Our Story
For more than 50 years, Davis United Methodist Church has sought to live out Christ’s call to love God, serve others, and help transform the world.
Founded in 1961, our congregation first gathered at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall. As the church grew, we moved to our current location on Anderson Road in 1968. The campus was expanded in the 1980s, and in 2004 we celebrated the opening of our current sanctuary. In 2011, Davis United Methodist Church marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of faith, service, and community.
Our Timeline
1961 – Church founded (worship was held at the Davis Odd Fellows Hall)
1968 – Moved to Anderson Road campus
1980s – Campus expanded
1998 – Became the first Davis church to formally affirm LGBTQ+ inclusion
2004 – New sanctuary dedicated
2011 – Celebrated 50th anniversary
Growing in Faith
At the heart of our church is a commitment to worship and spiritual growth.
Through meaningful worship, music, prayer, scripture, and preaching, generations of members have deepened their relationship with God and one another. Small groups, Bible studies, retreats, and fellowship opportunities have provided places for learning, reflection, and encouragement throughout our history.
Children, youth, and families have always been an important part of church life. From Sunday School and Vacation Bible School to youth fellowship and service opportunities, we strive to help young people grow in faith and discover their gifts.
Building Community
Davis UMC is more than a place of worship. It is a community where people celebrate life’s joys and support one another through its challenges.
Over the years, traditions such as church-wide baby showers, family game nights, dinner groups, anniversary celebrations, and retreats have helped create lasting friendships and a strong sense of belonging.
Serving Davis
Service has been a defining part of our congregation since the beginning.
Members of Davis United Methodist Church helped establish many of the social justice and community service organizations that continue to support the Davis area today. From emergency assistance programs and suicide prevention efforts to ministries serving people experiencing homelessness, our congregation has sought to put God’s love into action.
In 1998, Davis United Methodist Church became the first church in Davis to formally affirm and welcome people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, reflecting our commitment to inclusion and justice.
Caring for Creation
We believe caring for the earth is part of our Christian calling.
Davis UMC was the first church in Davis to install solar power and has been recognized by organizations such as California Interfaith Power & Light and Earth Ministry for its environmental leadership. We continue to seek ways to be faithful stewards of God’s creation.
Mission Beyond Davis
Our commitment to service extends far beyond our local community.
Members of our congregation have participated in civil rights efforts, supported refugees, worked to improve access to clean water and sanitation, and partnered with mission organizations around the world. Our church has supported mission families in Zimbabwe, sponsored educational opportunities for children in India, and regularly participated in Volunteers in Mission (VIM) projects.
Youth have also played an important role in this work, serving in communities across the country through annual mission trips, including rebuilding homes after Hurricane Katrina and assisting with housing projects in Native American communities and Los Angeles.
Continuing the Journey
This history provides only a glimpse of the many ways Davis United Methodist Church has sought to live out its mission through worship, community, service, and justice.
As we look toward the future, we remain committed to being an inclusive community dedicated to living and teaching the love of Jesus Christ, while continuing to serve our neighbors both locally and around the world.