Learn about who we are, where we come from, where we're headed, and what we believe as a church family.
about us
A 100 Year Tradition of Faith and Community.
Since 1836, Providence UMC has been a place where faith thrives, community grows, and lives are transformed by Christ’s love. What began as a small group of believers has blossomed into a vibrant congregation that spans generations.
Rooted in the belief that the Lord will provide, our church has journeyed through seasons of change, holding fast to traditional worship while embracing new ways to serve and share God’s love. From our cherished traditions to our mission-focused efforts, we continue to grow in faith and fellowship.
We invite you to join us on this journey—whether you’re looking for a place to worship, connect, or serve, there’s a place for you at Providence UMC. Come be a part of our story.
What if everyone in our community knew at least 1 person authentically following Jesus?
We’re a small church with a big vision: to see every heart in Monrovia, MD transformed by the life-changing power of the Gospel. We believe the Gospel changes everything, and we’re passionate about sharing that hope in our neighborhoods and beyond. Through local outreach, heartfelt prayer, and equipping believers, we’re striving to make an eternal impact - one person, one family, one story at a time.
Since 2023, we’ve been amazed by how God is working in and through our church family:
2,000+
Families Served
3,700+
Lives Reached with the Gospel
16
Mission Partners Supported
What we Believe
Our United Methodist beliefs and Wesleyan heritage guide and inspire us to serve in Jesus’ name. Here is at the core of what Providence believes. To learn more, read the United Methodist Church’s Articles of Religion and Confession of Faith.
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“We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.” - Article 1, the Confession of Faith (BoD ¶104)
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“The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father, took man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin; so that two whole and perfect natures, that is to say, the Godhead and Manhood, were joined together in one person, never to be divided; whereof is one Christ, very God and very Man, who truly suffered, was crucified, dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us, and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for actual sins of men.” - Article 2, Articles of Religion
“Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and took again his body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature, wherewith he ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he return to judge all men at the last day.” Article 3, Articles of Religion
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“The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.” - Article 4, the Articles of Religion
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“There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” - Article 1, Articles of Religion
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“We believe the Holy Bible, Old and New Testaments, reveals the Word of God so far as it is necessary for our salvation. It is to be received through the Holy Spirit as the true rule and guide for faith and practice. Whatever is not revealed in or established by the Holy Scriptures is not to be made an article of faith nor is it to be taught as essential to salvation.” - Artlce 4, The Confession of Faith (BoD ¶ 104)
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“We believe man is fallen from righteousness and, apart from the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, is destitute of holiness and inclined to evil. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God. In his own strength, without divine grace, man cannot do good works pleasing and acceptable to God. We believe, however, man influenced and empowered by the Holy Spirit is responsible in freedom to exercise his will for good.” - Article 7, the Confession of Faith (BoD ¶ 104)
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“We believe we are never accounted righteous before God through our works or merit, but that penitent sinners are justified or accounted righteous before God only by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. We believe regeneration is the renewal of man in righteousness through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, whereby we are made partakers of the divine nature and experience newness of life. By this new birth the believer becomes reconciled to God and is enabled to serve him with the will and the affections. We believe, although we have experienced regeneration, it is possible to depart from grace and fall into sin; and we may even then, by the grace of God, be renewed in righteousness.” - Article 9, The Confession of Faith (BoD ¶ 104)
Our Team
Dave Rapids, Pastor
Pastor Dave Rapids is passionate about helping others discover the life-changing power of Jesus Christ and grow into the fullness of discipleship. A lifelong United Methodist and one of the youngest Pastors in the country, he brings a deep love for Scripture and a heart for forming believers who think deeply, live faithfully, and serve boldly. His teaching is marked by expository depth, theological clarity, and a call to live as participants in God’s redemptive mission.
Originally from rural Maryland, Pastor Dave’s faith journey deepened during his time at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied Political Science and History. Now in seminary, Pastor Dave also volunteers with Cru, guiding college students in the DC area to know and share the Gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit. In his free time, he enjoys sports, the outdoors, and spending time with his wife, Evangeline.
Have Questions? Dave would love to meet with you! Contact him to set up a time to talk, or meet with him during his office hours: Tuesdays from 9:00am-12:00pm at the Buzz Cafe and 2:00pm - 4:00pm at his office. Email ahead in case he had to leave early for an emergency visit.
Aniko Debreceny, Music director
Aniko Debreceny is a musician from New Zealand and Australia. Her career includes working as an orchestral flutist in orchestras, flute and piano teacher, choral director, educator, composer, and church musician. Her PhD examines the process of creating original subject-based songs for children.