First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa
Thursday, September 09, 2010

F.A.Q.    (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

Q1: What should I expect at First United Methodist Church?

A:  Expect to be welcomed. There are many ways for you to connect with our church through Sunday school, small groups, and volunteer opportunities. There’s a place for you here at First United Methodist Church. 

·    Expect a congregation of persons seeking to grow in their relationships with God and each other. We accomplish this by worshiping together, studying together, serving together, and playing together. We believe that God accepts us as we are, but wants us to become the persons we were created to be. We are all “works in progress.” 

·    Expect to find a group of people who are led by God’s Holy Spirit to do holy work within the walls of our church as well as outside of them. Come and join us in this amazing work. 

Q2: What are the worship services like?

A:  We have 2 traditional worship services (called Traditions) held each Sunday morning in our sanctuary. These services include formal preaching, hymn singing, choir and pipe organ, liturgy and creed. We have 2 contemporary worship services (called The Bridge) that meet in Chitwood Hall. At The Bridge, our band plays the latest contemporary Christian music and our pastor shares her message in a conversational way. We have skits, videos, and prayer stations that add to the worship experience. 

Q3: Are children and youth welcome in worship?

A:  Children and youth of any age are welcome in any of our worship services. We encourage their participation as a vital part of our worshiping family. However, we do have a well-staffed nursery for children ages birth through age 5.

Q4: Do I have to be a member to take Communion?

A:  The communion table of the United Methodist Church is an open table. You do not have to be a member of the church to partake. The invitation to the table is an invitation to a personal and lasting relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Everyone is welcome at the table. This includes persons of any age. 

Q5: Are there ministries for all members of my family?

A:  We have ministries for all ages and stages of life—from birth through older adult—both single and married. 

Q6: What should I wear to worship? 

A:   Wear whatever makes you comfortable. Most people at our Traditions worship service wear “business casual” attire. Some men will wear coat and tie; some will wear casual shirt and slacks. Attire for The Bridge is more casual—jeans, shorts, flipflops, etc are just right.       

Q7: What if I am still “searching” and “seeking” for a relationship with God?

A:  If you are a questioner, you have come to the right place. We welcome enthusiastic questioners because we know that we do not have all the answers. We know that God is at work in each of our lives even before we are aware of it. The church is a wonderful place to explore the answers to your questions about God. Come as join us as we all seek to know God better.

Q8: How big is First United Methodist Church?

A:  We are averaging about 1000 in worship attendance each Sunday in 4 worship services.

Q9: How old is First United Methodist Church?

A:  Our church was founded in 1818. It has been a spiritual force in the Tuscaloosa area for almost 200 years. 

Q10: Where is First United Methodist Church?

A:  It’s the big yellow brick church in downtown Tuscaloosa next to the County Courthouse. 800 Greensboro Avenue Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Q11: What do United Methodists believe?

A:  We have a commitment to the basics of Christianity and to a Christian lifestyle. We believe that God has mercy and love for all people. We believe in God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We believe in a God of grace who looks upon each of us as a beloved child. We celebrate the sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism.    Click here   if you would like to read more about United Methodist beliefs. 

Q12: How can I get connected at First United Methodist Church?

A:  The ministries at FUMCT are for anyone willing to participate, both visitors and members alike. Check out the many ministry offerings on this website. Whether you want to participate in a small group, serve as a greeter, or participate with an international mission team, we have a place for you. 

Q13: How do I join the church?

A:  Simply notify the Director of Discipleship or one of the pastors of your desire to join. You can do this by:

  • Marking that you wish to join on the registration pad in a worship service; 
  • Talking with one of the pastors before or after the worship service;  
  • Calling the church office and speaking with Chere Flanagan, Director of Discipleship, or one of the pastors.  (205-345-7261).
  • Our church has a discipleship development ministry called THE DISCIPLESHIP DIAMOND. It is designed to give people the tools they need to live as disciples of  Jesus. It is also our way of providing orientation to our church. We strongly encourage all new members to join us Membership 101. Whether you come from another United Methodist Church, a church of another denomination, or you come desiring to be baptized into God’s church for the first time, we welcome you into our community of believers. Click here to learn more about THE DISCIPLESHIP DIAMOND.