what to expect

If you're looking for a church home or just thinking about trying it out, we would love to see you worship with us on a Sunday morning! It's the best way to get a sense for who we are.


You don't have to be a Methodist or a long-time churchgoer to feel at ease here.  A greeter will welcome you at the doors. 


An usher will hand you a worship guide that shows what will take place in the worship service as well as what activities are coming up that week and month.


We come to worship God. We sing, pray, greet each other, affirm our beliefs together, and hear the Word of God read and proclaimed.  At the end of the service we go back into the world to love and serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.


We have Children's Time during each worship service.  We also have a nursery at every service and Sunday School classes at 9:45 a.m.

We know that going to a new church for the first time or connecting with a new group of people can be intimidating, so we want you to have an idea of what you can expect at FUMC Graham to make your first visit easier.


WHAT DO I WEAR?

You'll see a wide range of dress at both services.  So wear what is most comfortable for you.


FOR THE CHILDREN

We have Children's Time during each worship service.  We also have a nursery at every service and Sunday School classes at 9:45 a.m.


HOW CAN I GET CONNECTED?

Worship, Sunday School classes for all ages, small groups, mission teams serving people locally and around the world, music and choir, ministries for children and students are just a few of the ways you can discover new friends and build lasting relationships.  Any of our staff will be glad to help you find your place in the mission and ministry of the church.


Between worship services, people gather in the Atrium for conversations, coffee and refreshments.  Throughout the year we have additional events.  Stay connected with us through our website and Facebook to learn about events and opportunities.


COMMUNION

We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of the month, and all are invited to receive.  You'll be warmly welcomed at either service.  The United Methodist tradition of an open communion is followed.  That is, you do not need to be a member of our church or a United Methodist to receive communion. Communion is open to everyone who wishes to share in the Sacraments; all are invited to His table.


BAPTISM

Baptism is the means by which we discover our identity as God's beloved and initiated into the body of Christ. Through baptism, we are born anew by the free gift of God and placed within this family called church. As with most families, we inherit a story, in this case God's mighty acts narrated in scripture. The narrative we inherit is not only one of the past, but one into which the Spirit empowers us to embody it in our own lives, here and now. Through baptism, we become part of that unfolding story of God's grace. 


HOW TO JOIN

If you feel God is leading you to become a part of FUMC Graham, we welcome you with open arms. Church membership is open to any and all who seek the presence of God in their lives.  How to Join information cards are available in the pews on Sunday mornings or by calling the church office.


THERE ARE A VARIETY OF WAYS TO JOIN:

  • Member Vows and Profession of Faith
  • Transfer from another United Methodist Church
  • Transfer from another body of the Christian Church
  • Profession of Faith includes: affirming your baptismal vows, commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord, accepting the Old and New Testaments as normative for faith and practice, commitment to live the Christian life and remain a faithful member of FUMC Graham through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness.