Welcome to CUMC! I was a student here at WCU from 2007-11. My original plan was not ministry but God had something else in mind for me. I am very grateful to be invited back to serve at CUMC. I love Cullowhee. I love WCU, and CUMC has always held a special place in my heart. I don’t think a perfect church exists yet, but CUMC comes pretty close. I always felt welcomed here myself years ago. CUMC has a long history of being a welcoming church community. I hope you experience the same thing here too, no matter who you are or where you are in your faith. If there’s room at the table here for me, then there’s more than enough room for you.
-Pastor Mitch
CUMC Inclusion Statement:
Cullowhee United Methodist Church affirms that all people are made in God’s image, celebrates the diversity of gifts given to God’s children, and invites everyone to participate in the full life, ministry, and mission of our church no matter their race, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, political affiliation, faith history, physical or mental ability, family configuration, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
-CUMC Administrative Council
WCU Wesley Inclusion Statement:
The Wesley Foundation is the campus ministry of the United Methodist Church and Cullowhee UMC. It is approaching its 75th anniversary of work with the students of Western Carolina University. The ministry and students have been a champion for civil rights, social justice, and loving their neighbor during regular days and during many times of trial and tribulation throughout our country’s turbulent 20th and 21st century history.
Now we face new adversity that comes from within our own denomination. Let it be known that we will continue to be the same welcoming body of Christians where every person who comes to this place is welcomed, loved, and honored similarly. Every person will be valued for being a child of God. Considering full equality and inclusion; EVERYONE will have opportunities to grow closer to God through worship, study, and prayer, enjoy the fellowship of other students and church members, and contribute to their community and ministry. The Wesley Foundation has been and always will remain a campus ministry for ALL students.
-Jay Hinton, Campus Minister/Director