About The Church of the Village

In November 2005, the United Methodist congregations of Iglesia de Todas Las Naciones, Metropolitan-Duane, and Washington Square voted to join together and become The Church of the Village: A Progressive United Methodist Community.

This decision came following several months of meeting and discussion, within individual congregations as well as combined groups. Among the motivating factors in our coming together were some expectations: that the three congregations in close proximity, in the same section of the city, might better cooperate and bind together to face overwhelming internal and external barriers to our ministry; that three working together as one present a more formidable force for justice, social righteous and peace; that binding resources and gifts we might pose a greater force against that which diminishes any God-given life.

Our Vision

The Church of the Village is a community of faith on a spiritual journey led by God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.  The direction and purpose of our journey together is affirmed through our Vision Statement, which members drafted and unanimously adopted in November 2005:

Our special vision is to invite and welcome those who are seeking a progressive community of God’s people. We will implement Christ’s teachings in an innovative and creative manner that reflects the Village of New York’s love of music and the arts, and its radical approaches to self and society.

We are a reconciling church, envisioning and creating a nurturing environment which proclaims the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ and welcomes all people regardless of race, culture, class, sexual orientation, gender identity and physical abilities, among other categories that divide God’s people.

Our vision includes reframing the traditional message of the Church into a message that we believe represents Christ’s desire for faithfulness, inclusiveness, fairness, peace, and social justice in our world. We will celebrate diversity as God’s gift to us and will promote understanding in accordance with Christ’s teachings.

We will be a tirelessly caring community, rallying in solidarity around those who are facing difficult transitions in their lives, and those who are victims of injustice and oppression in our community and throughout the world. We will educate ourselves and others on current social justice issues and actions we believe must be taken to protect the dignity of all people. We envision our community being followers of Christ through a variety of dynamic worship experiences, educational and missional opportunities, small groups, special events, and social gatherings - including bible studies and prayer vigils, community outreach programs including food ministries, children’s programs, and recreational activities for children, youth, adults, and families. 

Our Church community will be a multi-cultural community with one or more ministry facilities located within the East and West parts of the Village that will be accessible to all.  These facilities will be warm, inviting, and beautiful places that will act as spiritual beacons of progressive Christianity within our community, and will host both English and Spanish language worship services and programs. We will continually explore and celebrate the wide range of cultures, traditions, and languages that are part of The Village, and will invite people of all backgrounds to be a part of our community of faith and mission.  We see ourselves as open, flexible, and ready to accept God’s calling for us to serve the community in the Village.  
  
We are committed to inviting, educating, nurturing, supporting, and calling into mission disciples of Christ who will work together to transform our world.