“The United Methodist structure and organization began as a means of accomplishing the mission of spreading scriptural holiness. Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, recognized the need for an organized system of communication and accountability and developed what he called the “connexion,” a network of classes, societies, and annual conferences.
Today, our denomination continues to be organized in a “connectional” system, which “enables us to carry out our mission in unity and strength” (Book of Discipline, ¶ 701). Every local church is linked to an interconnected network of organizations that join together in mission and ministry, allowing us to accomplish far more than any one local church or person could alone. “
For more information, check out http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/organization-church-as-connection
As a connectional church, we often join fellow United Methodist churches of the Jesse Lee Cluster and the Kennebec River churches in local activities. Highland Avenue UMC is also a member of the Gardiner Area Minister’s Association (GAMA) and holds joint services on occasion.