All About New London UMC
Welcome!
Whether you are checking out area churches, looking for information on a specific event, or wondering what goes on at that church on the corner of Pine and Oshkosh – we are delighted to have you visit with us online! Take a look around. If you have questions or comments about our website, or want to know more about New London United Methodist Church, please contact us online, by phone, or in person.
Our Beliefs
The Mission of the United Methodist Church is…
to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We believe that all Christians are in ministry to proclaim and share the good news of God’s grace through our love of God and neighbor – in word and action. This is what Jesus taught and showed his disciples how to do. This is what we learn how to do as a community of believers empowered by the Holy Spirit to study the Bible, pray, worship, and use the gifts God has given to us.
The sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are celebrated as visible signs of the invisible grace of God that is present and active in our lives. In Baptism we are claimed and named as children of God. In Holy Communion we remember that we are joined together as one by Christ.
Mission Statement of NLUMC
Build a connected church community through partnership and neighborhood outreach. Promote spiritual growth and discipleship through mutually encouraging gifts and faith.
Vision Statement of NLUMC
Build Connections. Build Partnerships. Build Spiritual Growth.
Our Church History
Our congregation grew from these historical roots:
- 1856 – Methodist Episcopal Church in New London established
- 1858 – Immanuel Evangelical Church in Maple Creek established
- 1864 – Methodist Episcopal Church in Northport established
Various church closures, moves, and mergers occurred over the years. In 1967 Trinity Evangelical United Brethren Church of New London and the Methodist Church of New London merged together to become the United Methodist Church of New London. Ground was broken at the corner of Pine and Oshkosh Streets for a new church building on May 3, 1970; and the building was consecrated on January 31, 1971. In 1979 the Northport United Methodist Church closed and members transferred to New London. 1994 additions enlarged the dimensions of the church building to its current size.
Our congregation shares a connection with all the other United Methodist churches around the world! We work together to respond to natural and manmade disasters by sending resources – financial, material, and people – to aide those in need. United Methodists establish and support schools, hospitals, agricultural projects, business cooperatives, and new church starts. Locally we connect with our ecumenical and community partners to support the Community Cupboard, Mission of Hope House, emergency assistance through the Salvation Army, community Thanksgiving meal, Relay for Life, and other projects. (Look for the United Methodist Men’s food wagon at area events!)
Our Worship
Here’s what you can expect if you come to worship with us:
Coming into the church from Pine Street there is a sheltered entrance where you can drive up to drop someone off at the handicapped accessible front door. Inside you’ll move past the church library, pastor’s office, and church office on the way to the sanctuary where worship services are held. The back of the worship area opens to Cottrill Fellowship Hall, where there is another handicapped accessible entrance/exit by the kitchen that leads to the parking/driveway on the north side of the building. Additional parking can be found in the lot at the west end of the building.
On Sundays this Summer worship starts at 9:00 AM. Our worship service is about an hour long and is relaxed but traditional in nature. The words to all prayers, responses, and hymns are projected on screen in the sanctuary. We take time to share our joys and concerns for prayer. The pastor’s sermon will relate to the scripture readings that are used in the service. Offering plates are available at the back and front of the sanctuary to support the mission and ministry of the church. Once a month we offer worship on Monday night at 6:30 PM.
Holy Communion will usually be received during worship on the first Sunday of the month. The United Methodist Church has an ‘open’ communion table – which means that you can receive Holy Communion even if you’re not a member of this congregation, or even our denomination. We are currently using individual sealed chalices to limit handling of the elements.
Our Location
You may have noticed that there are few “through” streets in New London! Our address is 709 W. Pine Street. Which means we’re on the northwest corner of Pine Street (runs east/west past the front entrance of the church) and Oshkosh Street (runs north/south with a driveway entrance to parking spaces along the north side of the building, and down to our parking lot at the west end of the building). The north end of Oshkosh Street is at County Road X along the south shore of the Wolf River; and Beckert Road marks the south end of Oshkosh Street. The west end of Pine Street is at Werner Allen Road; and County Road D/Division Street is the east end of Pine Street.
Our church is located south of downtown in a residential area, one block east of Hatten Park, just up the hill from the outdoor track at New London Middle School; a block south of the New London Park and Recreation Department’s Aquatic and Fitness Center; and a block west of the Washington Center and New London Senior Center.
For Our Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What do United Methodists believe?
As a part of the worldwide United Methodist Church family, we follow a set of Bible-based, God inspired beliefs set forth by our denomination. To learn more about our beliefs, CLICK HERE.
Where should I park? Is there handicapped parking available?
Coming into the church from Pine Street there is a sheltered entrance where you can drive up to drop someone off at the handicapped accessible front door.
What should I expect?
Coming into the church from Pine Street there is a sheltered entrance where you can drive up to drop someone off at the handicapped accessible front door. Inside you’ll move past the church library, pastor’s office, and church office on the way to the sanctuary where worship services are held. The back of the worship area opens to Cottrill Fellowship Hall, where there is another handicapped accessible entrance/exit by the kitchen that leads to the parking/driveway on the north side of the building. Additional parking can be found in the lot at the west end of the building.
On Sundays worship starts at 10:15 AM. Our worship service is about an hour long and is relaxed but traditional in nature. The words to all prayers, responses, and hymns are projected on screen in the sanctuary. We take time to share our joys and concerns for prayer. The pastor’s sermon will relate to the scripture readings that are used in the service. Offering plates are available at the back of the sanctuary to support the mission and ministry of the church.
Do you serve Communion?
Holy Communion will usually be received during worship on the first Sunday of the month. The United Methodist Church has an ‘open’ communion table – which means that you can receive Holy Communion even if you’re not a member of this congregation, or even our denomination. We are currently using individual sealed chalices to limit handling of the elements.
What should I wear?
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Is there Sunday School?
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Is there Children's Church or a Nursery?
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Is the church available for events (i.e., weddings, funerals, etc.)?
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How do I join the church?
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Who We Are
Meet Our Staff/Pastor
Rev. Debi VanDenBoom
Pastor
Rev. Debi VanDenBoom (she/her) is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Pastor Debi serves as a part-time clergyperson at New London UMC while continuing to practice her ministry as a licensed professional counselor who sees telehealth clients. Pastor Debi has an extensive background as a Christian Educator and provides faith-formation support for people of all ages. Pastor Debi lives out her call as a Word, Service, Compassion, and Justice leader advocating with human siblings in meeting their needs. She is excited to learn what it means to build a connected church community through partnership and neighborhood outreach while promoting spiritual growth and discipleship through mutually encouraging gifts and faith.
Lynette McGuire
Church Administrator
Hello! Thank you for checking us out. I would be very glad to meet you in person on a weekday or Sunday morning at church.
I have been a member of the New London United Methodist Church since I was born. I was baptized, confirmed, and married in this church. My daughter was baptized and confirmed here as well. I have been a Sunday School Teacher, Nursery Care Coordinator, Sunday School Superintendent, and currently the Scrip Coordinator and the Church Secretary.
I love helping people. I remember when I would collect Sunday School attendance books and offerings as a young child. I would take them into the church office and I told the Church Secretary and other church members at the time that I wanted to grow up and be the Church Secretary someday. Well in July of 2013 my wish came true — and I could not be any happier!
I have been married to my husband, Jack, for 32 years and we live in New London. Our adult daughter, Jaclyn, also lives in the area.