About Us
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."
— Matthew 5:14 (NIV)
A Message from the Pastor:
Roberta Church is a Global Methodist Church founded in 1906 and has been a pillar in the community ever since.
We are a bible-based church who believe the bible is the inspired work of God and that Jesus Christ is His Son, our Lord & Savior; who was crucified, dead, and buried. On the third day, he rose from the dead and through his resurrection conquered sin and death.
We believe in the scripture as written and not interpreted to conform to social norms. We believe we are all God’s children deserving of His love and the love from one another.
We believe to receive God’s gift of eternal life; we must accept Jesus Christ as our Lord & Savior and live a Christ-like life.
God made us perfectly imperfect, an ongoing work in progress.
Come join us as we work on transforming our hearts and becoming better people in this mixed-up world.
What We Believe:
At Roberta Church, we are committed to the foundational truths of Christianity, rooted in the person and work of Jesus Christ. We believe that Jesus is our Savior and Lord, and through Him, we find salvation, purpose, and transformation. Our beliefs are guided by Scripture, which we hold as the ultimate authority for faith and practice, and shaped by the historic creeds of the Christian faith, such as the Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed.
We recognize that we are all sinners in need of saving, and that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Roberta Church is not a place for perfect people; it is a place for the broken, the weary, and those seeking hope. Through God’s justifying grace, we are forgiven and set free from the burden of sin, not by our own merit but through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His grace invites everyone—no matter their past or present—to experience new life in Him.
We are passionate about the grace of God that is extended to all people, from prevenient grace, which invites us into a relationship with God, to sanctifying grace, which empowers us to grow in holiness and reflect Christ’s character in our lives.
Our faith is not just personal but also communal. We are called to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Through this love, we engage in service, discipleship, and mission, seeking to embody the teachings of Jesus both in our local community and around the world.
In everything we do, we depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who shapes us into the body of Christ and helps us live out our faith in bold and transformative ways
Our Vision:
At Roberta Church, we seek to join God in bringing new life, reconciliation, and the presence of Christ to all people. Our vision is to reflect the character of Christ in everything we do, sharing God’s truth and grace through worship, service, and love. We are committed to advancing God’s Kingdom in every part of society, working together as a faith community to make a global impact. Through our mission, we hope to see every person experience the transformative power of the Gospel and grow in their relationship with Christ.
Our Mission:
At Roberta Church, a local Global Methodist Church, our mission is clear: to make disciples of Jesus Christ who worship passionately, love extravagantly, and witness boldly. We are committed to living out our faith with enthusiasm and purpose, drawing deeply from biblical teachings and the example set by Jesus.
We believe that passionate worship is at the heart of our faith, where we gather to honor God with all our heart, mind, and soul. This isn’t just about what we do on Sundays—it’s about living a life of gratitude, praising God in everything we do.
Extravagant love defines how we treat one another, following Christ's command to love even our enemies. At Roberta, we are known for the love and warmth of our congregation, where everyone—whether a long-time member or first-time visitor—is welcomed with open arms. Our church family embodies this love not only within the walls of our building but also as we engage with the wider community. We believe that this love reflects God's grace and compassion, as we care for the vulnerable and seek justice in a broken world.
Finally, we boldly witness to the truth of the Gospel, proclaiming the transformative power of Jesus’ love in our community and beyond. We are called to share this good news with people from all walks of life, just as early disciples did, through both word and action.
Our church also emphasizes transformational discipleship, nurturing each other’s faith in small group settings and encouraging everyone to reflect the character of Christ. We believe in multiplying disciples, equipping each believer to make more disciples and help expand God’s Kingdom.
At the core, Roberta is a community church with global reach, united in missions yet diverse in culture and background. Together, we join hands to share the love of Christ and support one another in prayer and partnership.
Sacraments:
Baptism:
At Roberta Church, we believe that baptism marks the beginning of a believer's journey with Christ. Through baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, symbolizing the washing away of sin and the new birth in Christ. It is a sign of God’s grace and a public declaration of faith, whether through sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. Baptism is a once-in-a-lifetime sacrament, representing entrance into the body of Christ and the commitment to a lifelong journey of discipleship.
Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper):
We celebrate Holy Communion as a means of receiving God’s grace and remembering Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. In the bread and cup, we experience Christ’s presence and are spiritually nourished. Communion is open to all who seek to live in love and harmony with others, offering a continual reminder of Christ’s love and the unity of believers. At Roberta Church, we observe communion once a month and on special occasions, providing regular opportunities for spiritual renewal and reflection.
History of Roberta Church:
Roberta Church has a rich history spanning over a century, rooted in faith, perseverance, and a deep love for God.
In the fall of 1906, a powerful revival was held under a brush arbor, leading to the conversion of more than 250 people. As a result of this spiritual awakening, Fairview Methodist Protestant Church was established. By the spring of 1907, a building committee was formed, land was purchased, and the construction of a white-frame church began. In those early days, new members were baptized in nearby creeks and rivers, symbolizing their commitment to Christ.
Life in the early years was challenging, especially for the many farmers who made up the congregation. Unable to provide a large salary for the pastor, the members instead gave "poundings," offering gifts of sugar, flour, chickens, milk, butter, fruit, coal, soap, and other household necessities to support the preacher and his family.
Fairview was originally part of a circuit with another church in Concord, meaning the pastor would visit every other Sunday, traveling by horse and buggy. Church members, equally dedicated, also made the journey this way. The congregation gathered for "big meetings" or revivals each fall, traditionally held after the cotton crops were "laid by." These gatherings often concluded with a cherished tradition—"dinner on the grounds," where members shared meals and fellowship.
As the church grew, so did the need for a larger building. In 1948, the congregation began raising funds for a new church, and in 1952, construction began. By 1953, services were held in the basement of the new brick building, and the sanctuary was officially dedicated in 1956.
One of the church’s most treasured symbols, the bell in the belfry, dates back to the original building. Shipped by rail freight to the Concord Depot, it was transported to the church by a two-horse wagon and hoisted into place using a block and tackle. This same bell still rings every Sunday morning, calling the faithful to worship. In earlier times, it was also used to announce deaths in the congregation and to signal the approach of a funeral procession.
Over the past century, Roberta Church has seen many changes. Pastors have come and gone, each leaving their own mark in ministry. The church’s name has also evolved: from Fairview Methodist Protestant in 1906 to Roberta Methodist Protestant in 1919, then to Roberta Methodist in 1939, Roberta United Methodist in 1968, and finally back to Roberta Church in 2023.
Significant improvements have been made to the church campus to accommodate a growing congregation. A handicapped-accessible ramp was added in 1985. In 1998, the sanctuary was renovated, altering the choir and altar areas. The fellowship building, originally constructed in 1959, was updated in 2000 with a commercial kitchen, restrooms, and additional storage. In 2009, a welcoming center and classrooms were added, followed by a playground in 2013, further enhancing the church’s ability to serve families and the community.
Through it all, Roberta Church has remained a loving, caring, praying, and giving church. Its members continue to support the local community, schools, and global mission efforts—demonstrating God’s love through service and generosity.
This enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and grace is a testament to God's blessings upon Roberta Church. As we honor our past, we eagerly embrace the future, knowing that God’s love continues to guide us forward.