For Our Guests - What to Expect

We are so glad you are seeking to learn more about Faith UMC.  We hope that we answer your questions.  Don't see an answer to your question below or on this website, please contact us. 

   Questions about Youth Ministry - Rev. Laura Hamm Peterson, ext. 2201

   Questions about Children's and Family Ministries - Gina Dawson, ext. 2250

   Questions about Christian Education - Gina Dawson, ext. 2250

   Questions about Faith Preschool - Rosemarie Lapham, 301-881-1416

   All other questions - Church Office

Is there a difference between the 9:30am and 11:00am Worship Services?

For the most part, the answer is no.  Both services are traditional worship services sharing the same basic liturgical structure of prayers, hymns, sermon, communion, call to worship, and scripture readings.  What is different is that the Time With Children (children's message) is only at 9:30am and the Choir does not stay through the full service at 11:00am.  Special performers may be at the 11:00am service, in lieu of the choir.  Historically, the 9:30am service is the more popular service and is highly attended.  The 11:00am service is lightly attended and has a more intimate feel. 

Can I participate in Communion?

The United Methodist Church practices an Open Table where all are invited.  According to our Book of Worship, "All who intend to lead a Christian life, together with their children, are invited to receive the bread and cup." We typically practice communion around the altar.  Just follow the lead of the ushers who will guide you through the process.  We observe Communion on the first Sunday of every month.

What is a typical worship service like?

The typical structure is as follows.  Occasionally there is a variation.  On Communion Sundays, we do not have a middle hymn or separate offering, which is made as you come forward to take Communion.

We Gather in the Name of the Lord - Prelude from our organist, Welcome and Announcements, Choral Introit,

  Opening Hymn, Opening Prayer

We Hear God's Word and Faithfully Respond - Time With Children, Scripture Readings, Anthem, Sermon,

  Hymn, Joys and Concerns of the Church, Pastoral Prayer and Lord's Prayer, The Peace

We Offer God Our Thanks and Receive the Gifts of Grace - Giving of our Tithes and Gifts, Offertory, Doxology

  Prayer of Dedication

We Are Sent Forth to Serve God in the World - Hymn, Benediction, Benediction Response, Postlude from our

  organist

What if I need some help on Sunday mornings?

Our greeters and ushers are available to assist you.  You can find them at the Sanctuary door.  From outside, come up the hill to the Sanctuary door.  If you're somewhere in the building and need help, just ask anyone you see.  We'll be glad to help you get acquainted and find your way around.  During the service, be sure to sit next to someone who can answer your questions.

I have an infant/toddler (age birth to 2) - where do I go?

Our Nursery is available from 9:20am to 12:15pm in Room 106 and you can drop off your child before you go to the worship service.  From the parking lot, go in the side door where the Office is.  After entering on the first floor, take an immediate left into our Faith Preschool wing.  The Nursery is located on the right side.  Please bring any items your child may need such as bottles, snack you'd prefer (we have goldfish), diapers, etc.

I have a preschool/elementary aged child (age 3-grade 5) - where and when does my child go to Sunday School?

Sunday School is available during the 9:30am worship service.  We love having our children in worship and getting a taste of what it's like, which is why every child goes to worship with their family first.  Go to the Sanctuary, and if you need it, worship bags are available for your child's use during the service (they have paper, pencils, pipe cleaners, books).  About 15-20 minutes into the service, the children are invited to come up front for a special Time With Children with the Pastor.  It is not required that they come up front and many of our older kids stay in their seats.  Afterwards, they are dismissed out the side door near the pulpit to Sunday School.  The Director of Christian Education is waiting for them to take them to their classes.  With the exception of the Preschool class (age 3-4), all the classes are upstairs.  The Preschool class is located downstairs near the Nursery (room 102).  Parents are welcome to escort their child if they desire.  You can pick up your child from their classroom after the service.  Each classroom has a sign stating what grades are there.

I have a youth/teenager (grade 6-12) - where and when does my youth/teen go to Sunday School?

Sunday School is available during the 9:30am worship service.  Youth go directly to their classes, located on the second floor, at 9:30am.  We encourage families to attend Sunday School at 9:30am - there is an adult class available - and then worship together at 11:00am.  But that is up to the families to decide.

Where are the adult classes?

All the Sunday morning classes are held in the Parlor, which is on the first floor halfway down the hall.  Check out our Christian Education page on this website for our current listing of classes.