Sharing Our Space

Our Church Is Our Mission: A Promise Fulfilled at Pleasant Street UMC 

Twenty years ago, as we stood on the dusty foundation of what would become our new fellowship hall at Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, we were full of vision—and facing an uphill climb. We dreamed of a space that would serve not just our congregation, but the greater Waterville community. A place of warmth, light, purpose, and promise. But as construction costs mounted and financial challenges loomed, that dream seemed further away than ever.

So, we did what a faithful church does: we prayed. We gathered in the sanctuary, in small groups and quiet corners, and asked God to show us a way forward. And in those sacred moments, we made a bold and heartfelt promise. We told God that if He made a way—if He helped us finish what we had begun—we would dedicate that new building and our entire church not only to worship, but to mission. Not just to our mission, but to His mission, expressed through the good work of others.

We vowed to open our doors. To keep the lights on. To keep the heat running. To say yes whenever we could. Because we believed then—and still believe now—that the church is not a clubhouse. It’s not a private meeting hall. It’s not four walls reserved for Sundays. The church is the mission.

And God answered. Through generosity, resourcefulness, and a little bit of miracle, we finished the building. And more importantly, we kept our promise.

Today, Pleasant Street UMC is home to not just our own ministries, but to over 13 community organizations who carry out vital, inspiring work. These are groups that feed the hungry, support mental health, provide education, offer recovery and healing, and strengthen the fabric of our neighborhood. They are Girl Scouts and grief groups. Tutoring programs and addiction recovery. Prayer circles and parenting support. And every one of them is part of God’s answer to our prayer.

We don’t just host them—we honor them. Because when we unlock our doors to these good works, we’re not renting space. We’re living our promise. We’re fulfilling our mission.

You see, some churches ask, “How do we bring people into the church?” But here at Pleasant Street UMC, we ask, “How do we let the church out into the world?” And sometimes, that looks like a Monday night meeting in our basement. Sometimes it’s a Tuesday afternoon support circle. Sometimes it’s the quiet comfort of knowing someone had a place to gather when they had nowhere else to go.

The building we prayed for has become a beacon. And every room in it hums with the energy of compassion and service. Because our building isn’t just where we do church. It is church. It’s a living, breathing expression of our faith. A sanctuary not only for worship, but for work that reflects God’s love.

And so, we continue. One open door at a time. One group at a time. One promise kept. Because we believe this truth with all our hearts:

Our Church is Our Mission.

Here are the organizations that meet in our church