From Interstate 459:
Take the Highway 11/Gadsden Highway Exit (exit #32). Turn right off of the exit and go 3.2 miles to the intersection of Highway 11 (Main Street) and Chalkville Road. Turn left at the stoplight. The church is on the left about two short blocks!

We believe that we are called to worship the Triune God: God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

We believe that the Holy Scriptures found in the Bible are the primary foundation of our faith and our action.

We believe in the basic tenets of our faith expressed in both the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed.

8:25 in the Sanctuary - A Blended Service
This service has a mixture of both traditional and contemporary elements

10:55 in the Sanctuary - A Traditional Service
This service has the many elements of worship that you might remember - choirs, creeds, hymns.

11:00 in the Gym - A Contemporary Service
Grace Vision Contemporary Worship is led by our worship leader and
praise band. The atmosphere is very casual, but it is worship. .

In the Traditional Service, at 10:55 in the Sanctuary, you will find a mixture of ages. There will be a choral call to worship, passing of the peace, the recitation of the Apostles Creed, Choirs, children's time, and you will have the opportunity to give to God your tithes and offerings. The clergy, choir, acolytes and musicians wear the traditional robes during this service. For this service most of the congregation tends to wear more "Sunday Clothes", but any style of clothing is welcome.

In the Contemporary Service, Grace Vision at 11:00 in the Gym, you will find all ages, from the very young to the not so young. In this service the worship leader and praise band lead the congregation through music, prayer, drama, and much more. There is usually coffee and snacks to carry you over to lunch. In this service you will find the widest range of clothing choices: from shorts to suits.

A loving nursery is available on the first floor of our children and youth building during all worship services (8:25 a.m., 10:55 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.). for children through age two.

On Wednesday nights there is the Soul Café fellowship supper and the Small Group studies.

For Women there is the Tuesday Night Women's Study Group and the United Methodist Women's Circles.

For Men there is the United Methodist Men's Fellowship that meets for Breakfast on the second Sunday of every month.

There are Sunday School Classes for every age group, children's fellowship, and youth fellowship.

If you like to knit or crochet there is the Knimble Knitters group that is active in our prayer shawl ministry. If you are good with your hands there is the Helping Hands group that assists our older members and others with projects around their homes, as well as helping out with projects around the church.

If you are musically talented, we have the Hand Bell Choir, the Chancel Choir, and the Praise Band.

When you join a United Methodist Church you will be asked, "Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?

Prayers
Our commitment to uphold the Church through prayer is based upon the fundamental reality that we need God's guidance in order to be the church. That is why we pray for our pastors, for our teachers, for one another, and for those who may never even enter our doors.

Presence
Our commitment to uphold the Church by our presence is a visible witness of our faith, both in the church and in the world. Our relationship to Christ is nurtured by our presence in worship where we find spiritual guidance, comfort and strength. We also uphold the Church by our presence at home, at work, at school, and in the community. Wherever we are, our presence should be an expression of our commitment to Christ.

Gifts
Our commitment to uphold the Church by our gifts is a thankful response from the heart for all God has given us. The giving of our money also helps to establish and maintain ministries that no individual or single congregation could fund alone. These worthy causes include youth and children's ministries, hospitals, colleges, rehabilitation centers, food and clothing distribution, evangelistic and educational work, and emergency relief.

Service
Our commitment to be loyal to the Church and uphold it by our service further reflects our commitment to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a sacrifice for many (Matthew 20:28). God has entrusted all of us with certain talents and abilities, and sharing these gifts is a means of sharing ourselves out of love and gratitude toward God and love for one another.

There are several ways you can join the church:

Baptism and Profession of Faith
The United Methodist Church recognizes baptisms of other Christian traditions. We believe that Baptism is a one time occurance. It is typically done in one of the worship services because the congregation plays a critical role in the life of the person being baptized.

If you have not been baptized, in order to join the church, you will be baptized and make a public profession of faith. By "profession of faith" we simply mean that you will answer "yes" to questions about faith in Christ and your intention to lead a Christian life.

Transfer from Another Denomination
We recognize your baptism and profession of faith from your previous church. We believe that your coming to join First UMC is a statement of renewal of your faith in Jesus Christ. We will ask you to be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service.

Transfer from Another U. M. C.
We are happy to receive you by transfer from another United Methodist Church. We will only ask if you will be loyal to this congregation of the United Methodist Church.

Emmaus Reunion Groups - These groups meet at various times during the week and the month. Contact Jim Morton for more information.