The first services of then 'Firebaugh Community Methodist Church' were held on May 23, 1948. A quotation from the bulletin for that day stated:
"This will be the day to remember down through the years. No doubt fifty years from today there will be a great celebration held in Firebaugh, which may well be a real city by that time. This day will be remembered as the day when the first service was held in Firebaugh Community Methodist Church. You are having a part in a historic event in the history of Firebaugh and this great West Side today. Let us make this the beginning of great things.”
MISSION STATEMENT
To bring glory and honor to God through acts of service, devotion, and obedience, and to actively witness to the transformational power of Jesus Christ spread throughout the world.
VISION STATEMENT
To grow together as one body in Christ, building trust, living for a purpose, and raising up men, women, and children into faithful leadership. To open doors more widely through active participation in our community, developing relationships which are invitational, and witnessing to our faith in ways that draw people to Jesus. To engage in prayerful ministries which lead to healing and wholeness in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
OUR CORE VALUES
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Keeping Christ at the center of our relationships and the life of the church. Colossians 1:17-18 NLT; Romans 8:28
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Worshipping God through preaching, prayer, praise, and adoration as one body in Christ. Acts 2:42-44; Psalm 63:4; Psalm 34:1; Psalm 150
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Gathering together in fellowship as one family in Christ. 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 10:25
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Gathering together around the Bible to grow in faith and understanding of God’s will, leading to transformed lives. Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2
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Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through our testimonies and the Scripture, near and far. 2 Timothy 4:2; Romans 10:17; Psalm 89:1
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Serving the needs of our community: feeding, sheltering, clothing, and comforting. Matthew 20:28; Matthew 25:35-36
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Practicing love and compassion, rooted in God’s love for the world. John 3:16; John 15:12-13
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Honoring each other in equal worth. Romans 12:10; Philippians 2:1-2
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Respecting each other’s passions, talents, and gifts within the life of the church. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
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Recognizing each other’s cultures, backgrounds, and traditions in a way that honors the Word of God. Acts 17:26-27; Galatians 3:8
OUR HISTORY
1940 Families in Firebaugh and Mendota gather together in their homes for Bible study and worship
1947 A survey of the Firebaugh / Mendota area resulted in the formation of the Firebaugh Community Methodist Church
1948 First worship service celebrated in the rear of the H&M Building in Firebaugh, May 23, 1948
1949 A new church sanctuary and building erected at 1660 O Street, Firebaugh
1968 The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church merge to form The United Methodist Church
1976 The Mendota UMC merges with the Firebaugh UMC forming the Firebaugh-Mendota United Methodist Church
2023 The Firebaugh-Mendota UMC disaffiliates from the United Methodist Church forming The Olive Branch Community Church of Firebaugh, September 15, 2023