Frequently Asked Questions & Miscellaneous Items

Still have questions? Contact the church office (281) 332-1557 or by email.

WORSHIP

Do you have traditional and/or contemporary worship services?

The 8:30 a.m. worship service is a traditional worship service that offers music sung by the Sanctuary Choir, traditional hymns and liturgy, as well as a relevant message brought by one of our two pastors, Rev. Chris Harrison or Rev. Linda O'Neal.

The 11:00 a.m. blended worship service incorporates expressions of both traditional and contemporary worship. The atmosphere is more relaxed and the music more eclectic. A message is brought by one of our two pastors, Rev. Chris Harrison or Rev. Linda O'Neal.

Do you offer Children’s Church?

Children’s Church is offered during the 11:00 worship hour. Children are dismissed from the traditional and contemporary worship services after the Children’s Moments to attend Children’s Church.

Can I get a recording of the Sunday sermon?

The sermons from the traditional services are recorded (audio and video) each week and are available in the church library to check out. Sermons are now being streamed from our web site and on

www.streamgarden.tv (audio and video). Sermons and Bible studies can also be downloaded onto your Ipod from the www.streamgarden.tv web site. We’re even listed on ITunes!”

CHILDREN

Are children welcome in the worship services?

Children are welcome to attend worship services.

Is childcare available during worship services and other events?

Childcare is available for all worship services. Childcare for other events varies and is frequently arranged based on the anticipated need.

How can the nursery staff locate me if they need me during the worship service?

Parents can be contacted by a pager they receive when they check their child into the nursery.

Are there diaper changing facilities?

Diaper changing stations are located in the men’s and women’s restrooms located just outside the sanctuary and in the Family Life Center.

I would like my child to attend worship with me. Is there anything special for children in worship?

All worship services, except for the first Sunday of the month, have a special time when children are invited to come forward to hear a message for their age level. Worship folders that contain a variety of activities are also available for children.

Do you offer Children’s Church?

Children’s Church is offered during the 11:00 worship hour. Children are dismissed from the worship services after the Children’s Moments to attend Children’s Church.

COMMUNION

When do you celebrate communion?

Communion is served on the first Sunday of every month during both the 8:30 and 11:00 services as well as in Children’s Church. Communion is also served during services on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Christmas Eve.

Can you bring communion to me at my pew?

Communion will be brought to those who are unable to come forward during the service. You may remain seated and indicate to an usher that you would like to be served in the pew.

HOW TO JOIN THE CHURCH

Do I have to talk to someone first about joining LCUMC?

No, you do not have to talk to someone first. We would always welcome a chance to get to know you before you join, but it is certainly not a requirement. It is important to us that you feel like you belong before you join. We receive members by confession of faith in Christ, transfer from another Christian church, or by renewal of their vows of Christian discipleship.

Do I have to walk up front to join?

We prefer that you do. When someone joins a church, we want to give our current members the opportunity to meet their new brother or sister in Christ. We celebrate new members. Our congregation likes to have a chance to welcome you personally. If for any reason you cannot come forward, please consult with one of the pastors.

Can my children join when I join?

Children are an important part of our church. Children, 5th grade and younger, are received as preparatory members and are encouraged to participate in 5th grade Confirmation. Youth, 7th grade and above, are received as full members of the church when they join and are given the opportunity to be part of a confirmation class for their age group.

BAPTISM

Do I have to be baptized to be a member of LCUMC?

Yes.  All those who are received as full members must be baptized. If you were previously baptized by another Christian denomination, we do not require that you be re-baptized.

My children need to be baptized. How do I go about making these arrangements?

Please contact one of the pastors to set up a time to meet and discuss the baptisms. A date will then be set.

PASTORAL CARE

Are there certain times when I should contact one of the pastors?

The pastoral staff is available to provide support and spiritual guidance to the members and friends of LCUMC. Please contact a pastor when you or a family member is going into the hospital, when there is a birth or death in the family, and when you have a special concern that you would like to speak to someone about.

Where should I go if I have an appointment with a pastor or other staff member?

During the week you can park in front of the church off Main St. and come in the front doors. The main office is located to the right. The secretary will be glad to let the staff member know that you are here and will assist you in locating their office. If you come after office hours you may park in the front as mentioned above or in the back parking lot. There is a door bell on the front door and on the door located at the end of the sidewalk to the right of the sanctuary doors. Ring the doorbell and someone will let you in.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Is there an elevator for getting to the second floor classrooms?

There is an elevator located in the Family Life Center near the gymnasium.

Do you have handicapped parking spaces?

Handicapped parking spaces are just outside the sanctuary doors in the main parking lot off of Wesley Drive.

Do you have handicapped restrooms?

Handicap restrooms are located just outside the Sanctuary and in the Family Life Center.

I have trouble reading small print. Can I get a large print copy of the Sunday Bulletin?

Large print bulletins and hymnals are available for the traditional services and can be obtained from an usher.

PARKING

Where is the main parking for the church?

Our main parking is not visible from Main Street (FM518). It is located behind the church off Wesley Drive.

Is there additional parking available?

Additional parking is available on the south end of the Kroger parking lot near the pharmacy and at The Clock Shoppe on the east side of the church on Main Street as well as the Home Town Bank across the street on Main.

Do you have reserved parking for visitors?

Reserved guest parking is located in the main parking lot off Wesley Drive at the end of the first row.

Do you have handicapped parking spaces?

Handicapped parking spaces are just outside the sanctuary doors in the main parking lot off Wesley Drive.

MISCELLANEOUS

How do I go about receiving a church newsletter?

The church newsletter is published electronically once a month.  Weekly emails are utilized to inform of significant information and to announce the monthly newsletter.  If you have an email address, contact the church office at 281-332-1557 or office@lcumc.tv .  If you do not have a computer, notify the office, and they will work with you.

My address has changed. Whom do I contact?

Please contact the church secretary at 281-332-1557 with any changes in your residence, phone number, email address and name.  It is very important that the church office knows whether you have email or not, and your email address if you do as this is our primary means of communication.

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF MEMBERS OF LCUMC?

When a person joins the church, they are asked if they will support the church by their prayers, presence, gifts and their service. This vow of membership is not just for the benefit of the church but for each member as well. Together, we make up what the Bible calls the Body of Christ, the church. Each one’s involvement in the life and work of the church strengthens the body and empowers our ministries. An information packet with cards to indicate gifts and service is provided for new members to fill out and participate in the life and future of the church.