WHO WE ARE
University United Methodist Church of Isla Vista (U.Me.IV) has served the Isla Vista community as a beacon of hope and healing since its formation in 1961. Nestled in the heart of Goleta with a vision of knowing God and making Gods' love known to others, U.Me.IV continues to faithfully proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ through its local and global missions, small group ministries, and engaging worship opportunities. As a part of The United Methodist Church, U.Me.IV stands in the broad tradition of the Christian faith, founded in the bedrock belief that Jesus Christ is Lord and that He lives yet today, calling all to follow Him as the Sovereign of their lives. We believe that He invites us into a personal relationship in which salvation comes wholly through the grace of God. With those of other communions, we confess our belief as well in the triune God consisting of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And we believe in the Bible as the Word of God by which our lives are to be both informed and measured, expressed in the sentiment of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, that We are called to be "people of the one Book." We affirm that our God-given task in the world is to be about sharing the good news of God's grace. The commitment that we thus ask of each of our members is to take seriously this responsibility, by not only growing in their knowledge and love of God, but by supporting the church with their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their service, and their witness.
For more on what United Methodists believe
MISSION
The mission of University United Methodist Church of Isla Vista (U.Me.IV) is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world by sharing the good news of God's grace and by exemplifying Jesus' command to love God and neighbor.
VISION
The Vision of U.Me.IV is to Gather. Connect. Serve!
-
To create a place where people can GATHER in hope.
-
To CONNECT with God and community in love.
-
To SERVE others in joy.
RECONCILING CONGREGATION
We celebrate the diversity of the human family accepting all people unconditionally without reservation: People of all races, ages, genders, gender identities, national origins, sexual orientations, faith traditions, financial means, education, marital statuses, family make up, and mental and physical abilities are encouraged to join in and be a part of the work God is doing among us! We strive to be nurturing and open, seeking to be a living expression of the love extended through Christ - a Christian community where we truly love God and each other. Since December 2, 2014, we are affiliated with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN), a growing movement of United Methodist individuals, congregations, campus ministries, and other groups working for the full participation of all people in The United Methodist Church. RMN has been mobilizing United Methodists to create full inclusion of all God's children regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity since 1982.
MEET THE PASTOR
REV. MARTIN FINAU
Rev. Martin Finau, also referred to as Matini, is the Pastor at U.Me.IV. He has been in full-time ministry since 2019 and obtained his Master of Divinity from Emory-Candler School of Theology in 2018. On his down time, he loves to spend time in nature, making new friends, and spending time in devotion with God. What is your story? Have you told anyone? We would love to hear it and join along as your story of life unfolds.
