The Vision:
To Do Good,
To Seek God,
And Build Community.
About Us
Bozeman United Methodist Church, nestled in the heart of Bozeman, is a welcoming beacon of faith, love, and fellowship. For over a century, this historic church has provided solace, direction, and strength.
The United Methodist Church’s Mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Local Churches and extension ministries of the Church provide the most significant arenas through which disciple-making occurs.
Bozeman United Methodist Church is a diverse community of Christians who affirm that all persons are made in the image of God, and thus all persons have a sacred worth and dignity.
We range across the political spectrum, and we welcome people of all ages, races, sexual orientations, gender identities, family configurations, economic standing, and mental and physical abilities. Everyone is welcome as we journey together following Jesus.
About the Pastoral Staff
Pastor Zach Bechtold, Lead Pastor of Spiritual Imagineering at Bozeman UMC… Since joining in 2022, Pastor Zach has brought renewed energy and passion for spreading God's love. He warmly welcomes everyone and creates a safe space to explore their faith. His sermons challenge us to live out our beliefs daily and make a positive impact. Through outreach programs, he leads by example, inspiring us to be the hands and feet of Christ. He is deeply committed to social justice issues and has fostered outreach opportunities that have made a significant impact in the local community.
About the Church Staff
The Bozeman Montana United Methodist Church Staff consists of a dedicated team of individuals committed to serving the community and spreading the message of love and grace. Led by our pastors, the staff is passionate about nurturing the spiritual growth of our congregation and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all. From our worship leaders who guide us in uplifting music and heartfelt prayers, to our dedicated administrative team who ensures that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, each staff member plays an integral role in the life of our church. Together, they embody the values of compassion, kindness, and inclusivity, providing support and encouragement to our church family on their faith journeys. With their commitment and tireless efforts, the Bozeman UMC staff serves as a shining example of servant leadership in action.
Amy Woessner - Building Administration & Reservations
Joe Schumacher, Community Engagement & Small Groups Coordinator
Christian Garcia - Treasurer
Janna Lauver - Communications
Ann Dickensheets - Music & Senior Ministry
Rin Stearns - Youth Ministry
Abbie Thompson - Children’s Ministry
Janet Colombo - Missions
History of Bozeman United Methodist Church
W. W. Alderson, a founder of Bozeman, held the first religious services in 1865. In 1866, Rev. A. M. Hough organized the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bozeman, and Alderson collected subscriptions to build a frame building at Main and Tracy. The original church members included John Bozeman, John Mendenhall, D. E. Rouse, Nelson Story, W. H. Tracy, and Davis Willson. By 1869, First Methodist had an organ and the only church bell in town. In 1874, they moved the bell and belltower to the current location and built a Gothic style brick church. The bell traveled to Bozeman from Fort Benton by steamboat and oxcart. The belltower was moved in 1905 and replaced with a three-story belltower built by Joseph Uhlrich, a Swiss immigrant. The church added a two-story addition, housing church parlors, a dining room, sewing room, kitchen, and pantry. The Ladies’ Aid Society raised money through chicken pie suppers. In 1949, a west side addition with a 350-seat auditorium was completed. The original 1874 church was replaced in 1994. The 1905 belltower, now stucco-covered, still calls the congregation to worship, preserving the Methodist tradition in Bozeman since 1865.
FAQs
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We have UMC churches in Bozeman, Belgrade and Livingston.
Bozeman: Bozeman UMC Worship Sunday at 9:30am in person and online at 121 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT www.bozemanumc.org
Belgrade: Living Waters UMC Worship Sunday at 11am in person at 51 W. Cameron Bridge Rd. in Belgrade off Jackrabbit Rd. www.livingwatersbelgrade.com
Livingston: www.methodistsontheyellowstone.org
Grace UMC in Livingston Worship Sundays informal worship services starting at 5:30pm. 302 S. 9th Street Livingston, MT
Holbrook’s UMC Worship Sundays at 11:00am on Sundays. Fellowship following the service. 424 West Lewis Street Livingston, MT
Pine Creek UMC Worship at 9:30am on Sundays with Sunday school on the second and third Sundays. Fellowship at 9 am before the service. 2470 East River Road, Livingston, MT
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Each of our churches have a variety of worship styles but each includes music, scripture, children’s time, sermon, monthly communion and a time for community prayer. Music varies from hymnal songs from the United Methodist Hymnal, The Faith We Sing Hymnal, Worship & Song Hymnal and some contemporary music from around the world.
We are always in need of ushers to greet and guide people to worship, scripture readers, candle lighters, communion servers to help and welcome all who want to serve to visit with us in the office about opportunities to sign up to serve during worship.
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The United Methodist Church shares a great deal with other Christian denominations. We believe God's grace is open to all, and therefore practice "open Communion"--meaning that anyone may participate in receiving Communion. We believe salvation is an open gift from God, accepted by individuals according to their own free will. The United Methodist denomination is a "big tent" theologically, providing space for theological discourse and, at times, disagreement.
Like many other Christian groups, we affirm the beliefs expressed in the Apostles Creed. These include:
-The belief in one God, who is the Creator and sustainer of the universe.
-The belief in the Trinity, that there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
-The belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who is fully human and fully divine.
What do United Methodists do?
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, taught that we pursue our faith in community and action with others. We practice a social holiness. We insist that personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world. The United Methodist Church has a long history of action and advocacy for social justice.
United Methodists are active in their communities and in the world through a variety of ways, including:
-Participating in local mission projects and service initiatives
-Supporting global mission efforts through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other mission organizations
-Advocating for social justice and working to address issues such as poverty, hunger, and inequality
-Providing educational and vocational training opportunities
-Offering counseling, support groups, and other forms of pastoral care
-Creating and supporting community development programs
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We have small groups and classes for:
Nursery imaginative play for ages 0-1st grade during church.Preschool - 5th grade Sunday School classes after church in the Tower Theater Room upstairs.
Youth group (6th-12th) on Sunday evenings 6-8:00pm.
Bible studies and book discussion groups for men, women and all people of all ages on Sundays and during the week.
Coffee Hour on the 2nd Thursday at 1:30 (once a month) at Cold Smoke Coffeehouse on Oak/19th in Bozeman.
Bar+Church on the 3rd Monday at 6pm at Last Best Place Brewery on 7th in Bozeman.
United Women of Faith Monthly Gatherings.
United Methodist Men’s Breakfast group Thursdays at 7am at Bozeman UMC.
Senior Ministry Monthly Book Clubs and Luncheons.
Dine with 9 & Family Dine - fellowship groups that meet as often as are able!Summer BBQ Nites & Hiking Adventures.