Presbyterian Theological Beliefs

       Presbyterians trace their history to the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Our heritage, and much of what we believe, began with the French lawyer John Calvin (1509-1564), whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that came before him.

       Four of John Calvin's priniciples are at the core of our beliefs.  They are: (1) God is the supreme authority throughout the universe. (2) Our knowledge of God and God's purpose for humanity comes from the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life of Jesus Christ.      (3) Our salvation, through Jesus, is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. (4) It is everyone's job - ministers and lay people alike - to share this Good News with the whole world.

       At First Presbyterian Church of Umatilla you will meet people with a varied church history.  We have members whose parents and grandparents founded our church in 1886 in the small agricultural hamlet of Umatilla.  You will find members who have been with this congregation for over 50 years.  You will also meet young families with children who enjoy the fellowship and support that is so important for their children's upbringing.  The common thread running through our varied group of worshipers however, is the belief that God is good.  He came to be with us through His son Jesus Christ, leaving us His thoughts and plan for our lives in the bible.  We also believe that Jesus Christ saves us through his grace by his sacrifice on the cross and it is up to us to share this Good News with everyone.