Information for 1st Time Visitors
WHERE are the worship services held?
Services are held in the sanctuary. Enter from Main Street through the main front doors, go up the few steps, and the doors to the sanctuary will be in front of you.
What happens during WORSHIP?
As you enter the sanctuary, you will be given a bulletin that serves as a printed guide of the service. There will be music by our various choirs. There will be singing, using the hymnals that are in our pews. There will be prayer led by our pastors. Bible scripture will be read aloud, and if you wish, you may follow the reading in a pew Bible. There will be a message, or sermon, given by a pastor.
You will find two different hymnals in each pew -- the blue hymnal called “The United Methodist Hymnal” and the thinner black hymnal called “The Faith We Sing”. The hymn numbers listed in the bulletin with two or three digits are found in “The United Methodist Hymnal.” Those with four digits are found in “The Faith We Sing.”
We take a collection, or offering, in every service. If you do not wish to contribute, just let the plate pass by. Many members arrange their giving on a bi-weekly or monthly basis, or they give electronically, so they also may let the plate pass them by. No one will think anything of it if you do not contribute.
If you would like to let us know of your presence, please fill out a visitor card found in the pew racks and drop it into the offering plate or sign the attendance register that is in your pew. If you provide your mailing address, you will receive a note during the week from one of the pastors. You will not be contacted by a horde of people or committees.
What should I WEAR?
There is no dress policy and there are no unspoken expectations. Attire ranges from casual to professional. Slacks for the ladies are just as popular as skirts and dresses. For the gentlemen, shirt sleeves are as common as jackets and ties. Some people worship in jeans. We are more concerned with worshipping the Lord and meeting your real-life needs than with what you wear. (Note that the sanctuary, the nursery and many classrooms are air-conditioned in the summer months)
I don’t want to stand out or be INTRODUCED in worship!
You can expect between 150 and 200 people in the sanctuary for each service, so you won’t be conspicuous but you will probably be noticed and greeted. We will not ask visitors to stand and be recognized! There may be a “passing of the peace” where worshippers stand and greet those around them, but everyone is invited to participate as fully as is comfortable.
PARKING looks limited. Is there additional parking?
Parking is located at:
- Both sides of the building as well as at the back.
- Behind The Bait Shop at 155 E. Main Street.
- Along Main Street (metered during weekdays).
- Around the perimeter of Westminster City Park at the rear of the building.
- Along Center Street (Sundays only)
In addition, many local businesses allow church parking on Sundays. See our parking map for details.
Is TRANSPORATION available?
Yes, we have a church bus which can pick you up for 10:00 worship or Sunday School. Please contact the church office during the week to make arrangements.
I have CHILDREN. Where should they go on Sunday morning?
Children are always welcome in worship. The nursery is staffed with experienced volunteers who are happy to care for your infant or toddler. The nursery is located in the lower level directly below the sanctuary. Pagers are available so that parents are always accessible if needed. Sunday School starts with age 2 and your child is welcome. It is always helpful if you arrive in the classroom a few minutes early to meet the teacher and provide a completed Registration Form.
Are you HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE?
Yes. We have marked parking spaces for handicapped in the Center Street parking lot. Enter through the Chapel door (near the handicapped parking spaces). At the hall, turn left to the elevator at the end of the hall which will take you to the sanctuary level. If you need assistance, press the button and an usher will come to help.
We offer sign language interpretation weekly at 8:30 (and for the 10:00 service when requested in advance). We have large print Hymnals, Bibles, and bulletins.
There are several short pews in the sanctuary which allow space for wheelchairs. Two wheelchairs (one adult and one child size) are available in the chapel. Feel free to borrow one for the morning. They are not “assigned.”
For events in Jubilee Hall, there is a handicapped entrance on the west side of the building.
Is there a FELLOWSHIP TIME on Sunday mornings?
Yes. Between the 8:30 and 10:00 services, many folks mingle in the Martha Manahan Room. Light refreshments are available. To reach the Martha Manahan Room, turn right after exiting the sanctuary, go up the steps, through the double doors, and the room is on the left.
USHERS and GREETERS are available on Sunday mornings to assist, whether it’s in finding a seat, locating a Sunday School classroom or the nursery, or using handicapped aids. They can be identified by the Usher or Greeter badges they will be wearing.
Are you on the RADIO?
On the fourth Sunday of each month, the 10:00 service is broadcast at 11:00 AM over WTTR, 1470 AM.
How do I FIND OUT MORE about Westminster United Methodist Church?
Obviously, you have come to the right place – this web site! Visitor packets are also available on the Visitor’s Table to the left just after entering the main front doors. If you still have questions, contact the church office, 410-848-8325 or D.Arbutis@wumcmd.org.
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