Visiting?

Welcome to the website! We hope you feel comfortable both here and at the church. Here is some information to help you with that, 
and of course, you are always welcome to give us a call at 815-478-3285 or send an e-mail message.

About us, the United Methodist Church in Manhattan, Illinois

We're a group of people who believe in Jesus Christ, our Savior and the bridge between God and humans. We are imperfect people who follow Christ's example and endeavor to change ourselves to be more like Him. We try. Sometimes, God must find us very trying, but He forgives us and directs us to do the same. So, we continue to try!

We care, we pray, we serve, we love, we mess up, we laugh, we sing, we praise, we study, we fuss, we forgive, we fast, we eat, and we worship God together.  At 9:00 a.m. every Sunday, we gather upstairs at the church to worship God. Come to God's house at 335 E. North Street and let us welcome you!

---

About the United Methodist Church

What are United Methodist beliefs? What is the history of the United Methodist church? Have questions? Check out the official United Methodist Church website. 

---

Contact information

Manhattan United Methodist Church 
335 East North Street
Manhattan, IL 60442
Worship 9:00 a.m. Sundays
​Office Hours: Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to noon,
​Thursday 9:00 a.m. to noon.
 
Email manhattanumc@att.net
or use contact form on this page
Phone 815-478-3285

Secretary's email: manhattanumc@att.net
If you prefer, you may fill out the "Need more  information" section on this page and submit.

Mailing address: P.O. Box 21, Manhattan, IL 60442  

DIRECTIONS: See Google map, below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What should I expect when I arrive Sunday morning?
A. The church is located at the corner of North Street and Eastern Ave. in Manhattan. Parking is available in the parking lot and its adjoining lawn (access via Eastern Ave.). Handicap parking spaces are in front of the church's main entrance on North Street, there is a lift/elevator if stairs are a difficulty, and a handicap accessible restroom on lower level of the building.

Q. What should I wear?
A. Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Some people dress up, some dress casually. Jeans are common, and in the summer many people wear shorts. 

Q. How do I know what to do, and when?
A. Everyone is greeted and given a program (we call it the "bulletin") as they head into the service. This tells you what will be happening. An asterisk (*) next to an item means to stand up, if you are able. 

Q. Are there a lot of memorized sayings and songs?
A. Most of the musical spoken responses are listed in the bulletin or the bulletin will refer you to a page number in the Hymnal. An exception is the Lord's Prayer, which Jesus taught to his disciples to show them how to pray. We recite it together. Here 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 is "passing the peace?"
A. During the service, you will see a time for "passing the peace." We stand and shake hands, and greet those around us with the words, "Peace be with you."  In flu season, we have been known to just turn and wave to acknowledge others in the pews.

Q. Is the church handicap accessible?
A. If you have trouble walking, there are parking/drop off spaces for you to use in front of the North Street (a.k.a. Manhattan-Monee Road) entrance of the church. An elevator lift is located just inside the entrance so that you may reach every floor of the church. A handicap accessible bathroom is on the lowest level of the church. To enhance vision, large print bulletins are available for worship services. If you have special needs or concerns, please call the church at 815-478-3285 and we will do our best to serve you.

Q. What is there for children?
A. Early in the worship service, there is a time when the children are invited to come forward for a special message geared to them. There are also special age-appropriate bulletins for children to use during the service.
​
Toys are available in the room just behind the main sanctuary, so little ones may play there and parents may listen to the service on the speakers there. People of all ages are welcome in the main sanctuary during worship--the congregation values all ages! 

For young people from 7th grade through high school, click here for our Wild Side youth group information.

Q. What happens after worship?
A. Everyone is invited to join together in the church's dining room for snacks, coffee and juice. 

Q. How do I learn more? Are there groups for adults?
A. There are various adult groups offered at various times, including small Bible study groups. Check out our Facebook page for current information!

Q. What does the church do?
A. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.--Matthew 28:18-20.

Q. May I take communion?
A. We have an open table, meaning that all who believe in Jesus Christ are invited to share in communion. Communion is usually offered on the first Sunday of the month, and you are invited to participate.

---