Our Mission & Vision
At Simpson our mission is to be a people who celebrate God’s love, seek to live as Christ’s disciples, and share Christ with the world.
Simpson United Methodist Church is an open and inclusive place where all people are accepted and shown God’s unconditional love. From our humble beginnings in 1882 we have followed in the theological tradition that descends from John Wesley. We welcome you to become a part of the church family.
Mission & Purpose
We have diverse and rich programs which provide educational stimulation for people of all ages and connect people with each other and God. Our congregation is a place of hospitality, inclusion and acceptance where people from diverse backgrounds, life styles, races and classes are welcomed and respected; where there is a sensitivity to the needs of all; and where all can experience a sense of belonging. We are involved in social outreach activities putting love into action. Simpson hopes to be a community of effective stewards, giving back to God to make things happen and to fulfill God’s mission in this place. Ultimately, we are a community on a journey with God, a community of faith on a journey of spiritual openness and growth.
Our Team
Events
Our Beliefs
Our Beliefs & Values
Simpson United Methodist Church follows in the theological tradition that descends from John Wesley. Some of the most important ideas that shape our beliefs include:
Grace of God
The defining characteristic of God is an active love that reaches out to us before we are even aware of it. Although we are all called to respond to that grace in our own way with our own gifts. We believe it is God’s spirit that empowers all that we have and all that we do.
Inclusion of All
Jesus’ practice was radical hospitality. We therefore believe that no one is outside the grace of God. One expression of this is our open communion table where all people are welcome regardless of age, race, gender, denominational affiliation or sexual identity.
Practice of Faith
Salvation is not simply a one time experience. It is a process of growth. Our goal is to become people who love God and neighbor. We follow the Spirit as we learn to become more like Christ in everything we do.
Importance of Balance
Methodism is sometimes called a “both/and church.” We tend not to elevate one aspect of life at the expense of another, but we seek to bring them into dialogue. We talk about faith and works, body and spirit, peace and justice, personal holiness and social holiness. To understanding our calling as disciples of Christ we use scripture, tradition, reason and experience.
Transformation of the World
Jesus came to proclaim the kingdom of God. He demonstrated the ways of that kingdom by offering food, healing and forgiveness to all. We likewise seek to live as Christ did by reaching out to those in need through projects reaching out to those facing hunger, disaster and disease, as well as offering hope to those who hunger in spirit for new meaning in their lives.
“I build on Christ, the rock of ages; on his sure mercies described in his word, and on his promises, all which I know are yea and amen.“
– John Wesley
Who We Are
Our Team & Leadership
Our team is made of a diverse group of staff and volunteers who all share a deep love of Jesus and a deep love for others. We seek to guide Simpson for God’s purpose and to fulfill our mission.
Our Pastor: Rev. Lesli McGowan
Pastor | pastor@simpsonumc.org
Lesli came to Simpson UMC and the Wesley Foundation after serving as the Family Life Minister at Whitney UMC in Boise, ID for the past 13 years. She also comes with a wealth (19 years) of experience in leading contemporary worship and youth ministry. Lesli is a Licensed Local Pastor (LLP) in the Inland Missional District and the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church. She received her License in 2018 and continues her theological studies through Summer Intensives at the Western Jurisdiction of the UMC- Course of Study at Claremont Theological Seminary in California. Lesli loves to be outdoors; walking and kayaking the beautiful rivers and hills. She attended Boise State University and even though she is a Bronco at heart, life in Pullman requires becoming a Washington State Cougars fan. Go Cougs! Lesli has three grown daughters, Madison (Boise, ID), Caitlin (Perth, AU) and Abbigail (Phoenix, AZ). Email Pastor Lesli at pastor@simpsonumc.org.
Jason McDougall
Directory of Music Ministry
Cyndi Arbour
Director of Handbell Choir
Penny Lipinski
Office Administrator
office@simpsonumc.org
Pullman, WA 99163
509-332-5212