Will I be welcome?

As a community of faith and part of God's nurturing family, all persons are invited to join in worship, spiritual enrichment and Christian fellowship. People of all races, genders and sexual orientation are welcome. Several different services are provided, each with its own style.

As a congregation with open hearts, open minds and open doors, we fervently live into the words of John Wesley: "If thou lovest God and all humankind, I ask no more: give me thine hand." Our welcome knows no boundaries of age, race ethnicity, culture, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, economic condition, physical or mental ability.

I haven't been to church in a long time… is that a problem?

Although we encourage participation in worship, there's nothing special you will need to know. We have a time in most services when we shake hands and welcome each other, and we often sing together, but otherwise, it's a low-stress experience!

How should I dress?

There's a wide variety! Some of us like 'church clothes', some of us are in jeans and sneakers and some in clothes we wore to bike to church. Wear whatever feels comfortable to you. That's what we do.

What else can I expect?

We do ask that you sign the attendance pads so we have a record of your presence. If you include your address, we will send you some more information about the church.

The United Methodist Church practices open communion. All who wish to partake are invited to the table to share the sacrament.

Our services generally have a collection, or offering, of money to help God's work. This support for our ministry is the responsibility of church members. As our guest, we don't want you to feel any obligation to give.

What about my kids?

Although childcare is provided during all services, children of all ages are welcome to attend worship with their parents. In our two Sunday sanctuary services they are invited down to the pulpit area to listen to a special "Children's Time" message. After that, they may stay in service or go to Sunday School. For more info, check out our Kid's page.

Safe Sanctuaries

Community UMC follows the United Methodist Church's policy on safe sanctuaries. All persons who work with youth and children undergo background checks, and two adults are always present at all events. For the children's safety, we ask parents to sign in their children in and out of all events such as Sunday School, childcare and choir rehearsals.

Join Us!

Persons who have expressed an interest in joining Community UMC are asked to participate in a series of meetings where they can learn more about the United Methodist Church and Community UMC in particular, participating in group sharing and personal reflection on the issues of faith, church membership and ministry.

These Inquirers classes meet for three sessions and are held three times a year. The next class begins September 9, 2007 for members joining September 30. We would welcome the opportunity to talk with you personally about membership. Please feel free to contact Mary Jacobs, our director of Lay Ministry, by phone or email.

More about Inquirers Classes

Inquirers class is held in our Chapel during the 9:30 a.m. Sunday School hour and includes the following sessions:
What Brings You Here: Getting acquainted and telling our stories with the class members and the pastors.
Invitation to Christian Discipleship: The covenant of Christian discipleship and church membership, led by our pastors.
Our Commitment to Ministry: Conversations with representatives of the adult Christian Education classes and learning about other ministry opportunities.