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Your First Visit, Made Simple.Rooted in Chelsea Since 1853, Growing in Faith Ever Since
Chelsea First United Methodist Church has been part of the heart of Chelsea for over 170 years. From humble beginnings with traveling clergy to rebuilding after a fire and expanding to meet a growing community’s needs, our story is one of resilience, faith, and commitment. We’ve remained grounded in downtown Chelsea, continuing to grow in mission and ministry.
A Vibrant, Inclusive Community for All
Today, we are a vibrant, intentionally inclusive, justice-seeking faith community. With meaningful worship, rich music, spiritual growth for all ages, and a heart for service, we welcome you just as you are. Whether you’re curious about faith or looking for a church home, you’ll find belonging and purpose here.

About Us
Welcome to Chelsea First United Methodist Church
We are a community of everyday people learning to love like Jesus—imperfect, curious, growing, and deeply committed to embodying grace. Here, everyone is created in the image of God, and everyone is welcome. You’ll find space to ask meaningful questions, explore faith at your own pace, and journey alongside others who are also seeking hope, healing, and belonging.
Our Mission
To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
This mission, shared with the United Methodist Church, guides all we do—from worship to community service to lifelong learning.
Our Vision
Ordinary people learning to love like Jesus.
Love is our purpose, our calling, and our practice.
Our Core Values
Connect – Equip – Commit
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Connect with one another and with God through worship, friendship, and community.
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Equip yourself through learning, serving, and spiritual formation.
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Commit to living your faith with love, courage, and compassion in the world.
A Church with Deep Roots and a Growing Faith
Since 1853, Chelsea First UMC has been rooted in the heart of downtown Chelsea. Through seasons of change, growth, and renewal, we have remained faithful to God’s call to serve our neighbors, build community, and share Christ’s love. Our story is one of resilience and hope—a living testimony to what God can do through ordinary people.
A Welcoming and Inclusive Community
Today, we are proud to be a vibrant, intentionally inclusive, and justice-seeking congregation. Whether you’re brand new to church or returning after some time away, there’s a place for you here. With engaging worship, beautiful music, learning opportunities for all ages, and a heart for service, you’ll discover purpose, connection, and joy.
We are part of the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church, walking alongside other churches committed to a bold vision of ministry that uplifts communities and transforms lives.
Come just as you are. Discover who you can become.
What to Expect
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 Children’s Ministry page and our Youth Ministry page.
FAQ
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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!
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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.
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Where can I find out what is happening in worship (aka the Order of Worship)?
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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.
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What do you have for kids?
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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.
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What are you offering for the adults in my life?
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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.
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What can I expect when I come to worship at Chelsea First UMC?
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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.
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Subscribe to our newsletter.
If you have questions about our Sunday services, please contact the office at (734) 475-8119 or email us at info@chelseaumc.org



Chelsea First
Our church culture
Chelsea First United Methodist Church (Chelsea First) is a Christ-centered congregation with a positive, open, and engaging spirit. We are a church for everyone, at all seasons of life, and bring a grounded, engaged, and supportive approach to Christian worship while working passionately toward making a positive impact in our community.

© 2025 Chelsea First UMC
CONTACT US
Chelsea First UMC
128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118
📞 (734) 475-8119
✉️ info@chelseaumc.org
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