Worship
One Community, Many Voices.In-Person and Online Worship
We offer two unique worship experiences every Sunday—both rooted in connection, music, and spiritual growth.
Our 9:00 am service is casual and family-friendly, with music led by a band and a variety of instruments and vocalists that create a fresh, dynamic sound. Kids and youth help lead on the first Sunday of each month, when we also share in Communion.
Our 11:00 am service offers a more traditional feel, featuring choir, handbells, organ, and piano, along with meaningful readings and prayers. Communion is also celebrated on the first Sunday.
Both services are available in person and via livestream—we’d love to worship with you wherever you are.
Thanksgiving Sunday
November 23, 2025
Scripture: Psalm 8
November 23, the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day, we join with our ancestors in celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for all God’s blessings. We remember that Native American peoples made survival possible for the early immigrants to this land. We, ancestors of immigrant peoples, are grateful for indigenous peoples who have honored and cared for this land and all that dwells therein. “Thanksgiving Day is EVERYDAY” is the wisdom from the Anishinaabeg, the indigenous people of the Great Lakes. Psalm 8 is the focal scripture for worship. We will hear this psalm from First Nations Version – An Indigenous Bible Translation. The First Nations Version is a dynamic equivalence Bible translation that captures the simplicity, clarity and beauty of Native storytellers in English, while remaining faithful to the Hebrew poetry of the Psalms.
November 30, 2025 – January 4, 2026
“Do not be afraid.”
These words echo through the Christmas story—spoken by angels to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. They lived in a fearful world, and so do we.
This Advent, we are naming our fears—and choosing not to be defined by them. Each week, we’ll encounter voices from Scripture who experienced fear, doubt, and uncertainty, and yet chose to trust in God’s promises. Through shadow and silence, light and song, we’ll explore how hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s resilient, gritty, and fiercely present.
We hold onto hope because we believe that Christ did come – that’s the promise of the season.
Join us as we journey through Advent with open hearts, honest questions, and a deep trust that even in our fear, Christ draws near.
Music Ministry
Music Ministry at Chelsea First
At Chelsea First, music is a vital part of how we worship, grow, and serve. Our Music Ministry invites people of all ages to share their gifts in a variety of styles—traditional hymns, anthems, gospel, contemporary praise, and more—all offered to glorify God and inspire our community. As Colossians 3:16 reminds us: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God.”
Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir leads worship at the 11 am service from September–May and sings for special events such as Hometown Holidays and Christmas Eve. Open to high school students and adults, the choir shares God’s love through music while enjoying community and fellowship. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7 pm and Sundays at 10:15 am.
Rezound Handbell Choir
Rezound Handbell Choir rings five octaves of bells and chimes, offering music monthly at the 11 am service and for special events from September–May. No prior ringing experience is required, though music-reading skills help. Rehearsals are Sundays, 12–1 pm, in the Handbell Room.
For more information about joining any of our ensembles, contact Randy Umfleet, Director of Music Ministries.
Worship in Action
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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