What can I expect on my first Sunday visit? Top
Parking: Epworth has reserved parking spaces marked specifically for first time visitors at both the Central Avenue and Valleyview Drive entrances. At these spaces you will find information on entering the building and finding the sanctuary. Parking for physically handicapped persons is also available and all three of our building levels are serviced by a centrally located elevator. See “New to Epworth” for more information. Entering building: While there are entrances from every parking lot, the Valleyview Drive and Central Avenue entrances are our “main” ones. Greeters will be happy to direct you to the sanctuary, Sunday school rooms, or the coffee pot! Lots of our members wear name tags, so you can easily identify those who can help you. Which worship service is right for me? Top
We offer three services and each of them features a different style of worship:
8:30 a.m. service is a blend of contemporary and traditional styles,
9:45 a.m. is our traditional service, and
11:00 a.m. service is contemporary.
Holy Communion is offered at each of these services on the first Sunday of every month except the 8:30 service, where Holy Communion is served weekly. Visit our “New to Epworth” page for more details, including opportunities for children during these hours. Does Epworth encourage open communion? Top
Yes. Everyone, without exception, is welcome at the Lord’s table at Epworth. Holy Communion is most often served by intinction. Ushers will direct you to the altar where you will be given the bread, which you will dip into the cup. We do not drink out of common cups.
How should I dress? Top
We welcome you to dress how ever you feel comfortable. If being surrounded by a more casually dressed congregation is important to you, we suggest the 11:00 a.m. contemporary service. While you are certain to see more business casual or suits in the 8:30 a.m. and 9:45 services, you are still likely to see others in casual dress.
Will I be asked to stand and identify myself as a guest or singled out for any reason during the service? Top
No. You can expect to be welcomed one-on-one, but we will never put you on the spot, ask you to stand or make you wear any visitor identification. We pass around an attendance card, but filling it out is optional. We are very interested in getting to know you, but we will be here when you are ready to connect.
Will I be expected to give money if I visit? Top
No. The members of our church have pledged to give of their gifts, their tithe, and their service. We do take a collection, but your presence does not require such a gift. If you do choose to make an offering, there are envelopes available in the pews that will allow discretion. If you do decide to make an offering we thank you for helping us support our ministries.
What do you offer for children and teens? Top
A nursery is available for each of our worship services. During the 9:45 a.m. hour we have nursery and preschool classes, Wonder Worship for grades K through 5 during summer months and Sunday school classes for preschool through high School during the school year. Outside of our Sunday morning worship hour we have a very active student ministry program for Jr. and Sr. High youth, children’s Vacation Bible School, a Children’s Day Out program, the Epworth Early Childhood Education Center (preschool), children’s milestones, children’s choir and an array of family ministry opportunities which are offered at different times throughout the year. Find out more about our Student Ministries and our programs for children on this site or contact us for more information.
Do you have worship services other than Sunday morning? Top
We hold a monthly Service for Healing and Wholeness on the second Tuesday of each month. The service is held in the chapel at 7:00 p.m. Each month a personal testimony of God’s healing touch is shared by an Epworth member or guest speaker. The whole community is welcome to come for prayers and anointing with oil – for your own concerns or for others’. Holy Communion is also served.
What programs are offered at Epworth during the week? Top
There are so many opportunities at Epworth that it is difficult to answer this question in its entirety here. We have weekday and evening classes; music ministries such as praise band, choir, hand bells and orchestra; volunteer opportunities; prayer chains; social events; drama teams; missions locally and abroad; small groups (Wesley Groups); Body Recall; and United Methodist Women’s circles; just to name a few. To keep informed visit this site regularly and check our weekly bulletins, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Tower, or contact us if there is something special you are seeking.
Does Epworth allow nonmembers to use the building for weddings, funeral services or other events? Top
While it is Epworth’s policy to allow weddings only for members and their families, it is possible that the church can be used for funerals or other events depending upon availability.
How does one become a member of Epworth? Top New member classes are required during which you will learn what it means to be a Methodist. Upon completion of the classes you can join Epworth by baptism or by transfer of membership.
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