OUR MISSION

To Make Disciples of

Jesus Christ for the transformation

of the World

OUR PURPOSE

Sharing the Love and Grace

of Jesus Christ

with our Community


Rev. Dr. Vern Bryant

Lead Pastor

vmb2278@aol.com

 

click on photo to learn more about Vern

 

Greetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are delighted that you are taking time to learn more about our church.  It is our hope that you will find a greater sense of belonging,, a heightened sense of togetherness, and a genuine sense of community after you visit or become a member of Hockessin United Methodist Church. We look forward to  joining together with you in building a dynamic ministry right here in Hockessin. Although we all come from different backgrounds with diversie gifts and graces,  the purpose of our church is truly focused in sharing the love of Jesus Christ within our congregation sharing the good news of the Gospel with the World


MEET OUR MINISTRY TEAM

David Heinze

Director of Praise Band

heinze1@verizon.net

click on photo to learn more about David

Dawn Deckman

Director of Student Ministries

HUMCYouthMinistry@Hockessinumc.Org

click on photo to learn more about Dawn

Michele Godwin

Office and Systems Administrator

Click on icon to learn more about Michele

 

 

Cindy Timko
Administrative Assistant

churchoffice@hockessinumc.org

click on photo to learn more about Cindy


Debbie Ryan

Organist

dryan345@verizon.net

click on photo to learn more about Debbie


Michael Shoremount,

 Director of Choirs

 

Cllick on icon to learn more about Michaelt...


HOCKESSIN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH:

PAST AND FUTURE

In the spring of 1881, a small group of people led by Alban Dalton cleaned out an abandoned blacksmith shop on the Brackenville farm located on the corner of the Old Lancaster Pike and Brackenville Road. They established there the first Methodist society in the area. With the onset of winter, they moved across the street to the Peace and Plenty Inn. Although the smithy has long disappeared, the inn is now a private residence.

The permanent Methodist chapel was erected on Hockessin’s Main Street 1882. A large fellowship hall was added in 1949. Now the Founder’s Hall,  provides an ideal spill-over for church activities, including the both Middle School and High School Youth Group, and the Clothes Closet.


Edwin Golding, one of the founding members of the Hockessin Methodist Episcopal Church, reflecting in his old age on history, compared Alban Dalton to a “Christian archer, of the Methodist tribe, eye toward the future, weapon poised, arrow set and bow drawn at a venture for a shot in the name of his chief.” The path of that arrow has guided our congregation for 125 years as we have expanded from the little chapel on Main Street to one of the larger churches in the area.


Each step of our growth has taken the efforts of many men and women as we built on the faith of the generations before us. In 2006, Alban Dalton’s arrow led us through our sixth building expansion since 1881, where we have added much needed space for our Sunday school and music and educational ministries.

 

On June 3, 2018 we had a Groundbreaking Service for a new building and began the process of renovation.  With the construction we ncreased parking spaces, made modifications to the building entry, and provided new accessible restrooms. Expansion of the lobby area created a more welcoming space for people with disabilities and reduced crowding between services, and provided gathering spots and hospitality areas. The new building enabled us to keep commitments to the Odd Fellows and Rebekah lodges and provided improved church office space.

 

Without this project, the potential for growth in our ministry was limited, but we have now "locked in” a county-approved plan and variances that will allow future congregations to expand with a larger building on the property when the need arises.

WHAT WE BELIEVE


01

BAPTISM

The sacrament of Baptism represents a gift from God and our response to it. God freely offers us saving grace and love, new life, forgiveness of sin, and the promise of salvation.  We accept God’s gift by agreeing to fulfill our responsibilities of living a Christian life of love and service to all.


02

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP


A Baptized infant becomes a preparatory member of the church—one who has not yet made a personal profession of faith and who is guided by parents.  Baptism marks the beginning of a process of growth in faith toward God.

Confirmation brings full membership and responsibility to those who are Baptized.  It is the completion of the Baptismal commitment.

Confirmation classes are offered when children reach 7th grade, and are ready to make a personal commitment to God before the congregation




03

COMMUNION


The sacrament of Holy Communion is one of the most important sacraments and a vital aspect of Christian life.  The Lord's Supper invites us to focus on the self-giving of God, which makes the sacrament an occasion of grace, and on the holiness of our communion with God and one another.  Our liturgy begins with words spoken on Jesus’ behalf inviting “all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another.”  Because we celebrate "an open table," there are no conditions to be a "guest at the table."  This distinguishes our invitation from some other Christian denominations that may require additional rites before one is welcome to the table.


04

Additional links

Our Way Forward

What's Next for

The United Methodist Church?

(click on graphic to view video of Jan 13th presentation) 

V