frequently asked questions

Welcome from Pastor Laura

Greetings, Friends!

Jesus once said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” If you are seeking a church home in the area, the doors of Central UMC are open to you, as are our hearts and our minds. We are a loving, and serving community that seeks to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We have something for all ages because this is a church in which the young and young-at-heart join together to make a Kingdom difference. So, whether you’re just curious about Jesus and this whole Christian-thing, new to the area, or simply looking for something new, on behalf of the entire Central UMC community, I invite you to check us out. Be seeing you!

Blessings,

Pastor Laura

What time is in-person Sunday worship?

Worship service is at 11:00AM each Sunday. You can join us live online during our Sunday morning 11am service on our Facebook page, or worship with us at your leisure by viewing previously recorded services.

How do I worship online?

You may join us online on our Facebook page.

Visit Facebook.

Are there small groups?

Small groups are where the greatest growth in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ happens. There are both short term and long term small groups for all ages. Some take place on Sunday mornings but there are others during the week. Please contact our church office to learn more about each individual group.

May I bring my children to worship?

Of course! This is not a church where a child needs to sit still and in silence at all times. We love for children to be active participants in worship and are quite adept at integrating them into the life of the church.

Do I need to dress up?

Wear what makes you feel most comfortable and worshipful. You’ll see attendees in blue jeans, people in dresses and/or suits, and everything in between.

I’ve made some bad decisions in my life. Am I still welcome?

We do not expect perfection of ourselves or others. We gather together to learn more about the One who IS perfect, Jesus, and to draw closer to God through the power of His sacrifice on the cross for us. Whoever you are and whatever you have done or left undone, you are welcome!

Tell me about Holy Communion and Baptism.

Communion and baptism are the two sacraments within The United Methodist Tradition.

Communion was instituted by Jesus at his last meal before his death on the cross. On the first Sunday of each month, we celebrate communion by eating bread and drinking grape juice through which Jesus is made present to us in a way that remains a mystery to us. You do not need to be a member of the church or any church in order to receive communion. You do not need to be a certain age or baptized. The prerequisite for receiving communion is an open heart.

We believe baptism is a means of grace through which we are forgiven of our sins, receive the Holy Spirit, and are incorporated into the body of Christ. We do not believe that baptism itself saves us. Rather that it is through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross that we are saved. We believe in infant baptism.

For more information, please contact the church office or by emailing us at:

churchoffice@escanabacentral.org

Where should I park and where do I enter the building?

There is adequate parking surrounding our facilities. Sunday school predominantly takes place in the Sunday School wing to the left of the main sanctuary. Feel free to enter through the front doors for any ministry unless otherwise directed until you have your bearings.

How do I get in touch with the pastor and staff?

Click on the "Contact" tab in the menu above for more information.

GET CONNECTED

Our bi-monthly newsletter "The Carillon" and prayer list are our primary means of communicating with the church. To sign up for one or both of these, please email:

churchoffice@escanabacentral.org.