YOUR FIRST VISIT

Communion

In the United Methodist Church, communion is open to all persons. We serve non-alcoholic grape juice and bread. Gluten free wafers are available on the communion table. We form two lines: one line receives communion through the communal cup and the other line receives a tiny cup. The tiny cup can be left on the chancel rail when finished. Also, one person will walk around the floor of the sanctuary with bread and a cup for those who are unable to make it to the front of the sanctuary.

The communion offering, which can be placed in the offering plates on the chairs on the inside end of the front row, is for the pastor’s discretionary fund. It is used for meeting the needs of individuals in our community and congregation facing financial emergencies or for special needs of the church.

Kids: Nursery Care and Sunday School

We offer childcare for infants & toddlers from birth through 4 years. Ask an usher for directions to the Nursery. Children of all ages and their grown-ups are encouraged to make use of the Quiet Play table in the back of the Sanctuary. Children are always welcome to remain in worship!

After the Children’s Time (about 1/3 of the way into the service), the Sunday School teacher will escort children ages 4 years through 6th grade to Sunday School. Children’s Sunday School is held in the Spencer/Church Office building which is located to the west (left) of the sanctuary. There is a long ramp leading up to Spencer. After worship, you may collect your child from Sunday School at Spencer and then return to the sanctuary for fellowship and refreshments.

Campus Information

Our 5-acre terraced campus is situated in a mix of residential homes and local businesses. Our main parking lot can be entered from Fair Oaks Boulevard or Pennsylvania Avenue. The handicapped and special needs parking lot can be entered from Pennsylvania Avenue on the east side of the Sanctuary and provides access, without steps, into the church. The Spencer building, Wesley Hall, and the Library have accessible entrances with ramps. We are working on upgrading the rest of the campus to be accessible as well.

For a map of our campus, click here.

For driving directions and an area map to our campus, click here.

Closing Circle Prayer

Fair Oaks United Methodist Church has a well-loved tradition of singing “Shalom to You” at the end of each service. After Passing the Peace of Christ, form a circle while holding hands and face others across the center aisle. Much of the service is spent facing forward and this tradition gives all a chance to see fellow worshippers as we express hope for wholeness and peace; not only for ourselves, but for the entire world!

The words for “Shalom to You” are projected on the screen during this time:

Shalom to you now,
Shalom, my friends.

May God’s full mercies
Bless you, my friends.

In all your living
And through your loving,

Christ be your shalom,
Christ be your shalom.

Coffee

During the Fellowship Time after worship, coffee, juice, and light refreshments are served buffet-style from the kitchen. The kitchen is on the right (east) side of the sanctuary building down the hallway. Refreshments may be enjoyed in the Sanctuary, the Narthex, the Patio, the Courtyard, the Peace Garden, or wherever you find a spot that suits you!

Curious?

Can you think of more things you’d like to know before coming to church for the first time? Just ask! Contact Us here.