About Us
Who We Are
A Loving, Active & Christ-Centered Community
Sidney United Methodist Church is a warm, welcoming congregation rooted in the United Methodist tradition. We are a community of faith committed to worshipping God, growing together in grace, and serving our neighbors in Sidney and beyond.
No matter where you are on your faith journey — whether you've been a Christian your whole life or are just beginning to explore — you are welcome here. Our doors, our hearts, and our community are open to all.
Who We Are & Where We're Going
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
The Mission of the Sidney United Methodist Church
"To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world."
Our Vision
The Vision of the Sidney United Methodist Church
- 1Love God
- 2Serve Others
- 3Transform the World
What We Believe
Our Beliefs
The Triune God
We believe in the one true and living God, who exists in three distinct persons — the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ
We believe that Jesus is the second person of God, fully God and fully human. He was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for the sins of the world, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven, and will return in glory.
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of God who convicts us of sin, sanctifies us, leads us to salvation in Christ, and guides and strengthens the church.
The Holy Bible
We believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, containing all things necessary for salvation in Jesus Christ. It is our primary source of truth and the sole authority for our faith, life, and the church.
The Wesleyan Quadrilateral
While scripture is the sole authority for our faith and life, we believe our faith is also informed by the tradition of the church, human reason, and our own experiences.
Salvation in Christ
We believe that through turning from sin and embracing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are offered eternal salvation through the life-giving shed blood of Christ — a free gift offered to all.
The Church
The church exists to love, care, serve, preach, teach, and guide people into relationship with Jesus Christ. We equip people around their gifts and graces, and serve and transform the community and the world for the glory of God.
Humanity
We believe that all people are broken and need God's saving grace through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. The ministries of the church are open to all people, so that all might know God, follow Christ, and transform the world.
Over 200 Years of Faith
Our History
More than 200 years ago, a circuit rider came to Sidney seeking a place to hold revival meetings. After being refused the use of a church, Mr. and Mrs. Arvine Clarke — among the town's first settlers — offered their home. Friends and neighbors gathered each evening, a revival took hold, and the first Methodist Episcopal Class was organized. The First Methodist Church was built in 1831 on Main Street, with timber and lot donated by the Clarke family.
First Church Built
The First Methodist Church was built on Main Street, with timber and lot donated by the Clarke family. The first Methodist Episcopal Class was organized with Mr. Clarke as leader.
Move to Liberty Street
With the coming of the railroad, the Main Street site became too noisy. A lot on Liberty Street was purchased and a new church building was dedicated on May 22, 1871. The original church bell still hangs in the belfry today.
Present Sanctuary Dedicated
A fund for a new church was created in 1919, ground was broken in 1933, and on Palm Sunday 1934 the dedication service for the present sanctuary was conducted. The beautiful triple stained glass window depicts the original 1831 church, Christ before the open door, and the likenesses of Mr. and Mrs. Arvine Clarke.
Education Wing Added
The education wing, kitchen, and hall were added to the church building. A year later, the Tri-Town Nursery School opened its doors to area pre-schoolers — a ministry that remains vital to this day.
Flood & Resilience
The Susquehanna River flooded much of Sidney, filling the church basement and leaving 3–4 inches of water on the sanctuary floor. The congregation worshipped in the Sidney School parking lot and at St. Luke's Lutheran Church while repairs were made. The church emerged with a remodeled basement, new sanctuary floor, and remodeled parsonage.
Upper New York Conference
The Upper New York Annual Conference was formed, consolidating four conferences to recharge United Methodist ministries across the state. District boundaries were redrawn and the Sidney UMC adapted to the new structure.
Hymn Writer Brian Wren
Renowned hymn writer Brian Wren was connected to Sidney UMC during this period. Known for beloved hymns including "Christ Is Alive," "Christ Is Risen," and "This Is a Day of New Beginnings," Wren's work has shaped congregational worship around the world.
Pastor Barbara Lamoree Arrives
Local licensed pastor Barbara Lamoree began her appointment to our beloved church and community in July 2026.
Come Worship With Us
We'd love to meet you. Join us for worship and experience the warmth of our community firsthand.