Since 1865, we have worshipped & served in the Gallatin Valley.
About Us
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.
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. With a diverse congregation embracing all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life, inclusivity and community thrive here. Through worship, Bible studies, and outreach, we make a positive impact on our members and the community. Bozeman United Methodist Church is a place to grow spiritually, find friendships, and change lives.
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.
Pastor Melinda “Mel” Roberts, Pastor of Spiritual Engagement at Bozeman UMC
& Lead Pastor at Living Waters United Methodist Church in Belgrade… Mel is also Mom to Kasey, whom she adopted from Ethiopia in 2014. Pastor Mel has served churches in Texas, Delaware, New Mexico and Colorado spanning 30+ years in ministry. With her warm and approachable demeanor, Pastor Mel’s sermons are always thought provoking and relevant, as she skillfully weaves together scripture, history, culture and personal anecdotes to connect with the congregation. Pastor Mel can also be found out in the community, look for her at the local McDonalds, making connections and leaving a mark. Pastor Mel is always up for conversation over a Coke or cup of coffee.
Pastor Mari-Emilie Anderson, Pastor of Nurture Care at Bozeman UMC & Lead Pastor at Park County UMC Parishes in Livingston… Along with her husband Walt, Mari-Emilie moved to the Paradise Valley to serve four churches along with offering Nurture Care at Bozeman United Methodist Church. With her warm smile and genuine enthusiasm for the Gospel, she effortlessly connects with individuals of all backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and welcoming community. With a heart full of empathy and an unwavering dedication to the church, Pastor Mari-Emilie is a guiding light, inspiring individuals to deepen their relationship with God and to serve others with love and compassion.
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
Christian Garcia - Treasurer
Janna Lauver - Communications
Ann Dickensheets - Music & Senior Ministry
Pastor Mel Roberts - Youth Ministry
Samantha Dozal - Children’s Ministry
Janet Colombo - Missions
Misti Davis - Director, Gathering Place CLC
About the Gathering Place Child Learning Center
The Gathering Place Child Learning Center in the Bozeman United Methodist Church is a nurturing and inclusive environment where children grow, learn, and thrive. With a team of dedicated and compassionate teachers, this center offers a variety of age-appropriate programs and activities that promote holistic development. From interactive storytelling to engaging art projects, children of all ages are encouraged to explore their creativity and expand their imaginations. The center also places great emphasis on building strong social skills and fostering a sense of community, ensuring that every child feels valued and supported. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, The Gathering Place Child Learning Center is truly a place where children are cherished and their potential is nurtured.
We are a Stephen Ministry Congregation
Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry founded in 1975 and in-place at Bozeman UMC since 2014. Our Stephen Ministers are led by a team of 2 people: Fred Cornelious, Bozeman UMC and Shelly Batey, Living Waters UMC. Pastor Mari-Emilie Anderson is our Nurture Care Pastoral Leader.
Stephen Ministers are trained, Christian lay-persons with a passion for bringing Christ’s love and caring to hurting people during a time of need. The Stephen Minister meets with their care receiver on a weekly basis to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. Their time together is confidential. The caring relationship lasts as long as the person is in need of care.
Are you or a friend going through a divorce, experiencing the death of a loved one, caring for someone who has dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or Parkinson’s disease? Stephen Ministers are here to support you through this season of your life.
Could God be calling you to serve in this powerful ministry at Bozeman United Methodist Church? If you can answer “YES” or even “MAYBE” to either question, contact your pastor, Fred Cornelious, 406-581-2651,or Shelly Batey, 406-388-6433 for more information.
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 Livingstone with shared leadership.
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
Shields Valley UMC Worship at 9:00am on every second and fourth Sundays. Fellowship to follow after service. 210 Miles Street, Clyde Park, 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 0-1st grade during church.Preschool - 5th grade classes after church
Children’s group (PreK-5th) & Youth group (6th-12th) on Sunday evenings 5:30-7:30pm.
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.