California UMC
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About.

We've been around for over 175 years. With that historical base, our mission at CUMC is to connect people and their passions, to grow, and serve Jesus Christ.

About California UMC

The California United Methodist Church started regular meetings in nearby Brush Creek in 1840, and by 1855 they had built a church in California. Throughout the years, the congregation has continued to add to and renovate its building while attending to the spiritual needs of its congregation and community.

About United Methodists

The California United Methodist Church is a member of the national and international United Methodist denomination. Nationally, United Methodists comprise the second largest Protestant denomination in the United States. Our worldwide connection includes approximately 12.8 million members.

The United Methodist Church was formed when the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged in 1968. But we trace our heritage back to the movement begun in 1729 in England by John and Charles Wesley.

Our United Methodist Qualities

  • Global: Today we speak many languages and live in many countries—with different cultures, ethnic traditions, national histories and understandings of Christian faith and practice.
  • ​Connectional: Every United Methodist congregation is interconnected throughout the denomination.
  • Inclusive: All persons are welcome to attend our churches and receive Holy Communion, and are eligible to be baptized and become members.
  • Grounded in Scripture: We trust free inquiry, and our faith is guided by Scripture, tradition, experience and reason.
  • Wesleyan Heritage: We place an emphasis on mind and heart, and putting faith and love into practice.
  • Concerned about social justice: For more than 200 years, The United Methodist Church and its predecessor bodies have expressed concern for God’s children everywhere.
  • Mission-oriented: Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
  • Ecumenical: United Methodists value dialogue and missional cooperation between all Christians.

Our Pastor

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Rev. Nicholas Van Dam

Pastor Nick his wife Meagan and their son joined California UMC the summer of 2021.  Nick enjoys triathlon, board games, and finding way to work together in ministry in ways that show love for our neighbors.

Timeline of California UMC

1840
​The CUMC was first organized at Brush Creek in the home of Perry Bailey. Charter members included
​Perry Bailey, Andrew Bailey, Thomas Hightower, Edmund Snodgrass, and each of their wives.
1847
​
The services were moved to California and the congregation met at the courthouse.
1855
The California United Methodist Church was built, at the same location as the current building.
​1926
​The church was remodeled with brick veneer, a new basement was added, the auditorium was enlarged,
and a new organ was installed. The church membership totaled 240 people.
​1954
​The educational wing was added.
1964
​The church was modernized, complete with new pews, organ, lights, carpet, alter, pulpit, and communion rail.
1999
​The sanctuary was completely renovated with the congregation re-oriented to now face west.
2006
The Fellowship Hall was added, including a new kitchen and bathrooms.
2017
The building underwent renovations to the area behind the sanctuary (adding a coffee bar, nursery,
family room, and bathroom) and of the ground level entryway, office, and bathroom.

Location

201 S Oak St. - California, MO

Hours

Sunday
9:00am - Sunday School (all ages)
10:00am - Worship Service

​Office
M-F, 8:00am-noon

Contact Us


​Phone

(573) 796-2792
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