Our doors are open to all who really seek to know the Lord and have healing for their souls. All our programs and activities are planned with you in mind. You are the reason we are here, and God’s house is open for you and for me! If you are visiting for the first time, the leadership and members here at First & Wesley are so welcoming you will not even notice you are in a new place. The Holy Spirit is at work in us—giving us the will to do what pleases the Lord. Once you join us, the Lord will begin to use you to glorify God and to make you useful in God’s kingdom.
First & Wesley United Methodist Church is your place to be. Experience God’s love at work in your friends and neighbors. Everyone is welcome here!
Our pastor is available for counseling and for visitation in homes, hospitals, and nursing homes. Whether or not you are a member of our congregation, please feel free to call on us if you are in need.
Sunday School
We offer Sunday School classes for all ages on Sunday mornings.
- Adult Sunday School: The class is involved in studies that encourage growth in mind and spirit, challenges our faith and keeps us motivated to live like Jesus. We encourage open communication where all contributions are respected and regarded. This is currently held on Mondays. Learn more.
- Youth Sunday School: The class provides children the opportunity for both spiritual formation and education. Learn more.
- Children’s Sunday School: The class brings in a variety of teaching techniques to enhance growth for children with different learning styles. We use games, worksheets, drama, discussion questions, singing and more! Come and see! Learn more.
Babies and Children
Fussy babies and restless children are God’s blessing (though it might seem otherwise sometimes to a harried parent). If your child makes a little noise don’t worry about it – it will keep the rest of us from falling asleep during the boring parts :). If you prefer, take a walk out to the Toddler Room located in the Fellowship Hall and come back when things have cooled down – the Service is piped to the Toddler Room through speakers so you can listen as you soothe.
Standing and Sitting
At various points in the service, the congregation is invited to stand. If you are juggling a baby or are not feeling up to it, feel free to remain seated.
Moments of Joys and Concerns
There is a time of sharing of joys and concerns and a time of prayer at the altar for the congregation. It provides an opportunity for the congregation to both witness to their faith and share in the context of prayer the joys and concerns of life. Many of us carry these joys and concerns with us throughout the week, and in our own way, keep each other in prayer. While there is no one pattern of prayer at FWUMC, there are many ways we hold each other’s lives in our hearts.
There are prayer request cards on the Usher’s Table in the rear of the sanctuary. You can fill them out with any request for prayer and remain anonymous if you choose. They are collected by the ushers and read out loud before the Pastoral Prayer.
Children’s Moment
During worship service, children are invited to come forward and sit at the front of the church for a children’s moment. The children’s moment takes the lectionary scripture and shares it with children through an object lesson or a short story. These moments are often memorable, as you never know just what the children may say! If someone feels shy, they are welcome to bring along a Big Person for company.
Tithes and Offerings
We present our tithes and offerings to recognize the grace we experience in our daily lives, respond with the practice of gratitude, and share what we have so that God’s grace might grow. This lies at the heart of our Christian journey. Give whatever amount is comfortable for you. Some of our members give by mail rather than at Service to allow their tithe to be collected even if they are not able to join us in worship. Offering envelopes are in the pew pockets if you would like to use them.
If you would like your own set of numbered envelopes, please contact Dave Smith.
Holy Communion (The Lord’s Supper)
The Lord’s Supper is one of the two sacraments (the other is Baptism) in which, faithful to Christ’s memory and commandment, we receive the spiritual body and blood of Christ in consecrated bread and juice for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, whereby we are empowered for the work of witness and service in Christ’s name.
At FWUMC, Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. All are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Parents can decide if they wish to serve their children – you can tell them this is one way we remember Jesus and the things He did for us. The elements are plain wheat bread and grape juice served in the communion chalice. You are usually invited to come forward to receive the elements. If you find it difficult to come to the altar area during the Lord’s Supper, an usher will serve you in your pew.
Postlude and Coffee Hour
Some in the congregation sit through the musical postlude while others prefer to leave the sanctuary. Please follow whichever course seems most comfortable for you. Our Pastor and Worship Leader will be waiting to greet you at the rear entrance to the sanctuary.
We have an informal “Coffee Hour” in the Fellowship Hall immediately following Service. We serve coffee, tea, cold drinks, and juice or punch for the kids, and usually some cookies or cake. It’s an opportunity for people to stand around and chat for a few minutes, then leave at their own pace. We especially hope you as a visitor can stay for Coffee Hour so you can get to know us a little better.
Parking and Disabled Access
Our main parking lot is beside the church – enter off of 2nd Avenue. On-street parking is available throughout the neighborhood.
For People with Disabilities: We have handicapped parking spaces in the rear of the church as designated by the universal handicap icon. A handicapped accessible entrance to the church building is in the rear of the church just off the parking lot. The elevator located directly inside the door provides easy access to the main and lower levels of the church building. All floors are handicap accessible and we are fully compliant with all required building codes. Our sanctuary has an assisted hearing system using wireless listening aids.
Restrooms
There is a restroom (with a diaper-changing table) in the Fellowship Hall on the main level. Additional restrooms are on the lower level.
Join Us
We hope to see you at our worship service soon. If you are looking for a church home and would like to consider joining our church family, please contact our pastor. Our pastor would be happy to visit with you about this at your convenience.
Address
First & Wesley United Methodist Church
89 Center St, West Haven, CT 06516