First United Methodist Church

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question not answered here? Let us know!
Contact us by phone, 479.524.6111 or
by e-mail, staff@fumcss.arcoxmail.com.
We will be happy to answer your questions.

Where are you located?
First United Methodist Church is located in historic downtown Siloam Springs, on 325 East Twin Springs Street, next to the Sager Creek Arts Center. Access to the offices, sanctuary and fellowship hall is located directly across our parking areas, found on East Twin Springs Street.

What are your office hours?
The First UMC office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office phone number is 549.524.6111. You can also reach individual staff members by e-mail.

What happens on Sunday?
Each week, our Sunday morning starts at 9 a.m. with our contemporary, or celebration service, held in the sanctuary. It features a variety of music, and worship in a relaxed atmosphere.

At 10 a.m. members of the First UMC family gather together in the Fellowship Hall and spend a few minutes connecting with each other after a busy week. This time can give you a chance to meet new friends in a casual setting. We even have coffee and donuts, if you desire a sweet treat.

Also at 10 a.m., on every Sunday except the first Sunday of each month, communion is offered at the altar rail for those desiring to participate in the sacrament on a weekly basis. On the first Sunday of each month, communion is offered as part of both worship services.

Our Sunday school classes begin 10:15 a.m. We have classes for children, youth and adults. We are continually looking for ways to provide educational opportunities for our guests and members, and in that

Our traditional service begins at 11:10 a.m. in our sanctuary. This service includes hymns and other worship tools, which have been passed on through our tradition as United Methodists. While the service has a structured feel, you will find the congregation to be welcoming to guests of all ages.

What can you tell me about Sunday School?
We believe attendance in a Sunday School class is not limited to our children and youth ministry programs. Because we believe these fellowships are a critical part an individual's spiritual growth, we offer a full range of classes from everyone, regardless of age.

Each class is structured to encourage friendships among members, and provide a safe place where someone can learn and grow in their Christian faith. A complete list of classes can be found here.

What childcare do you offer?
Childcare, for infant, toddler and preschool aged children, is provided during both services and at most church events, by trained and screened volunteers.

While the nursery is available for our youngest members, parents with school-aged students are encouraged to bring their youngsters to the worship services. Many children and youth take part in the services, as members of the praise team during the contemporary service, and as acolytes. A children's message, which highlights a Christian theme in a child-friendly way, is included in each service.

Who cares for my children?
We value your children and youth. It is our desire to provide them with a safe and secure place, where they can learn about God's love without fear. In that effort, our church has adopted a Safe Sanctuary policy, which outlines the expectations we have for how all of our volunteers interact with children and youth.

First UMC Siloam Springs operates using a two-person model, where no volunteer or staff member is alone with a child or youth, under the age of 18, at anytime. Additionally, all volunteers within our children and youth ministry program have gone through a background check and screening process.

Our church family has an added resource, Karl Mounger, who is a member of the national Safe Sanctuarys task force. Karl continually provides educational opportunities for our staff members in order to ensure your child's safety.

What do you offer for my student?
The student ministries at First UMC are growing by leaps and bounds. In October 2007, the ministries took a step toward the future, with the hiring of Kaylea Hutson as our Minister to Families with Children, and Mike Stuckey as our Minister to Families with Youth.

· Children's Ministry
Our children's ministry program currently offers one large event each month, Sunday School for nursery through fifth graders each week, and special events as scheduled. New programs and activities are added each month, as the ministry continues to grow.

Keep checking back with us, because things are truly blooming in this ministry area. For specific children's ministry questions, feel free to contact Kaylea by e-mail: kaylea@fumcss.arcoxmail.com, or by phone at 479.524.6111.

While Kaylea splits her ministry time between the children's and communications areas, she can be found at the church office on Mondays and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, and during most evening hours.

· Youth Ministry
Our youth ministry program took a new direction in October 2007, when the decision was made to increase the part-time ministry position to a full-time level. This took place, to meet the growing needs of the middle school and high school ministries.

The youth ministry meets at 6 p.m. each Wednesday, in The Basement (located in the lower level of the Sager Creek Arts Center) for a time of worship and study. An open basement time, directly follows the study until 8:30 p.m. This gives students a chance to try out the video game system, listen to music, play other games or simply hang out with friends outside of school.

Other youth activities are being planned. Keep watching the youth Web site for details. Feel free to contact Mike by e-mail: mike@fumcss.arcoxmail.com, or by phone at 479.524.6111.

· College Ministry
Our ministry to college students -- those attending the nearby John Brown University, or students living away from home for the first time -- is growing as well. Currently Chris and Joy Hensen serve as the liaisons for the JBU students who attend First UMC. Activities have included "laundry parties" (members letting students do their laundry at a home, rather than the laundry mat), study breaks and a trip to an area corn maze. Cook outs, Bible studies and of course, lots of home cooked meals are just a few of the things being planned for the future.

How do I become a member of First UMC?
For those who wish to join First UMC as a member, we encourage desiring membership in FUMC, we encourage you to schedule a meeting with Pastor Randy. You can do this by calling the office at 479.524.6111 or by e-mailing him at rrowlan@cox-internet.com.

During this meeting, Pastor Randy will share with you about the church's history, provide you with the church's doctrinal statement and other things distinctive to the United Methodist Church.

As United Methodists, upon becoming members, we promise to uphold the church's ministries with our prayers, our gifts, our presence and our service. Pastor Randy will help you explore ways to become a part of the various ministry areas here at First UMC. Ultimately, it is our desire that you find a place to call home here at First UMC.