Edwards Chapel, a church in Clymer, recently announced its disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church. Submitted photo

CLYMER — Clymer church, Edwards Chapel, has officially joined the list of churches in the area that have announced their disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church.

Located at 9227 Cherry Hill Road, Edwards Chapel began as a United Brethren in Christ church before transitioning into a union with the United Methodist Church, and has now announced that they are moving into the future as an independent church.

“To the church at Edwards Chapel, disaffiliation is an answer to prayer, but only because the direction the UMC is going in recent years conflicts with our beliefs,” Edwards Chapel Pastor Warren VanDewark said. “It’s not a dislike of the Methodist Church, just conflicting ideas.”

VanDewark said that the people of his church were united in this decision to be independent and able to make their own decisions. He added that they are not interested in joining another group or denomination at this time, and are more interested in stepping out on their own to continue to share the love of Jesus in the local community.

“We are just focusing on reaching the community with the love of Jesus,” VanDewark said. “Everything over the last few years has gotten away from that and now we want to regain our focus. Disaffiliation from the Methodist Church has been a dark cloud over our heads, and now that’s gone.”

Edwards Chapel is open to anyone interested in coming to Sunday Services, with Sunday School for all ages starting at 9:45 a.m. Sundays and worship beginning at 11 a.m. The church welcomes anyone to come and join them for worship.