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What to Expect
First Time Guests
Thinking of attending a worship service with us?
We know it can be a little unnerving attending a service when you don’t know what to expect. Being new can be tough, so we’ve provided the following information to help give you some insight into what to expect.
We offer two Sunday morning worship services:
Sunday, 8:30 AM – Traditional Service
Worshiping God with a more traditional feel, in this service we primarily utilize standard hymns (and will occasionally sing more recent songs of worship in a traditional style). This service features our chancel choir under the direction of Kimla Miner with musical accompaniment provided by Christy McIlwaine.
Sunday, 10:30 AM – Modern Worship
Expect a casual, relaxed, and dynamic worship experience with contemporary music led by our CrossLight Band. Each week we celebrate communion in this service.
You can also worship with us online through our website (click here) or our YouTube Channel (click here).
What should I expect?
At Parrish UMC you’ll find a lot of smiling faces in a casual and friendly environment. We have greeters at the doors of the worship center that will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We also have coffee and treats available in our “gathering place” adjacent to our worship center. You’re even welcome to bring a cup of coffee into worship with you!
During worship we’ll sing, we’ll pray, and you’ll be challenged by God’s Word. You’ll find relevant and inspiring messages. Often we laugh, occasionally we shed a tear, but always we desire to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and one another.
What about my kids?
You’re more than welcome to keep your children in the worship service, but we also offer Sunday morning programs designed specifically for kids of all ages during the 10:30 AM worship hour.
We also have nursery available for little ones during the two worship services. All of our paid staff and volunteers have been through a background screening and training so you can be assured that your kids are safe and in good hands.
What if I’m not used to going to church?
We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable, especially those who are curious about God but haven’t been to church or haven’t felt comfortable in church. We don’t expect you to have it all figured out because we don’t have it all figured out. Rather, Parrish UMC is a place where we can wrestle together with who God is and what He wants for you and for us. This is a place for those who have been on a journey of faith for many years and for those who are just beginning.
What should I wear?
The short answer is this: You are welcome to wear whatever you’d like. There is no set dress code, although the attire is more on the casual side. Regularly seen in worship: jeans, khakis, polos, nice slacks and ties. Occasionally you might even see one person in a suit sitting near one of our young people in shorts and flip-flops. The only requirement is that you must come clothed! Oh, and Pastor Chris does request no Gator or Tar-Heel attire! However, Duke shirts are more than welcome!
Do I have to give?
If you want to you are more than welcome, but as our guest please do not feel obligated to give anything financially.
If this sounds like a place you’ve been looking for, please be our guest at a service this weekend. Regardless of where you’ve been or what you may be experiencing, you’ll find there is a place for you at Parrish UMC!
If you are still not sure, we’d be happy to answer those questions that you still have. Please call us at the church at 941-776-1539 or email us at office@parrishumc.com.