Methodist Church

First Time to First Church?

Thanks for checking us out!

Whether you are just curious or seriously seeking a "church home,” you are very much welcome here at First Church. After talking with many visitors over the years, we’ve developed these simple steps below to let you know what you can expect when you arrive on Sunday morning. We hope this will decrease your stress and make your visit a joy.

Welcome to Sunday Morning

1.  Choose a Worship Service

Worship begins at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., with some exceptions on special holidays. Each service includes the same basic sermon, but the music and order will be somewhat different. Each service has its own separate bulletin to help you understand how we do things and the pastor’s sermon notes for you to get more from God’s word.

The 9:00 service has more praise music with piano and acoustic guitar, is less formal in dress and format, and more conversational in the sermon style.

The 11:00 service is the more traditional service based on a classical style pipe organ, liturgy based, and reverential style.

Regardless of which service you choose, it’s best to arrive about 15 minutes early, or 30 minutes early if you need time to find your children’s classroom locations. Programs for children and youth meet in-between services from 10:00 to about 10:45, and so do most adult fellowship groups.

2.  Arrive and Get Parked

If this is your first time, you are special to us and we have reserved parking next to the church on Fifth Street. As you enter the lot you will notice bright orange cones next to the building reserving these spaces for visitors.

We are a single-campus church with one location. There is ample parking at the Williamstown Elementary School just a few doors down or the Williamstown High school across the street. Don't hesitate to ask greeters at the door for assistance. They are there to help you.

3.  Find a Place for Yourself and Your Kids

Information volunteers are ready to answer your questions before, between, and after each service. Just look for them at the doors, in the halls, or in the Sanctuary. They’ll be waiting for you to arrive before worship and answer your questions following the service. They can help you choose an adult fellowship group that’s right for you. If you have children, they will help guide you to a place where your family will feel at home, your kids safe, and parents can make friends.

4.  Celebrate Through Worship

Greeters will welcome you into the worship center and give you a bulletin outlining the service. Ushers can help you find a seat, answer questions, and give you a tour of the facilities. Toward the beginning of the service, everyone is invited to stand and greet one another with handshakes. You will not be singled out as a visitor, but we hope you will fill out an information card in your bulletin. Biblical teaching, a blend of musical styles, prayer, giving, and regularly-scheduled communion services are key components of worship at First Church.

5.  Let Us Help You

If you would like to talk about a personal concern or something you heard in the service, look for someone with a name badge. These men and women have been trained to listen and encourage, and they are eager to help. They also can pray with you in the lounge following the service.

6.  Welcome Packet

With so much going on it hard to keep it all straight! We have a special welcome packet that describes our ministries and the opportunities available to you through the ministries for First Church. Usher and Greeter have these packets available so be sure to get one and learn more about who we are and where we’re going.

Still Not Sure About Visiting?

We'd be happy to answer those questions that you still have. Please call us at the church at 304-375-6386, or email our staff directly.