Worship

We welcome this opportunity to extend an invitation to you, to join us for worship, experience and learn, participate, embrace the Christian faith, and join in ministry that touches lives in subtle and yet often profound ways.

As United Methodists we understand we are a part of the church universal. To find our more about who United Methodists are stop by, join us for worship and a cup of coffee, or visit the United Methodist Church web site.

To find out what are doing in the world to make a difference, one life, one family, one neighborhood, one village at a time. Visit the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) web site.

As a United Methodist Church we are connected, in mission and ministry to our sister churches across New England, and locally through the Connecticut and Western Massachusetts District of United Methodist Churches.

Holy Communion, The Lord’s Supper and The Great Thanksgiving

In a world of separation, alienation, isolation and abandonment, God brings a gift we call “Communion.” Come and see…

Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, and the Great Thanksgiving are three names for the same event. With this Sacrament of the church, in the understanding and practice of the United Methodist Church, all those present in worship with us are welcome to receive Holy Communion. Our elements include grape juice, bread and rice cakes.

Our ushers will guide those desiring to come forward.

The communion elements may be delivered to the seat if mobility is difficult.

Our Communion method, includes receiving a piece of bread, then dipping the bread into the chalice of grape juice. This is known in the church as intinction.

For more information on Holy Communion in the United Methodist Church, please visit the following web sites:

    The Spiritual Practice of Holy Communion

    An Overview of Holy Communion in the United Methodist Tradition

Why do most Methodist churches serve grape juice instead of wine for Holy Communion? Find out by visiting Changing Wine to Grape Juice

Baptism

Baptism is gift from God that opens news doors of possibilities for our lives. A hope of God that enlivens our lives that we might begin to live the life God has chosen for us. In the tradition of the United Methodist Church, children and people of all ages are welcome to come before God in this way. By contacting the pastor, arrangements can be made to learn more about this, and prepare for this special moment.

To learn more visit the following web sites:
     Baptism in the United Methodist Understanding Baptism
     "By Water and The Spirit"
     Baptism in a sentence or two

Weddings

We at First United Methodist Church of Stafford Springs are delighted to share with you in the joyous occasion of your wedding. Christian marriage is a lifelong relationship of trust and love based upon the grace of Jesus Christ. Printer Friendly version of your wedding at FUMC.

Your Wedding Here

The service is a sacramental event, an act of public worship with your invited family and friends. The service of marriage is an occasion when two persons declare to each other before God, their friends and their family, their faith, and their desire to be united through the church in a new and lasting relationship with Christ as a partner. We are happy to work with you in planning this special event of sharing your love and commitment with each other.

Our Sanctuary & Facility

The sanctuary is located on the second floor. With a center aisle, there is ample seating for 150 or more in our air conditioned sanctuary. Handicapped accessible rest rooms are available on both floors, with full sized elevator to assist. Parking including handicap designated spaces is available for 50 cars. Additional parking is available on Church Street adjacent to the church building. Our multiple entrance parking lot is readily accessible for limousine service. In the tradition of the United Methodist Church, alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises. Smoking is available only in the designated location; of course, this is a smoke free facility. Food and beverages (except water) are not allowed in the sanctuary.

Planning Ahead

An appointment should be made with the pastor to begin plans for your wedding. Please call the office to schedule an appointment. Weddings are officiated by the pastor and hosted with the assistance of our wedding coordinator. The time to begin your plans for a wedding ceremony at the church is about 12 months before your expected wedding date. This will provide the time necessary to reserve the dates for pre-marital meetings with the pastor, rehearsal and wedding day scheduling.

The Music

Our music director and organist may be available to assist with the music for the wedding. We have a European 19th century, tracker pipe organ and piano available. Substitute organists are designated only by the discretion of our Music Director. Vocal soloists, other instrumentalists, or recorded selections may be coordinated through our Music Director.

Remuneration

The costs associated with providing the facility for your wedding, music and professional services will be discussed as scheduling begins with the pastor.

Photography and Videography

Guests and professional photographers are to take flash pictures only during the processional and recessional. The wedding takes place in the context of sacred worship. Photographers are to be as invisible as possible while working to record this special day for you. No flash photography is permitted during the wedding ceremony. The sanctuary is available for wedding party photographs following the service.

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The space for this web site has been provided courtesy of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church