Frequently asked questions about First United Methodist Church.
We have tried to think of questions you might have. If you have others, just ask anybody. Our is a close church family. If one person doesn't have your answer, he or she can find someone else who does. you can also email your questions to fumcschenectady@yahoo.com.
Don and Shirley Krauter greet Mary Lynn as she arrives. Greeters welcome folks at the back and front doors.
What time should I come?
Worship begins at 10 am on Sunday morning. It is held in the Sanctuary.
An informal worship service is held on Wednesdays at 12:15 in Wesley Lounge. Bring a brown bag lunch and beverages are provided.
What goes on during the service?
At 9:55 am announcements are made from the pulpit. The worship service begins immediate following the announcements with an organ prelude. A bulletin will be given you when you enter that will guide you through the service. It indicates when, if you are able, you are requested to stand. The service generally begins with a "call to worship" followed by hymn during which the choir processes from the Narthex to the Chancel.
Brenda is lay liturgist during a worship service.
The service also includes a sermon, scripture readings, children's message, hymns, an anthem performed by the choir, a listing of joys and concerns and prayers. An offering will also be taken. The service ends with a benediction. The organist will play a postlude after which you are invited to leave the sanctuary and join the congregation in Wesley Lounge for coffee, tea or punch and fellowship.
When is Communion?
At FUMC, there is a communion service in the Chancel immediately following the worship service. Anyone wishing to participate is invited to remain for communion. Five times a year, a church-wide communion service is held during the worship service. Communion is celebrated either in the pews with ushers distributing bread and cups or by intinction at the front of the church. The United Methodist Church practices open Communion. Everyone (including children) who wishes to take Communion in the spirit with which it is offered is welcome to participate. Our Communion is non-alcoholic.
What happens after the service?
At FUMC, we have lunch twice a month during September through May. We also offer Adult Forums during the second hour. The Adult Forums address issues of social and theological concern. They begin at 11:20 and end at noon.
Do you have any hearing devices?
Yes, ask one of the ushers to get you one. We also have large print bulletins available.
Can I get a copy of the sermon?
Copies of the sermon are available in the Narthex on the literature table.
FUMC is located on State Street in downtown Schenectady at the intersection of State and Lafayette Streets (across from Veteran's Park and next door to MVP). Parking is located in the rear of the church and must be entered from Nott Terrace via Chapel Street. Parking is also available in the MVP parking garage (right next to our lot) and the Lupi parking garage (across the street from our parking lot). We are handicap accessible.
Bus service is provided by CDTA and stops close to the Church.
Parking is available in the rear of the church. Enter from Chapel Street. The MVP garage (adjacent to our lot), and the Lupi garage (across the street from our lot) are both available on Sunday mornings and for special events. The MVP Parking Garage can be accessed from either State Street or Chapel Street.
From I-90 (NYS Thruway), From points east take exit 25 and follow, I-890 West to Exit 5 (Broadway Exit)
Turn right at the bottom of the ramp onto Broadway. Bear right up the hill, cross State Street to Nott Terrace. Take first left onto Chapel Street. Church parking is 300 feet on left. Free parking is also available at MVP Garage.
From points west: Take exit 26 and follow I-890 East to Exit 5 (Broadway Exit). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto Broadway. Bear right up the hill, cross State Street to Nott Terrace. Take first left onto Chapel Street. Church parking is 300 feet on left. Free parking is also available at MVP Garage.
From points north take I-87 (Northway) southbound to exit 6. Turn right onto Route 7 West. Follow Route 7 to Union Street. At Union College, turn left onto Nott Terrace. Take the third right onto Chapel Street. Church parking is 300 feet on left. Free parking is also available at MVP Garage.
Children's Participation and Activities
May my children stay in the sanctuary during the service?
All children remain in the sanctuary until after Children's Time. Then they leave for their class or activity with the education leaders. Babyfold is available for infants and toddlers.
The first Sunday of each month is "Family Sunday." Children remain for the entire service. There are materials in the Narthex for children to use quietly. There is a scheduled intergenerational activity following worship and coffee fellowship. All are invited to participate.
Making Contact
How do I get in touch with the Pastor?
There are several ways:
-
Sign the attendance sheet during the worship service. If you give your address and phone number, one of the pastors or a parish visitor will contact you and we will add you to our mailing list.
-
Introduce yourself to the Pastors after the service, and come to the coffee fellowship to meet some of the Members in a more informal setting.
-
Leave a message at the Church Office: (518) 374-4403. Linda Smith is the Office Manager and she will help you contact one of the pastors.
-
Email Rev. Clunn at: sclunn@yahoo.com.
-
Email Rev. Barney at: arleybarney@verizon.net
How do I find out about special events or on-going projects?
-
Check out the website.
-
A monthly newsletter, "The Spire," can be mailed to you if you are on our mailing list.
-
The Sunday Bulletin contains information about upcoming events, meetings, and service opportunities. Announcements are also made at the beginning of Worship.
Getting Involved
How can I be of service on Sunday mornings?
We are delighted to have many people take an active role on Sunday mornings.
Some of the opportunities to serve include:
-
Greeter
-
Usher
-
Liturgist (read one of the Scripture lessons)
-
Sing in the choir
-
Help with the Coffee Fellowship
-
Help with the Lunches
-
Help teach Sunday School
-
Help in the Babyfold
Are there ways to be of service through the church?
There are many ways you can help including:
-
Volunteer Office Helper
-
Serving on a church Committee
-
Help with building maintenance (both inside and outside activities)
-
Volunteer in Mission trips
In addition, there are many opportunities to become involved in community activities. Many of these possibilities can be found on one of the bulletin boards in the hallway or in Fellowship Hall.
Membership
How do I become a member?
We welcome interest in membership at First Schenectady. Membership classes are held frequently. In these classes we discuss faith questions, the United Methodist beliefs and our local church history.
Members are received in three ways:
-
By profession of faith and baptism
-
By letter of transfer from another United Methodist Church
-
By letter of transfer from another Christian Church OR by reaffirmation of faith when a letter of transfer is not appropriate/possible.
To learn more about membership, please speak to one of our pastors.
What if I'm not a Methodist?
Many of the most active people at First are not members and some are not even Methodists. Non-members are welcome to participate on committees and other activities. Speak to one of the Pastors about the classes on what it means to be a Methodist, and about becoming a member.
Do I have to give a certain amount of money to the church?
You are always welcome to worship with us and participate regardless of whether or not you contribute money. However, we would like everyone who considers First Schenectady their church (whether a formal member or not) to make a commitment (a "pledge") to contribute some amount, either weekly or monthly or yearly.
It is entirely up to you to decide how much you can afford to give and how important the church is to you. The pledge is not binding and we know everyone's circumstances differ and can change at any time. What you give is confidential by the financial secretary and the treasurer. Your contributions are tax deductible.
Other things of interest:
The women of FUMC (The First Tuesday Group) meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM in Wesley Lounge. They have a short devotion, refreshments and a program. All women are welcome to attend. Brochures on this year's programs are available in the Narthex.
The men at FUMC have a breakfast fellowship on the last Wednesday of each month. They meet at the Blue Ribbon Diner at 8:30 am for breakfast and fellowship. All men are welcome.
Over 80 community groups meet in FUMC during the year. These groups include AA, NA, Court-ordered supervised visitation for parents of children living in foster care, the Octavos, the Schenectady Photographic Society and many other groups. The schedule for each day is posted on the easel in the back entrance hallway.
Each year in January, we host the Martin Luther King, Jr., Day events at FUMC.
We are founding members and active in the Schenectady Inner City Ministry (SICM) and its events, e.g., the Crop Walk.