Our Vision
“Our vision is be the primary source for personal and spiritual growth and a leading advocate for children, the lonely and the marginalized in times of unprecedented change. We are dedicated to inspirational worship, authentic relationships, high quality teaching and leadership development as the key for a life of resiliency, integrity and gratitude. Our impact as Easter People will extend beyond Sunday morning into our homes, neighborhoods and workplaces. We will become a leading advocate for children’s health and the place for people to explore and express their God-given gifts, talents and dreams. Temple’s unity, optimism and generosity will become so well-respected by community, business and civic organization, they will look to us for partnership opportunities and shared vision.”
Our Mission
And then all of a sudden it hits you – and with a start – what was always there, timeless beauty, an ageless presence, wonder so majestic and breath taking, joy so pure your heart leaps. You feel you are drowning in a deep ocean of divine Presence, and hear yourself saying, over and over, ‘How can this be real?’ How have I missed this? My life is far bigger than I realized!
- Inspirational
- Experiential
- Transformational
Our Core Values
Life is never seems as scary when you’re surrounded by caring friends. When you feel safe around, people you trust and respect, it helps you come out of your shell, stop pretending, face the truth you would otherwise avoid, and see the world as it really is. John Wesley once said, “the Bible knows nothing of solitary religion.” You can’t grow spiritually unless you’re connected relationally. As you get older, you’ll find all you really want is to be surrounded by good people. People that are good for you, good to you and good for your soul.
Life Groups. Following Jesus should never be a solo act. To grow spiritually, you have to grow relationally. Find a group of people that challenge and inspire you. Spend a lot of time with them and it will change your life.
- Accountability
- Authenticity
- Awareness
A disciple is in an ongoing apprenticeship with Jesus, a transformation of the mind, perspective, and practice. Disciples have a hunger, an irresistible drive to move toward God, to know themselves more honestly and to impact their world. They risk more to know more and become more. Discipleship is risky business and a lifelong adventure.
A disciple is the kind of person who strives to become the kind of person Jesus would be if he lived and walked into your neighborhood. A disciple is an ongoing process of spiritual exploration, devotion and formation.
- Integrity
- Apprenticeship
- Courage
Our Compass
Volunteering is both a privilege and an act of defiance against a self-centered life. Serving draws us out of our little world, connects with others and reflects the life Jesus lived. Serving other people is good medicine, not just for those who are in need, but for your soul as well. We are always on the lookout for volunteers who simply want to share the love of God with people and make the world a better place.
- Impact
- Influence
- Support Teams
Generosity is an act of defiance against the me-first, consumer-oriented culture of power and privilege. Generose people willingly gives up their tiny trinkets we cannot keep to receive a deeper joy we cannot lose. Generosity is a catalytic force that inspires others to see new possibilities in community, and experience the energy in risking more for a noble purpose.
Just as baptism is an outward and visible sign of a new relationship with Jesus, so generosity is an outward and visible sign of the Spirit’s flame burning within us. Generosity is a public statement of our faith in Jesus. It is an opened handed faith in a close-fisted world.
Where Grace Happens, Generosity Happens.
- Time
- Talent
- Treasure
there’s more to life than where you are now!
Made for More is about living for something other than paying bills, chasing new toys and getting by. We were made to make an impact in this world, to imitate Jesus, and to inspire greater love. As disciples, we live a better story with God as the author, among friends who draw the best out of us, on a journey that is far more adventurous than we could imagine. If you’re ready for an adventure, we invite you to join us. Life is an adventure to be lived, not a burden to be carried.
OUR Purpose is to not just believe in Jesus, but to believe like Jesus, so we can do the things Jesus did for the reasons Jesus did them.
Our Logo and Design
In 2022, United Methodist Temple adopted a new design to express our faith in Christ, growing optimism and desire to begin a new chapter in our history. This design reflects our distinctive Wesleyan heritage, our unwavering solidarity and connection, and our desire to be a leading advocate in a world community with love and hope we have in Christ.
The design expresses three essential Core Values.
(1) We are MADE FOR MORE. The overall shape of the design is upward, intentional and inspirational. As disciples, we live as Easter People in a Good Friday world. This means we do not allow temporary circumstance, setbacks or conflict to derail us or determine our attitude or actions. We refuse to give in to the negativity, settle for mediocrity or retreat into the past. Our mission is to reveal Jesus, in all that we say and do, for a new generation!
(2) We are METHODISTS. The Gothic arch is a reminder of our proud Wesleyan Heritage of grace, These values are timeless and essential to our spiritual formation in every generation. John Wesley described the power of GRACE that motivates us, insisted on the means of Grace that SHAPE us, and express the SERVICE of Grace in all we say and do. These roots run deep in us, guiding us in these turbulent times, shaping who we are and what we do. Our goal is to not just believe in Jesus, but to believe like Jesus, so that we will do what Jesus did for the reasons Jesus did them.
“A congregation is Christian to the degree that it is confronted by and attempts to form its life in response to the Word of God.” William Willimon
(3) We are UNITED. The Cross, a symbol of suffering and sacrifice, is ultimately a symbol of Christ’s unfailing love and redemption. It is God’s most profound example of love. The Cross is created out of four unique pieces, each joined in such a way as to create this symbol of life, love and unity. Each piece takes on greater importance when it takes it’s place as part of the whole. It surrenders itself, its time, talents and treasure, to receive and express the power and purpose of Easter. The colors express the Hope of Christ (burnt orange) and the role of Servant Leadership (royal blue, Mark 10:45) (note: this new design in no way infers a break with The United Methodist Church. We affirm and celebrate our Wesleyan heritage)
FAQ
Meet Our Team
Spiritual Leaders are self-motivated, forward leaning disciples, energized by authentic faith and a God-sized vision. Leaders create energy in others by taking bold, courageous risks that invites greater faith and unity to flourish. They are the change-makers, seed-casters and light bearers for a new generation.
Our leadership team leads by serving first and showing the way. They are consistent in worship, generous with their time and talents, and an advocate for unity in very polarized world! We are drawn to their leadership because it is so real and genuine, their faith inspires us to see the good in others, their warmth and kindness connects us and is our best witness to a cynical, skeptical world!
STEVE GEDON
SENIOR PASTOR
Steve and Linette joined UM Temple in May of 2022. Both grew up in central Pennsylvania in the same hometown and attended high school together. After 37 years of marriage, we treasure our three children, Katelin, Abigail and Alex, two grandchildren, Rylan and Scarlett, and most recently adopted Wyatt in Dec. 2022! (crazy I know). Steve began ministry in 2000 as a part-time pastor at Calcutta/Nine Mile (2000 – 2004) and transitioned to full-time ministry at FUMC in Williamstown, WV (2005-2015). Steve graduated from Asbury Seminary (MDiv) in 2010 and was ordained as a full-elder in the WV Annual Conference in 2013. Prior to coming to Temple, Steve served at Mt. Pleasant UMC (2015 – 2022). Steve received a BS in Chemistry from Penn State Univ. and his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Duke University. He has published over 13 technical articles and 13 US Patents and 2 encyclopedia articles. Steve considers himself a simple guy with a complicated mind. His motto is “Made for More, there’s more to life than where you are now.” because so many people have given up or given in to shiny technology and the lure of greater prosperity! I am a firm believer in the Wesleyan ideal of spiritual apprenticeship, small group accountability, intentional discipleship and impact ministries as we fulfilll the Colossians mystery, “Christ in you, the hope of Glory.” (Col 1:27) Steve also officiates soccer at both the high school and collegiate level and last year officiated the NCAA D2 playoff. Steve recently wrote a referee article on “Blame-Shifting” published in Referee Magazine.
JOYCE LOVELL
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Joyce Lovell is a native of Greenbrier County where she was a resident for 47 years before moving to Beckley. She is a 1973 graduate of Greenbrier East High School, a graduate from WV Career College in Charleston, WV (Executive Secretarial Degree) and completed several courses in computers, management, and business since then. Joyce is married to Pat Lovell, a life-long resident of Beckley. Joyce has one grown daughter, Stephanie, of Clintonville; 2-grandchildren, Alexis and Chandler; one step-daughter, Crystal, of Columbus, OH and 3 step-grandchildren, Trent, Kinsley, and Payton; and one step-son, Patrick of Daniels. Joyce has always been an active member of her church where she grew up and is thrilled to now be a part of the UMT Staff.
DANIEL SPURGEON
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Daniel was born in Akron, Ohio, but spent his childhood in various communities because of his family being transferred to various states. He spent early life in Fort Wayne, Indiana; middle school years in Grand Blanc, Michigan and high school years in Hurricane, WV. He is a graduate of Marshall University with a BA in Music Education. He received his Master’s Degree from Scarritt Graduate College in Church Music and organ performance. He has played many organ concerts throughout the US and Eastern Europe, and won several national and regional organ competitions. He is also an arranger and composer as well. He and his wife Tammy have one son, Luke. Daniel has been the Minister of Music at UMT since 1989. He enjoys the outdoors and golf.
MARTHA HUTCHINSON
TREASURER
FRAN MILLER
FINANCIAL SECRETARY
RENE WILLIAMS
DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
CHRISTIE COLUMBO
HOSPITALITY & EVENT PLANNING
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