Worshipping At First UMC

Worship As a Joy and Privilege At First UMC - Oak Lawn, you'll find relevant, solidly biblical preaching that challenges the believer and invites the seeker to pursue a personal relationship with God. We seek to glorify God through worship that retains the energy and awe of our Methodist heritage, but speaks creatively to and through contemporary hearts and minds. Children of all ages worship with the congregation, and Pastor Steve presents a special children's message each Sunday. Children's activity packs are available on the Kids Kart near the main entrance; just ask a greeter or usher. Nursery care is available for parents who prefer that option for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. What Do United Methodists Believe? United Methodists profess the historic Christian faith in God, incarnate in Jesus Christ for our salvation and ever at work in human history in the Holy Spirit. For a comprehensive overview of United Methodist history, the story of our shared faith journey, and our understanding of the role of the church and individuals in God's plans for humanity, please visit UMC.org, the official website of the United Methodist Church. As a local congregation, we have adopted statements of our mission, values, and vision which we hope will give you a better sense of who, what, and where First UMC - Oak Lawn sees itself in fulfilling its role as an instrument of God's grace in the Oak Lawn area and the world. We don't pretend to have all of the answers, but we don't accept an "anything goes" approach to faith either. We know Jesus Christ as the Word of God, and we affirm the Bible as the source of everything necessary and sufficient for salvation by faith through Jesus Christ. We take the Bible seriously. We study it together, and in doing so we consider the wisdom and faith of those whose contemplations and teachings regarding the scriptures have been passed down to us in nearly 2,000 years of church tradition. We also rely on reason and our shared experience as a community as we seek the truth of the biblical message in its bearing on our own lives and the life of the world. And we trust in the Holy Spirit to guide the teachings and ministries of this community of faith. It's Worship, Not a Fashion Show There is no dress code at First UMC. On any given Sunday, you may find a senior citizen in shorts and a golf shirt sitting next to a teenager in baggy jeans and a t-shirt and behind a gentleman in a sport coat and a lady in a full length dress. You won't find anybody competing to wear the nicest, latest anything here. But, at the same time, you will find our folks think it's important to be respectful of Sunday worship as a special time in their week. If you are comfortable worshipping in it, and it doesn't seem likely to cause a distraction to those trying to worship around you, you'll fit right in.