Visiting a church for the first time can make some folks a bit anxious--wondering if they will fit in, what to expect, whether a church will be "right" for them. Although only a first-hand experience can provide the best answer, this page gives a glimpse of what you might find when you decide to come worship at First United Methodist Church, Mays Landing, NJ.
Arriving
Our directions page explains how to find us and tells a bit about parking. We have two buildings: the main church building (the one with the steeple), and our Education and Outreach Building (with a huge cross and flame on its front). Worship services are held in the upper floor of the main building in our sanctuary.
Enter through the main building's front door at the top of the concrete steps and immediately turn left to enter our sanctuary. Depending on which service you are attending, you may be greeted at the door and provided with a bulletin. Or simply help yourself from the stack of bulletins usually found on the table just inside the front door.
For those who may have difficulty with stairs, an elevator is available in our main building. On the right side of our church building is an unassuming door which provides handicapped access to both floors. We try our best to have someone available and waiting by the door to assist you.
Have a seat where ever you would like. With the exception of the occasional special program, we have no assigned or reserved seating.
For the summer months' gatherings at Atlantic County's Gaskill Park, we meet in the gazebo. It is a small, covered pavilion with a concrete floor and no built-in seating. We recommend that you bring a lawn chair, but whatever provisions you may choose would be fine (including sitting on the floor or standing). Keep in mind that it is exposed to the elements.
Children
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me." The nurturing of youth is an important ministry at First United Methodist Church. We encourage you to bring the kids and have them attend worship right along with you.
We also have specialized programs targeted directly for the younger generation. At 9:50 a.m. during the school year, a Sunday School curriculum is offered for children ages 3 and up. During the 10 a.m. service, a nursery is available for preschool children (up to age 5). Take a look at our ministries page to learn more about the programs that we have available for young people.
Our church has implemented a policy under the Safe Sanctuaries program. Measures such as employee background checks and open-door classrooms help ensure the protection of our youngest disciples.
Sunday School
A Sunday School curriculum is offered for everyone from age 3 up through adult. Classes are held during the school year on Sunday mornings, and last about an hour. The adult class begins at 9 a.m., and the classes for children and youth begin at 9:50 a.m.
Sunday School classes meet in both our main building and in our Education and Outreach building. With the exception of our adult class, the class sessions begin in the lower floor of the main building with a combined (all grades) opening ceremony. Entrance to the lower floor is through a door located beneath the right side of the main front steps.
Following the opening ceremony, grades three through twelve go over to the Education and Outreach building, while the youngest children remain on the lower floor of the main building.
Adult Sunday School class meets in the upper floor of our main building.
Order of Service
The bulletin provided for you at the door contains information about the worship service and a few announcements. If you would like, you can take a look at our web page that shows the typical order of service for a preview of what to expect. The folks leading the service do a good job of helping everyone keep their place, and reminding you when to stand or be seated.
At the 10 a.m. service, we sing a brief hymn after the pastor's closing blessing. So keep your hymnal handy.
Prayer
Conversation with the Lord is an integral part of our worship experience. Opportunities exist for both unison prayer and quiet introspection. There is usually a time during which we invite people to voice individual concerns. Usually it is simply the name of a person in need that is raised before the congregation. If you would like the pastor to be made aware of your special prayer request during the service, you may hand a note to the usher during the morning offering.
The prayer that Jesus taught (The Lord's Prayer) is usually spoken at some point during each service. The version we use is:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
Offering
United Methodist churches are funded largely through the contributions of their local members. During each service an opportunity is presented to return some of the gifts that God has so graciously given us.
As a guest, you should feel no obligation when the offering plate passes by. Nor will you appear out of place by doing so, since a number of our members arrange their giving in a manner other than direct placement into the plate each service.
A short verse of praise is sung following the offering during some of our services. The words are usually printed in the bulletin:
Praise God, from whom all blessing flow; praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Scripture Version
United Methodists are not tied to a single translation of God's word as brought to us in the Holy Scriptures. The "big Bible" on our pulpit is the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). Most of the Bibles provided for use in the pews are the Contemporary English Version (CEV). We have a rotating schedule of persons that assist the pastor in leading the service, and they often bring a favorite translation from which to read.
Music
It has been said:
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord . . . come
before his presence with singing.
(Psalm 100).
We think one of the best ways of doing that is to
include a liberal amount of music in our services.
Songs that the congregation sing
range from the traditional, old favorites to
contemporary, praise-style music.
Hymnals (song books) are provided for everyone,
and include all the words and music.
If you don't think much of your singing ability and
don't feel comfortable singing, that's okay.
Of course, if you are a good singer,
then you might consider joining our choir....
During the school year at the 10 a.m. service, our adult choir usually sings a traditional-style anthem. The songs are done in 4-part harmonies, and accompanied by piano. During the other services, the music provided may be one of several varieties, such as instrumentals and small groups of singers. We have a number of talented musicians in our midst, including folks that play pipe organ, piano, flute, guitar, trumpet, and more! And if you feel moved to applaud their efforts, please do so.
For those that desire a more expressive musical worship experience, our Saturday evening Praise and Worship Service is for you. Sing, clap, and move to the spirit of God as we lift up our praises with modern-day music. Tambourines and other noise makers are welcome (we'll even provide them for you).
The Lord's Supper
We celebrate Holy Communion at least once a month, as detailed on our services page. The format of our Holy Communion varies depending on which service you attend. Our more traditional services follow the practice of kneeling (if you are able) at the altar rail, and accepting the elements as served individually. Our more informal services use the method of intinction, where the bread is dipped into the cup, and both elements are taken together. If you are unable to approach the Communion table, the pastor will bring the elements to you.
The United Methodist Church celebrates an "open table" for the Lord's Supper. We have no requirement of age, baptism, or church membership. Everyone that loves Christ, honestly desires to turn away from their disobedience of God, and seeks to live in peace with one another is invited to the table of the Lord. All persons that present themselves for Holy Communion will be served.
And in answer to the frequent question as to what is in the cup? It is non-alcoholic grape juice.
Baptism
For United Methodists, baptism is a ceremony of the whole church, which ordinarily requires the participation of the gathered, worshiping congregation. Therefore, baptisms are incorporated into our Sunday morning worship services. There is no age restriction; we baptize adults and children of all ages. The method of sprinkling is customarily used.
If you do happen to show up at a service during which there is a baptism, please allow the first few rows for family and relatives.
Fellowship
The church is not a building, it is the people! Our church has a strong family spirit. We enjoy coming together to interact with each other. We are there for each other, whether it is to rejoice in our joys, or to provide support in our sorrows.
We look forward to meeting newcomers, and welcoming them into our family. We realize that people have different feelings about socializing. If you prefer to quietly blend in, that's okay. We don't make a point of having visitors stand and introduce themselves during our services. However, if you do enjoy receiving that sort of attention, then we would gladly like to learn something about you. You are welcome to stand and say hello during the announcements at the beginning of the service. Or you could keep it a bit more personal, and trade introductions with those nearby during the Passing of the Peace.
We designate the third Sunday of each month as "Fellowship Sunday" During the regular season (September through June), refreshments are provided at a special time of fellowship following the 10 a.m. Sunday service.
After each service, our pastor is by the door to shake hands as you exit. If you would like a chance to greet our pastor, this is the best time. (Or there is a back stairwell through which you can escape unnoticed, but don't tell the pastor we told you that. :-)
Assorted Answers
What should I wear?
Be comfortable. It is not unusual
to see a person with cutoffs and a t-shirt seated next
to someone wearing a suit and tie.
Most folks are dressed somewhere between the two extremes.
How long are the services?
Generally, about an hour.
The more traditional services tend to run slightly longer
than the informal services. Added items (like Holy Communion
or Baptism) can stretch the service by a few minutes.
How many people are at your services?
Attendance at each service is usually around 60 people
on Sunday mornings and 25 on Saturday evenings;
less in the summer, more at Christmas and Easter services.
How big is your congregation?
A recent look at our
membership roles revealed 230 souls.
Is the church air conditioned?
Yes.
Can you tell me more about Methodism in general?
Sure. We a preparing a separate web page
dedicated to just that question.
Meanwhile, we invite you to visit
the official United Methodist Church website
.
