What to Expect on a Sunday at Chelsea First UMC
We have two worship services on Sunday mornings: a 9:00am service that blends contemporary and traditional elements, and an 11:00am service that leans more traditional.  You can find out more about both services on our Worship page.  Both are casual, thoughtful, and welcoming to people wherever they are on their faith journey. You’ll find folks in jeans and t-shirts sitting alongside others in business casual—come just as you are. Between services, we gather in the Social Hall for coffee and connection time.

When you arrive, friendly greeters will welcome you at the door, and you can stop by the Connection Center (just off the lobby) for help or directions. While we don’t have our own parking lot, there are plenty of public parking options nearby, and a circle drive is available for easy drop-off. For families, we offer a self-serve nursery near the sanctuary and “praygrounds” for little ones during worship.  There are several opportunities for young kids and youth during worship, both in the Sanctuary and in their own spaces. Find out more on our Connect Children’s Ministry page and our Youth Ministry page.

• When is Sunday Worship?

  • During the typical school year, we have two Sunday morning worship services each week, at 9 am and 11 am. In the summer, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, we have one Sunday service at 10 am. All are welcome!

• Where can I find online worship?

  • Whether you’re joining us in real time or catching up later, you can watch Chelsea First’s worship services on our YouTube Channel. Tune in live on Sunday mornings or view past services anytime it fits your schedule.

• Where can I find out what is happening in worship (aka the Order of Worship)?

  • When you join us in person, a friendly usher will offer you a bulletin with the order of worship and highlights of upcoming events.

    Worshiping from home or on the go? You can download the current bulletin here and follow along wherever you are.

• What do you have for kids?

  • We love having children and youth as a vibrant part of our church family—wiggles, giggles, questions, and all! Whether it’s a fussy baby, a curious toddler, or a neurodivergent child who needs to move and explore, they are all welcome to be themselves in worship and beyond.

    Our two praygrounds—interactive spaces in the sanctuary—offer younger children a way to engage with worship at their level. We also offer a self-serve nursery near the sanctuary for infants and toddlers (a parent or guardian stays with the child).

    Children’s and youth ministries are available during worship for school-aged kids and teens. After beginning the service in the sanctuary with their families, they’ll be invited to head to their age-specific activities—where they’ll learn, play, and grow in faith together.  On the first Sunday of each month we receive communion.  Our Children and Youth stay in worship and participate in worship.

    Our Confirmation program keep middle and high school students connected, engaged, and supported as they explore their faith.

    For more details, check out our Children’s Ministries and Youth Ministries pages.

• What are you offering for the adults in my life?

  • There are meaningful ways to grow in faith and connect with others here at Chelsea First. We currently offer a Monday night Bible Study for adults, a Women’s Bible Study, a Parent Group, and our Soup-er Sunday Speaker Series—a time of thoughtful conversation and community over a shared meal.

    We also invite you to experience The Quiet Center, a contemplative gathering that offers space for reflection, prayer, and spiritual renewal.

    Looking to get involved? Visit our Engage page for more ways to connect and grow in community.

• What can I expect when I come to worship at Chelsea First UMC?

  • What to Expect on Sunday
    During the school year, we offer two Sunday worship services—9:00am (a blend of contemporary and traditional styles) and 11:00am (more traditional in tone). From Memorial Day through Labor Day, we come together for a single 10:00am service. You can find details on our Worship Services page.

    Wear what makes you comfortable—you’ll see people in jeans and t-shirts alongside others in business casual. There’s no dress code here, just a warm welcome.

    We value the presence of children in all parts of our worship life. Children are welcome to stay in the sanctuary (including our two interactive praygrounds), or they can take part in age-specific children’s ministry during the service. There’s also a self-serve nursery near the sanctuary for infants and toddlers—parents or guardians are welcome to use it as needed.

    If you’re visiting, we’d love to meet you! Feel free to introduce yourself to Pastor Joy Barrett or one of our friendly greeters—but if you’d prefer to quietly explore, that’s completely okay too. We’re here when you’re ready.