Worship

Worship Times:

Sundays at
8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

At 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Sundays, the congregation gathering for worship at Christ United Methodist Church is noisy, sometimes even boisterous. Parents get their young children settled with worship bags complete with their own children's bulletin and crayons. Friends who live and work in different areas of our community greet one another and inquire about each other's week. Visitors are welcomed, first by the greeters, then the ushers, and then, often by the pastors mingling among the crowd. The chatter ceases only when the pastor steps forward to welcome everyone in the name of Jesus Christ.

Worship at Christ United Methodist Church has been described in a variety of ways:

traditional worship in blue jeans;
blended worship, with contemporary music and acts of worship along with great hymns and prayers of the faith.
Most of all, it is a place where those who have gathered can experience strongly the presence of the Living Christ, in the preaching, in the music, and in the community.

You are as likely to hear a contemporary song with drums, guitar and hand-clapping as you are to hear a classic choral anthem. You will probably sing a traditional hymn and a praise chorus in the same service. You will witness a number of church members of all ages offering leadership by reading scriptures and song leading. You will probably laugh out loud at least one time during the sermon, and you may also be deeply moved by what you hear and see. You will also be invited to sit and listen quietly for a few moments to hear what God may be calling you to do. And you will be sent on your way by the entire congregation singing, "The Lord Bless and Keep You...."

With the exception of the different musical ensembles that provide music for the two services and the various lay readers and leaders who participate, the 8:30 and 11:00 services are identical. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month. All who desire to lead a Christian life are welcome to receive communion, regardless of age or status of membership in any church.

Worship at Christ United Methodist Church is not formal or ritualistic; the atmosphere is casual and child-friendly. Nor is it what some might call contemporary or praise worship; tradition through prayers, ritual, and great hymns of faith enriches our worship experience and helps connect us to those who have gone before us and speak to us of God. Instead it is a unique, authentic blend of many styles all seeking to do the same thing: helping people experience God and the Living Christ, connecting worshipers to each other, and sending worshipers out to serve and be in ministry with God's hurting world.