Dear Weddington Church Family,
United Methodist Clergy in the Western North Carolina Conference were required to share our intentions to remain or disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church by August 1, 2023. The link below will provide the detailed and documented reasons that I have chosen to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church as of December 31, 2023.
I will remain in active ministry and, provided that Weddington Methodist Church also disaffiliates in the coming weeks, we will continue in ministry together. It is my sacred privilege to be your Senior Pastor. I am grateful to God for this church family.
This decision was not easy and took years of prayerful discernment. My theology, Christology, and love for the sacred scriptures of the Bible left me no choice. The United Methodist Church has been struggling for many decades and has been in serious decline. Many of us believe the denomination has lost its way and its theological foundation. The media wants to portray the issue solely as a disagreement on human sexuality. Denominational leaders would also like to distract us from the deeper issues with this cultural agenda. Whereas human sexuality is clearly addressed in scripture, the vital and non-negotiable issues are:
- Our understanding of the authority, inspiration, and sacredness of scripture.
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (NRSV)
- The divinity of Jesus Christ. “You are the Messiah [Christ], the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (NRSV)
My faith is grounded in scripture and the declaration that Jesus is Lord. The faith of the Apostle’s Creed is my faith.
God has blessed the Weddington Methodist Church. Our church is stronger than ever. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ: People in a relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord who worship God passionately, who intentionally grow in their faith grounded in scripture, who proclaim this gospel with grace, and who humbly serve in love. I look forward to being a part of what God will continue to do.
It is my sacred honor and privilege to be your pastor and share life together.
As we walk this path of discernment, I invite all professing members to join us for an information session on Wednesday, August 30, at 7 p.m., where we will discuss the upcoming disaffiliation vote. Let us come together in faith and prayer to seek God’s guidance in this significant decision.
May God bless and keep us as we fulfill together our call to be the church.
Rev. Dr. Terry Moore
August 2023
Click here to read the full letter from Rev. Dr. Terry Moore
Sunday, September 10, 6 p.m.
Weddington Church Sanctuary
Join Rev. Dr. Terry Moore and our Music Ministry for a special time of prayer and worship. As we approach the upcoming disaffiliation vote, let us come together to prepare our hearts in prayer and reflection, seeking God’s guidance in this important time. Nursery care will be available.
Why are we disaffiliating from The United Methodist Church?
The decision to leave the United Methodist denomination came after years of prayerful discernment regarding concerns about the theological foundation of the denomination, specifically regarding the understanding of the authority and sacredness of scripture, and the divinity of Jesus Christ.
We invite you to attend the information session on August 30 at 7 p.m. to learn more about this process.
What is a professing member (formerly known as a full member)?
A professing member in The United Methodist Church is one who has been baptized, confirmed, and has publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ, and has committed to membership at Weddington Methodist Church.
If you have questions regarding the status of your membership, please contact info@weddingtonchurch.org.
Is there a deadline to become a member of Weddington Methodist Church?
You are welcome to become a member of Weddington Methodist Church at any time. If you would like to participate in our church’s disaffiliation vote on September 11, we encourage you to become a professing member by September 10, 2023.
Please contact Angie Vollenweider by email or at 704-846-1032 if you are interested in becoming a member of our church family. We also invite you to attend our upcoming Meet Weddington session on August 27, where you will learn more about our church and have an opportunity to meet our clergy.
Click here to RSVP for the August 27 Meet Weddington session.
Is there an age limit to participate in the vote?
All professing members, regardless of age, are eligible to vote.
What time do I need to arrive to vote on September 11?
Doors to the Weddington Family Life Center will open at 6:30 p.m. to allow time to check in, verify membership, and receive a ballot. The District Superintendent will lead us in calling for the vote promptly at 7 p.m. Ballots will be counted and results will be announced shortly thereafter. Please be advised that late arrivals, after the vote has been conducted, will be unable to participate. This is not a drop-in vote.
Do I need to be present to vote?
Yes. For your vote to be counted, you must be present in the Family Life Center when the District Superintendent calls for the vote on September 11.
Will there be absentee ballots?
No, there will not be absentee ballots.
What happens if I turn in a blank ballot?
Blank ballots will count as a “No” vote against disaffiliation. If you wish to abstain from the vote, please do not turn in your ballot without marking your abstention.
How many votes are needed to disaffiliate?
In order for the church to officially disaffiliate from the United Methodist denomination, at least 67% of the ballots must be in favor of disaffiliation.
Didn’t I already vote during the information session last year?
Last year, our church held a conversational meeting where church members had the opportunity to endorse the decision of the Church Council to disaffiliate from The United Methodist Church. This was not an official vote and does not count toward the September 11 disaffiliation vote.
When will I find out the results of the vote?
The results of the vote will be shared the evening of September 11 at the conclusion of the voting period. The results will also be announced by email to all members and Weddington Church eNews subscribers. Click here to subscribe to the eNews.
What is the next step in the disaffiliation process?
If the church votes in favor of disaffiliation on September 11, our disaffiliation will be finalized during the called Special Conference of the Western North Carolina Conference on November 4.
After the vote, will we be Global Methodists?
Disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church is an important first step in defining who we are as a church. After our disaffiliation has been finalized, we can begin to discern what God is calling us to become. More information will be shared about the discernment process in the months ahead.
After the vote, will our church’s name change?
During its August 21 meeting, the Church Council voted unanimously to change our name to “Weddington Methodist Church.” This name will not change after the September 11 vote, regardless of the outcome.
What is the status of the ownership of church property?
Following disaffiliation, the church property will no longer be held in trust. The property deeds will be transferred to Weddington Methodist Church.
What happens if we don’t get enough “yes” votes on September 11?
If we do not meet the requirement of 67% of ballots in favor of disaffiliation, Weddington Methodist Church will remain in the United Methodist denomination and the current clergy will be replaced by clergy appointed by The United Methodist Church. There will not be another opportunity to vote after September 11.
Will nursery care be available on September 11?
Yes, nursery care will be available so that parents of young children are able to vote.
Who can I talk to if I still have questions?
If you have additional questions about the disaffiliation process, please contact us at info@weddingtonchurch.org.