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Frequently Asked Questions
WELCOME VIDEO Here are some of the questions other visitors have asked about First Church. If your question isn't one of them, please feel free to contact one of the persons listed at the end of this section. Parking Directions: There are a number of parking lots and a parking garage available on Sunday morning and evening. Some are self evident when you approach the church or by posted signs. However, for your convenience, we would suggest looking at the large parking map located on the First Church Buildings page (PDF). That is a map of the entire First Church campus, showing all the buildings and the locations/times for Sunday Classes, Worship and other Sunday activities. 1. Where do I park? See the Parking Instructions above and/or
visit the First Church Buildings page (PDF).
On special occasion such as Easter, other parking areas can be available so revisit
this page for updated information. 2. Where is the Nursery? Our nursery is located on the first floor of
the Ministries and Eduication Building, which is the building at South Street and Magnolia Ave. across from the Sanctuary. Our nursery staff cares for infants age 6 weeks through preschool
age. Parents are given a pager that will vibrate if your child needs
you, and all parents register with their children and are photographed
to help keep everyone secure. 3. Who works in the Nursery? Our caring nursery staff
are employed by our church. They all have been interviewed, have background
checks, and have been hired because they enjoy working with our children!
All staff also have updated infant and child CPR training. Several
staff members are also teachers at our Wesley Child Development Center. 4. Where is the main entrance to the Church Sanctuary?
The main entrance to the Sanctuary is under the Rotunda area off the
Courtyard, on the Southwest corner of the Sanctuary building. It can
be accessed by steps and ramp from Magnolia Ave. There is a 2nd access
door on the Jackson St. side of the Sanctuary near Magnolia Ave. A good view of all the Sanctuary entrance ways
can be seen at first church buildings. For a visual view of the Sanctuary click the Panoramic Tour icon on the right side bar of this web site's frong page. 5. What about bringing children to the Worship service?
Children are always welcome in worship! Your child may enjoy a ‘busy
bag,’ which is available at the front doors and has various
coloring pages and crayons for your child to use. There are also pink
drawing papers and pencils in each of the pews. Children ages 4-second
grade may participate in Children’s Church during the 11:00
worship, which involves coming to the front and hearing a story during
‘children’s moment’ and then going with adult volunteers
to participate in other child-centered learning and play activities.
Children may be picked up after worship on the 2nd floor of theLedbetter building, which is the large white building behind the sanctuary.
Also, the Nursery is available for younger children and you can be
assured they will be loved and cared for while you worship. 6. I am not a United Methodist. What are the Christian beliefs
of your church? For a comprehensive look at our beliefs I
would suggest visiting one of our web pages dedicated to that subject
at We Believe. In addition there is a separate page for our understanding
of Baptism at UMC on Baptism. This extensive paper deals with our
position on infant Baptism. 7. Since I am not a United Methodist, will I be able to participate
in the Sacrament of Holy Communion? We have what is called
an "Open Table" approach to Holy Communion. A person does
not have to be a United Methodist or a member of this particular church.
We invite all who honestly are seeking the presence of Christ in their
lives and desire to receive God's grace with an intention to lead
a transformed life in God's world. 8. I am a Catholic. Can I participate in the worship of your
church? Absolutely. We welcome all persons to worship, participate
in the sacraments and in all activities of the church, regardless
of religious affiliation, race, color or nationality.
The United Methodist Church motto is "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors."
Many Catholics have found a church home at First Church, sometimes
through marriage to a non-Catholic, sometimes because they are have
not been active in a church. However, we do not encourage anyone to
leave a church in which they are active, but we welcome seekers who
need a spiritual home with other Christians. As United Methodists
we understand ourselves to be part of a "catholic" church,
meaning the universal totality of Christendom. 9. I am not a Christian. Can I still attend worship at your
church? Certainly. We know that the age we live in can be
troublesome, confusing and heartbreaking. In times such as these it
isn't unusual for persons to seek something deeper in life, something
that offers hope, a sense of purpose and family. We worship an inviting
God ready to heal the heart and transform life itself. We always stand
ready to be part of God's work in peoples' lives, and being in worship
is a wonderful place to begin. 10. Does your church have the typical "Sunday School"
classes? We like to call it the "The Sunday Experience."
There are classes for all ages with a number of choices for Children,
youth and adults from young adults to seniors. I invite you to visit
the "Sunday" Web Page at First Church on Sunday for brief
descriptions and meeting places for these classes. We even have a
class for shut-ins at home, using a conference call method. 11. Are there other opportunities for Bible study apart from
Sunday? Yes, there are many. On Wednesday evenings there
are a range of classes available. An
up-to-date list can be found at our "Experiencing Small Groups" web page.. Also,
there are long-term studies which are part of the United Methodist
Disciple Bible Study series and periodic special series. You can look
at a description of these at The Disciple Page and the "Experiencing Small Groups" page. These usually start in January and/or September on Wednesdays
evenings, and occasionally there is one or more on Sunday afternoon
depending on the demand. Shorter term studies occur at other days and evenings. You can see these and other activities
on the Church Calendar at First Church Calendar which really shows
all the activities of the church and the Church Messenger (Newsletter)
which gives upcoming events and news about the church. 12. How would I find information about becoming a member of First Church? Visitor Open House is a good starting place to learn more about First Church. These are held approximately once a month on a Sunday after the 11:00 a.m. Service. While there, newcomers will meet our three pastors, their wives, staff and members. Also, you will get to view our Welcome DVD which gives a great overview of First Church. For those who wish to join First Church, we offer New Member Orientation Classes. These quarterly sessions consist of three consecutive classes held on Sunday mornings, followed by a New Member Sunday. All classes are taught by one of our pastors. Further, several of our staff members offer presentations about some of our many ministries. The table below lists the dates for our presently scheduled Visitor Open House events and the Orientation Sessions. Both are held in the Wesley Building (see schedule below for time and place). As a part of the vows taken by new members you will be asked to profess your faith in Christ and pledge to support the church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and your witness. Please contact Ava Newsome at (407) 849-6080 ext. 157, or email Ava@fumc-orl.org for additional information, questions, or if you wish to register.
13. What kind of Ministries does your church offer?
We not only offer ministries we encourage members and non-members
alike to take part in ministries. There is always room for a person
to share their spiritual gifts in the church and the community. In
fact, we are convinced that being in ministry is a vital part of being
a faithful Christian disciple. We invite you to look at two web sites
which will give you a general view of the core ministries of First
Church, and a more detailed list of ministry opportunities in which
you can participate. These important sites are First Church Ministries
and First Church Ministry Opportunities. 14. You mentioned sharing my spiritual gifts. What does that
mean? We believe God has given every human being certain
spiritual gifts to be used within the Christian community and in society.
We also believe a person's gift (or gifts) has been given by God to
be used, not to remain idle. Sometimes we don't think we actually
have a spiritual gift, or we don't know how to discover what it is.
The church periodically offers a class which will help you discover
your gift. Once you do you will understand the difference between
being the casual volunteer and the committed Disciple of Christ. Keep
an eye on the Sunday Bulletin and Wednesday evening web page at Experience
It Wednesdays for class schedules. 15.What opportunities are their in the church's music ministry?
They are extensive and too many to list here.In the above "Worship & Music"
menu you will get a good idea of just how
diverse the Music offerings of First Church are. If you want to know
more or want to participate in the Music Ministry, contact the Director
of Music & Worship Arts, Bill Shortal at fumcomusic@fumc-orl.org or call him at 407-849-6080, ext. 138. The Web site also gives the
schedule of musical events presented during the year. 16. Where would I find more information on the offerings for
children and youth? Both of these core ministries have their
own dedicated web pages. For children see The Children's Place; for
youth see The Skylight. These sites (with links in the above menus) will give you up-to-date information
on all activities and class schedules. 17. Is your church involved in mission work? Yes, we
are very involved in local missions such as Harbor House, The Christian
Service Center, the Coalition for the Homeless, Habitat-for-humanity
and many others. In the national and foreign mission fields we generally
do at least two adult and two youth missions a year. In the past few
years, including 2004-2007, our missioners have traveled to Cuba, Honduras,
Guatemala. Mexico, Dominican Republic and Costa Rica. The mission work always
includes both elements of sharing Christ and providing assistance
with the physical needs of the people, including building, repair
work and other projects. Beyond these regular missions, we have specialized
missioners who have traveled to Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Kenya
and other countries. In addition, the United Methodist Church is what
is called a connectional church. This means we are "connected"
with over 30,000 other congregations which pool resources to fund
a worldwide missionary and disaster relief effort. Through this global
effort we fund over 220 missionaries and a host of projects too many
to list. 18. I am a Senior Citizen. Is there anything besides a Sunday
class for me? Yes, on Friday mornings beginning at 9:30 a.m.
in the Skylight on the third floor of the Ledbetter Building, a group of persons 65 and
over, called "Senior Friends," meets for fellowship, games, lunch ($2.00)
and a program. The group often takes "field trips" in the
church bus. Many non members from the downtown high-rise retirement
centers take part in this program as well as our members. It is open
to everyone. The church van travels to the downtown high-rises for
those who wish to attend. Regarding the Sunday classes, there are
several classes that a number of persons 65 and over participate in.
There is also a unique telephone class for those unable to attend
class for health reasons. It uses a conference call system so everyone
can be on the line with the teacher at the same time. 19. How do you fund all of the ministries and programs of your
church? Like most churches we have a budget that contains
everything the church does and how much we plan to spend to do our
work and do it well. Budgets are supported through the pledges of
church members as well as regular participants in the worship and
other events of the church. Once a year, usually in November, we have
a Stewardship Campaign inviting everyone to share in the work of God
in this community and beyond. Our understanding of Stewardship goes
well beyond giving money. We understand that God calls every Christian
to be a good steward of time, talents, as well as finances. This is
why our members take a personal vow before God to support the church
with their Prayers, Presence, Gifts and Service 20. Who can I contact if I have other questions that are not on this page? You can contact the church office at 407-849-6080 or by email at fumco@fumc-orl.org, and ask to speak to someone who can answer the question. You can look at the Pastor/Staff web page to find a link to a member of our church staff who might answer your question or refer you to a church leader who can. Or you can email our Visitor Coordinator for more specific information. page updated
August 25, 2010
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| First United Methodist Church of Orlando 142 East Jackson Street Orlando, FL 32801 407.849.6080 :Voice E-mail: fumco@fumc-orl.org |