Is Temecula United Methodist Church Welcoming and Affirming to Everyone?

Updated

Yes—by its own description, Temecula United Methodist Church (TUMC) presents itself as a welcoming, affirming, and reconciling congregation where all who seek God are invited to participate. The church states that this welcome extends to worship, education, fellowship, ministry, and mission regardless of race, color or ethnicity, age, marital status, gender, sexual identity, expression, or physical or mental ability.

What “Welcoming and Affirming” Means at TUMC

TUMC uses three related terms to describe its posture:

  • Welcoming — newcomers and seekers are invited in, whether they are looking for a church home or simply exploring faith.
  • Affirming — the church explicitly names groups often excluded elsewhere (including sexual identity and expression) as fully included.
  • Reconciling — a term within United Methodist circles for congregations that publicly commit to full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.

The church summarizes this in a statement from Rev. Drew Davis, its pastor: the goal is “to maintain a welcoming and affirming space for all, ensuring that all are loved and of sacred worth in the eyes of faith and in the heart of grace.”

Who Is Explicitly Included

The church’s welcome statement lists the following characteristics as not grounds for exclusion from any part of congregational life:

Category Included per church statement
Race, color, ethnicity Yes
Age Yes
Marital status Yes
Gender Yes
Sexual identity and expression Yes
Physical or mental ability Yes

Participation is described as extending across worship, education, fellowship, ministry, and mission—not just Sunday attendance.

The Scriptural Basis Cited

TUMC anchors its welcome in John 6:37: “Anyone who comes to me, I will never drive away.” The church frames this as the model for how it treats visitors and members—welcome, support, comfort, and strength for life, in its words.

What to Expect If You Visit

  • Sunday worship is held at 10:00 a.m.
  • Discipleship options include Bible study and learning groups.
  • Children and youth are served through Sunday School and Youth Group.
  • Fellowship and care ministries cover friendship, prayer, and support.
  • Service opportunities are highlighted as a core part of church life.

The church also maintains a calendar of upcoming events for visitors who want to connect before or after a Sunday service.

A Practical Caveat

This article reflects TUMC’s own published statements about its identity and welcome. Denominational policies and congregational practices can vary and change; if full inclusion on a specific point matters to you—for example, marriage or leadership roles for LGBTQ+ members—confirm directly with the church office or pastor rather than relying on a general welcome statement alone.