Frequently Asked Questions

When is worship?  Sundays at 8:50, 9:00, 10:10 & 11:15 a.m.

What are the worship services like?

8:50 a.m. – Traditional Communion Service in Founders Chapel
This service follows the worship guideline in the United Methodist Hymnal, “An Order of Sunday Worship Using the Basic Pattern,” including the service of Holy Communion every Sunday.

9:00 a.m. - Contemporary Worship in the Sanctuary
This service is casual, with contemporary music led by a praise band and vocalists.

10:10 a.m. - Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
A hymn-based traditional worship service accompanied by the organ.

11:15 a.m. - Blended Worship in the Sanctuary
Blended with both traditional and contemporary music, featuring the Chancel Choir and accompanied by the First Church Orchestra.

Visit the worship page for more information...

How long does it last?  55 minutes

Do you have accommodations for the hard of hearing?  Yes! The Sanctuary is equipped with a hearing assistance system for the hard of hearing.  Ask for a receiver at the media booth in the back of the Sanctuary.

What should I wear?  You will see a variety of styles of dress here.  During the summer, most people dress business casual (khakis, short-sleeve shirts, light pants, sundresses, capris).  You will see more suits and ties when it cools off.

How early should I arrive?  Just arrive a couple of minutes early.  You should have no problem finding a parking place or a seat in the sanctuary.

Where do I park?  The church has multiple parking lots, please see map

Will anyone talk to me?  You will be greeted.  But we do try to meet people where they are.  Some want to be left alone and others would like to visit. We want to make it easy if you have questions or want more information.  If you have specific questions, consider visiting the Welcome Center on the left side of the Sanctuary Foyer.

Will I be singled out as a visitor?  No.  We will ask everyone to register their attendance during worship, but there will be no public recognition of visitors.

Where do my kids go during worship?  Children may stay in worship.  During each service we have a children’s time especially designed for the children to come down to the front of the sanctuary and be taught by one of our pastors.  We also provide a packet of activities to keep kids busy during worship.  If you'd prefer, we do have child care for ages birth through preschool during each service.  During 10:10 we have Sunday School for children starting at age 3.  Kids’ Korner (for elementary children ages five and older) meets during the 9:00 & 11:15 worship services in Room 2007.

I have a special needs child. Do you have any accommodations for my family? Yes! The Dream Team is a group of volunteers that assists special needs children, youth and vulnerable adults each Sunday so that the parents/families can attend Worship and/or Sunday School. Dream Makers is also available as a support group for families of special needs individuals. more info...

What else does First Church have for my family?  We have all kinds of programs and opportunities for all ages.  Check it out:  adults    youth   children

How big is First Church?  First Church has between 800 – 1000 in worship each weekend.

How can I get plugged in or get more information?  You can attend Newcomers Connection, which will help you get better acquainted with the church. You can also contact a member of the staff to find out more about areas of interest to you.  Visit E-News and Check-In to find out the latest information about what's going on in the church.

What is First Church’s mission?  Experience and Share God's Love!  more info...

What is different about First United Methodist Church?

• We don’t have a long list of doctrines that everyone must believe.  We all believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, but in the nonessential issues of the faith, we think and let think.

• We believe that God has given us a mind for a specific reason.  You don’t have to turn it off when you come to church.

• We believe that God inspires and works in the life of each Christian, not just the clergy.

• Communion is part of our worship service the first Sunday of the month.  Everyone present in the worship service is invited to partake, not just the members.

• If you have been baptized in another church, we accept your baptism and do not ask you to be baptized again.  We believe God has already acted in your baptism whether or not it was done in a Methodist Church