacy efforts and disaster relief, we seek to be the hands and feet of Christ for those in need.
A People of Worship
Our sanctuary is a place to encounter awe. The worship offered each Sunday by talented musicians creates an atmosphere of peace and reflection. The sermons are crafted to be relevant for today and to reveal how we align with God to be God’s people in the world.
A People for All Generations
Our community includes little ones, playful children, wise youth, committed and helpful adults, and warm-hearted saints—each ready to share a smile or a conversation shaped by grace.
God is love, first and foremost, and God longs for loving relationships among all people.
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the lens through which we know God and through whom we examine Scripture, in light of his teaching to 'Love God and love your neighbor,' as well as his life, death, and resurrection.
The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers and connects us to the mission of sharing God’s love with our neighbors.
A People of Grace
Before we were even aware, God was already sharing love with us, stirring in us a curiosity for something deeper. God’s love moves us to respond and to trust that a life connected to Jesus leads us on a journey of becoming more loving. The ultimate goal of grace is that we grow more and more into the likeness of Christ.
A People of Acceptance
We believe all are welcome and should be embraced with the good news that God loves you and invites you to be part of something bigger—expanding love to transform the world into the Kingdom of God. Our community strives to be kind, forgiving, compassionate, and encouraging.
A People of Mission
Our roots in our founder, John Wesley, are grounded in outreach to those who struggle and those who are marginalized. We are committed to loving our neighbors through service. From food ministries to children’s literacy efforts and disaster relief, we seek to be the hands and feet of Christ for those in need.
A People of Worship
Our sanctuary is a place to encounter awe. The worship offered each Sunday by talented musicians creates an atmosphere of peace and reflection. The sermons are crafted to be relevant for today and to reveal how we align with God to be God’s people in the world.
A People for All Generations
Our community includes little ones, playful children, wise youth, committed and helpful adults, and warm-hearted saints—each ready to share a smile or a conversation shaped by grace.
Our Church History
In 1907 Dr. FSH Johnston, presiding elder of the Fort Smith District of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, along with other Methodists of the Fort Smith District, felt there was a need for a Methodist church to serve the rapidly growing south side of town. In June 1907, the Rev. CW Lester came to Fort Smith from Vanderbilt University to serve as the pastor of the church.
The first church services at 1922 Dodson Avenue met at the corner of the lot under an early American style grape arbor built from wood — a primitive but utilitarian structure. To honor this history the newsletter for Goddard is named "The Grapevine." On the 110th anniversary of the church, the congregation celebrated under a newly built grape arbor in Goddard Park.
The first church services at 1922 Dodson Avenue met at the corner of the lot under an early American style grape arbor built from wood — a primitive but utilitarian structure. To honor this history the newsletter for Goddard is named "The Grapevine." On the 110th anniversary of the church, the congregation celebrated under a newly built grape arbor in Goddard Park.
|
|
|
The first official church building in which the Dodson Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church South met was constructed in 1908, with education units being built in 1922 and in 1925. That structure was eventually given to Central City, AR where it stood as a church until 1995.
On April 13, 1931, the current-day sanctuary was constructed at the corner of Dodson and Jenny Lind at a cost of $75,000. The front of the structure was purposely placed facing Dodson Avenue in order to command attention and to create a powerful ecclesiastical effect. However, the joy at Goddard was short lived as the nation descended into what we now know as The Great Depression.
In November 1937, Dr. O.E. Goddard was sent to the church for the specific reason of helping it deal with the debt it had incurred as a result of the Great Depression. Due to Dr. Goddard's success, which resulted in the church remaining financially sound, the church's name was officially changed from Dodson Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church to Goddard Memorial Methodist Church on Dec. 22, 1939.
In 1961, Goddard built the current-day educational building and what is now known as "Young Hall." In 1968 the Methodist church united with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to form the United Methodist Church. With this change in the worldwide church, Goddard officially changed it's name to Goddard United Methodist Church.
The church buildings as they now stand were finished in 1996, including a new office complex, kitchen, parlor, Sunday School rooms, and a Great Room.
On April 13, 1931, the current-day sanctuary was constructed at the corner of Dodson and Jenny Lind at a cost of $75,000. The front of the structure was purposely placed facing Dodson Avenue in order to command attention and to create a powerful ecclesiastical effect. However, the joy at Goddard was short lived as the nation descended into what we now know as The Great Depression.
In November 1937, Dr. O.E. Goddard was sent to the church for the specific reason of helping it deal with the debt it had incurred as a result of the Great Depression. Due to Dr. Goddard's success, which resulted in the church remaining financially sound, the church's name was officially changed from Dodson Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church to Goddard Memorial Methodist Church on Dec. 22, 1939.
In 1961, Goddard built the current-day educational building and what is now known as "Young Hall." In 1968 the Methodist church united with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to form the United Methodist Church. With this change in the worldwide church, Goddard officially changed it's name to Goddard United Methodist Church.
The church buildings as they now stand were finished in 1996, including a new office complex, kitchen, parlor, Sunday School rooms, and a Great Room.