"Christ has … no hands but yours…Yours are the eyes through which
the compassion of Christ is to look out on a hurting world." - Teresa of Avila -
the compassion of Christ is to look out on a hurting world." - Teresa of Avila -
Our History
The history of Great Falls United Methodist Church can be traced back to two churches organized here in the Great Falls, Virginia area during the nineteenth century. The first, Salem Church, was established in 1876 near our present location on Georgetown Pike. Arnon Chapel was erected in 1889 near the corner of Arnon Chapel Road and Walker Road. Each church ministered to the residents of the then rural area surrounding Forestville (as the Great Falls community was known at that time). In 1944, as World War II dominated the news, Salem Church and Arnon Chapel merged to form Forestville Methodist Church and the combined church was established at our present site. In January of 1989, the congregation voted to change the name to Great Falls United Methodist Church reflecting the change in the name of our community. While we are proud of the long history of our church, age alone doesn’t qualify a church as great. A great church is made by its congregation, and Great Falls United Methodist Church is made great by the families and individuals, past and present, which call this church home. Please join us!
Our Mission
Our mission is reflected in our desire to be the people that God has called us to be in order to reflect Jesus Christ and make a difference in people’s lives by:
- Bringing People to God
- Praising God in Worship
- Learning the Word of God
- Serving Others Near and Far
- Caring for our Congregation and Community
A Summary of Our Church
Our church has many strengths. Among them is the sense of warmth and Christian Fellowship that you will experience once you’ve entered the comfortable and intimate sanctuary. The congregation at Great Falls shares a sense of community and maintains a relaxed, small town atmosphere. This provides a much needed shelter from the surrounding urban turbulence. We take our call to “make disciples” seriously and so provide numerous opportunities for individuals of all ages to grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. These activities take place on Sunday morning, as well as at various times through the week.
In addition to seasonal activities we provide Bible studies, women’s circles, a men’s group, Youth Fellowship, Great Falls Preschool, Vacation Bible School and a variety of outreach and mission opportunities. The church also hosts numerous community programs including the Great Falls Senior Center, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Alcoholics Anonymous.
In addition to seasonal activities we provide Bible studies, women’s circles, a men’s group, Youth Fellowship, Great Falls Preschool, Vacation Bible School and a variety of outreach and mission opportunities. The church also hosts numerous community programs including the Great Falls Senior Center, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Alcoholics Anonymous.
