About Us

Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church

All are welcome — and we mean all, with no exceptions.

Who We Are

The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of approximately 10 million members in Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. We are the person next door, the church on the other side of the country, and the worshiping community across the globe. Together, we share a legacy of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, sharing God's love both in what we say and how we serve our neighbors.

We are the people of The United Methodist Church.

Our Mission: To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
Our Heritage: “In essentials, unity; in nonessentials; liberty; and in all things, charity (love).” John Wesley
Our Commandment: You shall love God, your neighbor, yourself, your enemies, and all of creation.
Our Commitment: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

What We Believe

"We affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God. We therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened."

United Methodist Social Principles

The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people, and that we share in expressing that love. So the United Methodist tradition emphasizes God's grace and in serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God's love--showing us the fullness of God's care through Jesus' teachings, death and resurrection.

John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.

The United Methodist Church shares a great deal with other Christian denominations. We believe God's grace is open to all, and therefore practice "open Communion"--meaning that anyone may participate in receiving Communion. We believe salvation is an open gift from God, accepted by individuals according to their own free will. The United Methodist denomination is a "big tent" theologically, providing space for theological discourse and, at times, disagreement.

Like many other Christian groups, we affirm the beliefs expressed in the Apostles Creed. These include:

The belief in one God, who is the Creator and sustainer of the universe.
The belief in the Trinity, that there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is fully human and fully divine.

Outreach & Ministries

At CCUMC, faith doesn’t stay inside the building. Whether it’s a hot meal for a neighbor, a place to belong for our seniors, or a hand reaching across the world to Pakistan, we believe love is something you do. Here are some of the ways our church family is at work in Cedaredge, across Delta County, and beyond.

Feeding the Unhoused

No one in our community should go hungry. Each month, our church family prepares and serves a meal at the Abraham Connection, a local shelter caring for neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. It’s a simple act — a warm plate and a friendly face — but it’s often the first sign that someone has not been forgotten.

Veteran Outreach

We hold a special place in our hearts for those who have served. Our veteran outreach offers connection, support, and honor to the men and women who wore the uniform — a ministry close to Pastor Bob’s own heart, drawing on his years of Army nursing and care for those returning home.

A Gathering Place for Seniors

Our doors are open as a place where seniors can gather, share fellowship, and find community. Friendship doesn’t retire — and neither does belonging. Everyone deserves a warm room, a familiar face, and a place to be known.

Worship at Horizons

On the first Sunday of each month, we bring worship to the residents of Horizons, a local rehabilitation and long-term care facility. For those who can’t come to church, we bring the church to them — a familiar hymn, a word of hope, and the reminder that they are still part of God’s family and ours.

Supporting the Animal Shelter

Care for creation includes our four-legged neighbors. We come alongside our local animal shelter to support the work of caring for animals waiting for their forever homes.

Seeds of Hope — Seed Money for Pakistan

Through our Seeds of Hope project, small gifts become lasting change. We provide seed money for micro-business ministries in Pakistan — helping families build sustainable income through projects of their own. A modest investment becomes dignity, self-reliance, and hope that lasts long after the gift is given.

Bible Study

Growing in faith happens best together. We offer Bible study opportunities for every season of life — a chance to dig into Scripture, ask honest questions, and walk alongside others on the journey. New studies begin throughout the year, and all are welcome, wherever you are in your faith.

Supporting the Thrift Store

We partner with and support our local thrift store ministry (Thrift on Main) — a place where good stewardship, affordable goods, and community care all come together to serve our neighbors.

Ministry in Pakistan

Our reach extends across the world to brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Alongside the Seeds of Hope micro-business work, we share in worship, Bible study, and the distribution of Bibles to communities hungry for hope. Through faithful partners on the ground, a small church in Cedaredge is part of something far larger than itself.

Social Media & Online Worship

Worship doesn’t stop at our walls. Through livestreamed services, our “Still Standing” digital ministry, and a growing online community, we carry encouragement to the weary wherever they are — across town or across time zones. If you can’t join us in person, you always have a seat with us online.

Hospitality & Welcome Ministry

From the first hello at the door to coffee and conversation after worship, our hospitality ministry makes sure every person who walks in feels expected, wanted, and at home. Led by Bev Cordell with Darrel Johnson.

Children’s Ministry & Children’s Church

Faith starts young. Our Children’s Church gives kids a place to learn about God’s love in ways they can understand, with songs, stories, and lessons made just for them. Children’s ministry led by Darrel Johnson who has a bachelor of Arts Theology and Ministerial Studies.

An Affirming Congregation

CCUMC is proud to be an openly affirming congregation — a place where LGBTQ+ neighbors, families, and seekers are fully welcomed, fully loved, and fully included. When we say all are welcome, we mean it without an asterisk.

Spiritual Direction

Sometimes the soul needs a companion. Our spiritual director, Jane Cable, has completed the Ministry of Spiritual Direction and is available by appointment to walk alongside you wherever you find yourself — in a season of growth, of questioning, of grief, or of simply longing to draw closer to God.

Spiritual direction is a quiet, confidential space to notice where God is already at work in your life. You don’t need to have the right words or all the answers — you only need to come as you are. Jane is also a Certified Lay Speaker, and she offers this ministry to anyone seeking a deeper, more attentive faith. To arrange a conversation, contact the church office.

Clergy and Staff

Pastor Bob Anders

Pastor Bob Anders is a retired Army nurse with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and a professor emeritus of nursing from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is dedicated to Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church and deeply committed to serving Jesus Christ to transform the world.

Pastor Bob has faithfully supported the congregation in various administrative and spiritual duties. He assists with the day-to-day operations and supports the mission of the church.

Worship Team Member & Lay Speaker

Jane Cable is a retired English teacher/ supervisor and Assistant Principal for Curriculum in a faith-based secondary school. Jane brings her leadership skills to CCUMC by assisting in a variety or roles. Although she has served many roles, presently, she is a member of the Worship Team and has become a Lay Servant. We are grateful for her expertise and devotion.

Worship Team Leader & RT Member

Pamela Gubkin is the Worship Leader for CCUMC. She is a long time member of the church and cares deeply for the mission in serving Jesus Christ. She has had many roles within the church and we are grateful and blessed that she is leading our Worship Team and also an integral part of the Round Table as well.

Worship Team Member

Karen Cline is a devoted member of the worship team at CCUMC. She has played a vital role in guiding and facilitating the church's worship experiences. She has a deep passion for worship and a heart for serving the church and community. CCUMC is blessed to have such a devoted and caring member of the Worship Team.

Our Policy

The United Methodist Church's non-discrimination policy, as outlined in the Book of Discipline, emphasizes the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. The policy states:

The United Methodist Church acknowledges that all persons are of sacred worth. All persons regardless of race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend its worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, and become members in any local church in the connection. The United Methodist Church declares that it is committed to supporting those rights and liberties for all persons, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, which are consistent with the discipline of The United Methodist Church.

This policy reflects the church's commitment to inclusivity and equality, ensuring that everyone is welcomed and valued within the church community.

Our History

Our history dates back to 1876, when a group of Methodists gathered in a schoolhouse to worship. The congregation grew over the years, and in 1887, they built their first church building on Main Street in Cedaredge. The church was made of logs and was known as the "Log Cabin Church."

The first pastor of CCUMC was Reverend Hiram M. Smith. He was appointed to the church in 1876 and was the pastor until 1882. Reverend Smith was a highly respected member of the community and was instrumental in the early growth of the church. Rev. Smith was "a man of great intellectual power and high moral character," and rendered valuable service to the church and community.

In 1904, the congregation built a new church building on 3rd street. This building was made of stone and was known as "Rock Church." The Rock Church is still used today and is one of Cedaredge's most recognizable landmarks.

Here are some of the key events in the history of Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church:

1887: The congregation builds their first church building on Main Street
1904: The congregation builds a new church building on 3rd Street.
1949: the church is renamed Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church.
1976: The church celebrates its 100 anniversary.
2004: The church celebrates the centennial of the Rock Church.
2022: Adopts the Welcome Statement
2023: The church continues to serve the community and grow in its mission.