FAQs

What can I expect on Sunday?

Activity on Sundays begins around 9:45 with adult and youth Sunday school. Fun, supervised play time is available for younger children during this period.

Most worshipers begin entering the sanctuary at about 10:45. Some spend this pre-worship time in meditation; others spend it in conversation.

Worship begins with a greeting from a worship leader, songs, and prayers. Toward the beginning of the service there is a time in which worshipers exchange greetings with those sitting nearby, after which children 12 and under have an opportunity to come to the front of the sanctuary for a special lesson.

After children are dismissed to Sunday school, we offer prayers on behalf of those in need, and we receive an offering. All worshippers are invited to participate in the offering of financial gifts, which go to support the church’s mission, but it is not a requirement.

Worship concludes with a sermon and, on the first Sunday of each month, Holy Communion, which is a symbolic meal reminding us of Jesus’ sacrifice and which binds us together as a community.

What does Avondale United Methodist Church believe?

Avondale UMC is a part of the United Methodist Church, a Protestant Christian denomination teaching and proclaiming historic Christian doctrine as contained in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. As a United Methodist congregation, we are guided by core principles of belief and practice set forth in a denomination-wide book of teachings and rules known as The Book of Discipline.

More information about United Methodist doctrine, teaching, and practice can be found at the United Methodist Church website.

Though we have these core doctrines grounding our denomination and our congregation, United Methodists are a diverse people. You do not have to understand every aspect of Christian doctrine in order to be a part of our congregation. We believe that participation in the church is the way in which we grow in faith and understanding. The “official” doctrines of our denomination are a guide that shape our exploration and our discovery of the riches of God’s love.

What will my kids do on Sunday?

Avondale UMC’s children’s ministry offers a dynamic ministry for children from infant through fifth grade during each Sunday service.

Though we welcome children of any age to join in worship, a nursery is provided for children infant through 4 years. The nursery opens at 9:40 and goes through the end of worship (about noon). Kids can be picked up and dropped off at any time.

Children 5-years through 5th grade are encouraged to participate in the beginning of the worship service. They then can come to the front of the Sanctuary during the greeting time, after which the pastor offers a special message for kids. Following the children’s message, kids are dismissed to Sunday school.

All children’s settings are secure and are staffed by trained, caring volunteers and staff. The infant and toddler nursery is staffed with paid caregivers and volunteers who are specifically trained to care for younger children and to ensure that they have a positive experience while at church.

Through creative, exciting Bible teaching, our Children’s ministry is designed to capture the imagination of the kids and open their minds and hearts to Bible truths that will impact their lives in incredible ways.

What about my older kids?

Sunday school for children 6th grade and up takes place from 9:45 through 10:45 on the third floor. We also have a youth group that meets monthly on Sunday afternoons, during which time older kids can participate in fun activities, mission service, and in depth learning opportunities.

How do I get involved at Avondale UMC?

Sunday worship is just the tip of the iceberg of what Avondale UMC is all about. There are many opportunities through which you can share in our vision of deepening connections with God, each other, and our neighbors. Check out our service opportunities page and our small groups and teams page for current opportunities. Our pastor would also love an opportunity to get to know you and help you get connected!

How can I become a member

At Avondale UMC membership is not a destination or a status; it’s a journey. The best way to start your journey is to get connected in worship, small groups, and service areas. Formal membership is a way of saying you’re committed to the journey of faith.

How does Avondale UMC support the community?

At Avondale UMC, we believe that even before we step out our doors, God is in our neighborhoods, in our communities, and in our city working for the advent of God’s reign. God is inviting us to join him, not the other way around! Therefore, our job is to join God in these places and participate in the ministries to which God is inviting us.

We strive to be an integral part of the community, and move into the community to show Jesus’ love throughout the year. We have many formal ministries that seek to address the difficult challenges of our urban setting, including injustice, poverty, and hunger.