We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of the month in both morning worship services.
Infant & Toddler Care:
We feature a full nursery program for infants, toddlers and and pre-school
children. It is available each Sunday from 8 AM until noon.
Polly Grove coordinates volunteers and we have a paid employee to ensure
that we comply with our Safe Sanctuaries policy.
We encourage interested persons who wish to volunteer
to serve in our most important ministry with our
children by contacting the church office for further information.
We want our Christ Church Nursery program to be the very best run, safest, and most welcome place for Children!
What Can I Expect When I Visit on Sunday Morning?
Parking Information: When you arrive, you will find
reserved visitor parking in the parking lot in the lot located to the
west of the church.
There are handicapped parking spots in the parking lot located and also
on the Church Street side in front of the Church.
Nursery Information: When you leave your children
in the nursery, you will be asked if they have any special needs.
We offer nursery services for infants to 4 years at most all of our
Services.
Our dress code: It’s pretty simple. Dress in what
is generally considered socially acceptable and is comfortable for
you.
Dress clothes (like suits, ties, hats, gloves, etc) are not important.
That you are here is very important!
Sound System: We have hearing assist devices available
for those with hearing impairments. Just ask an usher for one
when you arrive. You can return it to an usher or drop it off at the
sound desk following the service.
When does Sunday School start? Sunday School is from
9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Some Sundays we feature special Children’s
worship times and on Sunday (except for Communion Sunday) the Pastor
shares a children’s sermon with the kids.
What is the Order For worship? As you enter our Sanctuary
for Worship, ushers will offer you the Order of Worship bulletin describing
the Service. By using the bulletin, the hymnals and Bibles located
in your pew, you will be able to easily follow our Service. Children's
activity kits also available. Ask an usher for a kit. Feel free to
sit anywhere you like or the ushers can assist you in finding a seat
if you prefer.
What are we like? Our congregation is composed of
all ages, from newborn infants to retirees, and from varied backgrounds.
Attendance Registration: Early in the Service, an
attendance pad will be passed out. Please sign your name(s). If you
would
like to leave us your phone number and/or address, one of the members
of the congregation will contact you to answer any
questions you may have about us and to offer information about our church.
Our Liturgy: Our Worship Service follows a traditional
liturgy of Word and Table as is generally practiced in the United Methodist
Church. Typically, begins with Gathering, announcements, welcoming,
prelude, hymn and opening prayer. This is followed by, "Moments
With The Children" (after which the children go to their Sunday
School class), scripture readings from Old and New Testaments, anthem,
Sermon, and prayers. Other events, such as the introduction of new
members, or the Sacrament of Baptism, may also take place during this
part of the Service. The United Methodist Church baptizes persons of
all ages - infants, children and adults. The final portion of the Service
is the Sending Forth - typically a Hymn, Dismissal with Blessing, Benediction
and Postlude.
We frequently stand during portions of our Worship Service. If you are
unable to stand with ease, please feel
comfortable in remaining seated.
Hymns & Singing: Our organist normally accompanies our
hymns. The majority of our hymns are found in The United Methodist Hymnal.
We also use a recently published song book, entitled ” The Faith We Sing.”
At times we will post hymn lyrics and various artwork using Powerpoint, on
our LCD projector & screen.
Offerings: An Offering is collected at each Service.
Feel free to donate or not as you are moved.
Sacraments: Holy Communion is celebrated the first
Sunday of the month. Following prayer and the blessing of the Elements
(bread and wine) by the Pastor, an invitation to partake of Holy Communion
is extended to the congregation. Holy Communion is
open to all who wish to partake, including children, but visitors who
may feel uncomfortable participating or whose beliefs may
prohibit participation - should not feel pressured, and may simply remain
seated. If you cannot stand to come forward to receive Communion, but
would like to receive the Elements at your seat, please tell one of our
ushers prior to the beginning of the Service,
so that they can relay the information to the Pastor.
We receive Communion by a variety of ways. One style is called "intinction" or "dipping":
following the invitation, the congregation goes forward as directed by
the ushers to Chancel rail. The bread is offered usually with words such
as "The body of Christ, broken for you". As the bread is received,
the appropriate response is "Amen". The cup is then offered
with words such as "The blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation" or "The
blood of Christ, shed for you". Again the response is "Amen";
the bread is dipped into the wine, and the elements consumed together.
After all has been served the pastor gives a blessing and dismissal. The
United Methodist Church uses non-fermented juice of the grape, rather
than wine containing alcohol. Another method we employ is to serve the
elements to the congregation in the pew. The ushers serve the congregation
and everyone holds the elements until all are served. The pastor then
instructs the congregation to partake together.
Coffee Hour: Come over to Frank Hall (next to the
Sanctuary). Coffee is available after the Sunday services and you can
interact
with other folks from Christ UMC.
Membership: Periodic classes are held for those desiring to
become members of Christ Church or for those who are
exploring the Christian faith in the Wesleyan perspective. You may contact
the pastor for more information.
Confirmation Classes: are generally held every other year
for youth in the 8th grade and above. It is a six-month course designed to
teach our values, our history, practice and especially our discipleship to
Jesus Christ.
We are delighted when visitors join us on Sunday mornings and at other
times for worship experiences. We feel honored
to host you and our hope is that you will sense the presence of God among
us here at Christ United Methodist Church.
Our Bad Weather Plan
Central Pennsylvania has generally very temperate weather. However, in
case of bad or inclement weather, we
have a plan. The church is always open. The church will always have a
Sunday service unless that State closes the roads.
However, if you do not feel safe driving under bad weather conditions,
do not feel obligated to leave your home.