WHO WE ARE
Embrace Belonging: Community, Collaboration, Respect
GOD'S LOVE IN ACTION
PVUMC offers a place of belonging to a multi-generational, diverse community of individuals interested in making our world a better place. More than a Sunday morning experience, we are people seeking to nurture a deeper spirituality through life-giving practices. Centered in God’s love, we act authentically and generously through our connections at church and in service to the community. Our vision is to be a diverse, inclusive, and spiritually-thriving congregation committed to being God’s Love in Action.
PVUMC embraces all ages and types of people as part of its faith family within our commitment to inclusivity. We guide our church members down a path to a complete and fulfilling life, as they discover their God-given abilities, and share God’s love in action.
As we look to the future at PVUMC, we imagine a church that:
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Remains spiritually alive and all-inclusive
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Continues to thrive and grow
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Embodies its core faith
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Empowers people to be themselves
We bring this church to life by:
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Creating a community where people find meaningful relationships, shared by a common faith and desire to know and serve God.
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Giving people the opportunity to be involved in meaningful and important ways in our community.
PVUMC’s vision and mission guides us in following these dreams for our congregation
AFFIRMING
VALUES & BELIEFS
Our beliefs are at the center of everything we do. They ground us, unite us and lead us forward. We believe that God is infinite, righteous and just, a loving presence in our lives.
We believe that the Bible is God’s truth and the primary source of faith, yet we must be discerning and view it through Christ. Bible study is intended to bring us closer to God as revealed in Jesus, thus equipping us for a life and faith that reflects what Jesus would teach and ask of each of us. Most of all, we believe in the transformational power of Jesus to change our lives.
SMALL GROUPS
The Bible means many things to us. It’s a collection of writings that together tell the story of God’s work within humanity throughout time. It’s a sacred scripture that holds special authority within our community. It’s a guide to faith and life.
FAMILY
Women (or anyone) will not be silenced at PVUMC. We believe that God speaks through a variety of God’s creation and welcome all voices. The United Methodist Church continues to declare its belief in the full equality of women and the importance of women in decision-making and leadership positions at all levels of the church.
LGBTQ+
We believe God invites ALL people to the table to be seen and valued, and appreciated for who God has made them to be. We declare the belief in the full equality of all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of the LGBTQIA+ members in decision-making and leadership positions at all levels of the church.
LEGACY
It can be difficult to talk about God, so we often try to find adjectives that describe the divine nature: God is transcendent (over and beyond all that is), yet at the same time immanent (present in everything). God is absolute, infinite, righteous and just.
Sometimes it is easier to describe how we experience God in our lives: in creation, love, suffering, and many other places.
PRAYER
In trying to find words to express their faith in Jesus, the New Testament writers gave him various names. Jesus was Master, Rabbi, Teacher. He was the Way, the Truth and the Life. He was the Doorway to the sheepfold, the Light of the world, the Prince of Peace and more.
Perhaps best of all, we believe in Jesus as our savior, as the one through whom God has freed us of our sin and has given us the gift of whole life, eternal life and salvation.
MISSIONS
The Holy Spirit lives in and through us, and deepens our connection to the Father. Any time that we are advancing goodness in the world, we believe that the Holy Spirit is at work. It is our guide. Jesus described the Holy Spirit as “the advocate” in John 14:16, that would “abide in us forever.” If this description feels incomplete, perhaps that is because the Holy Spirit is mysterious by nature. Maybe it cannot be fully known or understood by human beings and the limits of our wonderings.
This list of core values stands as the culture code for our ministry. They create filters for how our leaders make decisions in order to facilitate and implement our culture. We desire that all of our staff, leaders, and members exhibit these attributes in their daily lives, influencing everything that they do for the glory of God.
CULTURE CODE
RESTORATIVE
Establish a community where every individual experiences safety, firm faith, and profound connection
INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
"Human sexuality: Good news for all, not bad news for some."
INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
Here at PVUMC, we believe in good news for all, not bad news for some. This means that we believe God invites ALL people to the table to be seen and valued, and appreciated for who God has made them to be. We believe that all people should be given the right to express their God-given gifts however they feel led. We declare the belief in the full equality of all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of the LGBTQIA+ members in decision-making and leadership positions at all levels of the church.
You belong here. In this community, we welcome all people.
We invite you to join us on this shared journey of life and faith, open to all, regardless of age, ability, economics, color, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, politics, theology or anything else that might separate us from each other. Whoever you are and wherever you may be on your spiritual journey, you’re invited to walk with Christ in community with all of God’s children, and embrace the endless possibilities of God’s unconditional love.
We prioritize creating an all-inclusive spiritual home for a diverse membership. In 2016, our Invitation Statement made it clear we’re welcoming of all regardless of politics, theology, sexual orientation or gender identity. Our church further demonstrated our boldness in hosting the convocation of the first openly gay UMC Bishop. Not only was the Bishop gay, but diversity was demonstrated through the presence of Hispanic, African-American and Japanese Bishops of the Western Jurisdiction.
EDUCATION
We invite you to watch our educational sermons regarding human sexuality and identity!
Additional Support Resources:
The Trevor Project: (866) 488-7386
Free & Confidential support to LGBTQ+ people in crisis
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
trans-led org connecting trans people to the support, and resources they need to thrive
National Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Free support for suicidal people, or anyone in need of support
RESTORATIVE
STAFF & CAMPUS
No matter where you’re coming from, at PVUMC you’ll find a place to connect, grow spiritually, and put your faith into action. We are a spiritually-diverse group, unified in one common vision – to share God’s Love in action by serving those around us and nurturing spirituality, and in doing so be a presence of healing and hope in the greater Phoenix area.
PVUMC Campus
No matter where you’re coming from, at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church you’ll find a place to connect, grow spiritually, and put your faith into action.
We are a spiritually-diverse group, unified in one common vision – to share God’s Love in action by serving those around us and nurturing spirituality, and in doing so be a presence of healing and hope in the greater Phoenix area. Learn about our pastoral team, staff, and our campus amenities below!
We are located:
4455 E Lincoln Dr Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
For directions, Call: 602.840.8360
Additional Amenities
Paradise Perk Coffee House
Our Paradise Perk Coffee House is a gathering place on campus serving a quality assortment of coffee, notably espresso, latte, cappuccino and cold drinks, such as iced coffee and tea.
More than just a place to sit and talk, our coffee house creates a sense of warmth, of hope and trust we can hold in our hands. Coffee is a hospitality ritual and a comfort food all in one. A favorite drink is a great way to relax and rejuvenate your spirit anytime!
Our Paradise Perk Coffee House is in the Fellowship Center on the East side of campus.
Hours:
Sundays 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Wednesdays 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Wednesdays 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Serendipities Gift Shop
We specialize in Gifts of Inspiration, Gifts of Love and Concern, and Gifts that say Thank You. We focus on items that are made in the USA, fair trade products, sustainably produced, or created by artists and artisans. View our greeting cards, hostess gifts and gifts for special occasions. Private shopping is available by emailing giftshop@pvumc.org.
As a not-for-profit organization we do not charge sales tax. All our profits are reinvested into the community. We recently made a donation to the Mingus Scholarship Fund to help under-privileged youths participate in summer camp activities.
Store hours:
8:30 to 11 am Sundays