Our Story
A Unique Intersection…
In 1999, Chula Vista formally launched Otay Ranch, a 5,300-acre community in its southeast corner. Around that time, leaders at La Mesa’s Foothills United Methodist re-examined their church’s role as local communities multiplied and grew. Rather than drawing South Bay’s newest residents to the East County campus, plans developed to meet the new community’s needs where these people live and work. The result of this unique intersection is FOUNDRY UMC, a sister church to Foothills, that is currently serving in East Chula Vista.
Church that is relevant 7 days a week…
At FOUNDRY, we believe church is more than a building or a weekly meeting time. Church is God’s people, living and working together to further God’s kingdom here on earth. We gather Sunday mornings and throughout the week to rejoice in the Creator’s promise to renew relationship with all humankind. The FOUNDRY faith-life community exists to learn about and glorify God – and that can happen any day of the week!
Open to all…
We come from varied backgrounds! FOUNDRY embraces and celebrates our differences as well as our similarities. All are welcome — regardless of gender, race, socio-economic status, political ideology or sexual orientation. Couples, families with children, singles, students and senior citizens can all find a home within the FOUNDRY community.
Serving God by serving others….
Jesus told his disciples, “If you love me, feed my sheep.” FOUNDRY pastor, Christian DeMent believes that being the church means standing together to improve the lives of others, here and throughout the world. His passion for public service has led him to lead work teams to Vladivostok, Russia and four times to New Orleans and Mississippi for Hurricane Katrina relief. Issues such as homelessness, isolation, poverty, and misuse of global natural resources all cry out for an active and engaged church community.
Blending legacy and tradition with bold, modern theology…
As part of the 11-million-strong global United Methodist Church, FOUNDRY honors and cherishes its mainline denominational roots. The gospel message resonates today as it did to John Wesley and the early Methodists in the 1700s. Modern problems and scientific advances also demand that we apply God’s truths with reason and wisdom. FOUNDRY doesn’t shy away from the often thorny issues that affect all our lives in the 21st century.