Welcome to Manhattan United Methodist Church! As our guest, we hope that you will feel comfortable at worship and we've provided some answers here to often-asked questions about the service to help you feel more at home.
Q. What should I expect when I arrive Sunday morning for worship?
A. Parking is available in front of the church, on the east side of the building, and in the parking lot and lawn behind the church. You may enter at the rear door from the parking lot or at the front entry on North Street. Worship is upstairs. (If stairs are a difficulty, come in through the front entry and an elevator lift is available for you.) Official greeters will make you welcome in the hall just outside the Sanctuary, and they will be happy to answer your questions and guide you.
Q. How do I know what to do, and when?
A. The greeters will give you a program called the “bulletin” for the service. The bulletin tells you what will be happening. An asterisk (*) next to an item means to stand up, if you are able. Bold type indicates something to be read aloud by all.
Q. What should I wear to church?
A. Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Some people dress up, some dress casually; jeans are as common as suits and dresses. In summer, many people wear shorts.
Q. Is it true that Methodists sing a lot?
A. Yes and all voices are welcome! There will be several songs, or hymns. In every pew you will find a large red Hymnal, a smaller red book called Songs of Praise, and a black leather-bound book of contemporary songs called The Faith We Sing. The bulletin you were handed on the way in indicates which books and song numbers are being used.
Q. Why are we asked to sign the Friendship Pad?
A. We ask all to sign the Friendship Pad located in a folder in the pew. You may also use it to request a pastor visit or indicate that you are a guest. Why do we want you to sign? We don't give out your name to others and we won't hound you with lots of calls and letters, but we do like to mail a note thanking you for your visit and giving you a way to contact us if you so desire.
Q. What is “Passing the Peace?”
A. Early in the service, we are asked to stand and greet those around us. Most people shake hands and say “good morning” to welcome one another.
Q. Are there a lot of memorized sayings and songs?
A. No, most of the spoken responses are listed in the bulletin, except for the text of the Lord's Prayer. We recite it together, and these are the words to the version we use.
“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive our trespassers. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.”
Q. What happens after the service?
A. Most Sundays, we go downstairs to the Fellowship Dining Room for coffee, juice, a snack, and conversation. This is an opportunity for you to meet and get to know some of the people in the church.
Q. How do I learn more? Are there Bible study groups or Sunday School classes for adults and children?
A. There are Sunday School classes for children and adults from September through May. Also, there are adult Bible study groups. Contact the church and we'll provide you with current information.
If you have other questions, please call the church at 815-478-3285 and we'll be happy to help you.
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