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.
Delight
February 15, 2026
Scripture: Psalm 36
How precious is your love! Whether creatures of heaven or children of earth, we all find refuge in the shadow of your wings. We feast on the bounty of your estate, and drink from the stream of your delights. In you is the wellspring of Life, and in your light we become enlightened. – Psalm 36 (Inclusive Bible)
“Our biological rhythms are the symphony of the cosmos, music embedded deep within us to which we dance, even when we can’t name the tune.” – Deepak Chopra
“Our tears register our awareness of vast things that unite us with others. Our goose bumps accompany notions of joining with others and facing mysteries and unknowns together. Today we may sense these laws of bodily awe when moved by a favorite musical group, or in calling out in protest with others in the streets, or in bowing our heads together in contemplation. And in such rushes of tears and chills… we may glean a sense of what our souls might be.” – Dacher Keltner, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life
We humans love repetition… up to a point. But sometimes we just need a good “Wow!” and some goosebumps to help us feel fully alive. Our physical response to awe-filled moments come from a very ancient part of our evolution–even before language. And those goosebumps? They helped us forge connections with others as we faced the vast mysteries of life together. Delight still plays an important role in our spiritual needs and in our sense of a deeply relational life.
Lent was originally a season for new converts to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time, they would study what was central to Christianity. As we crafted this series, we studied what was central to Jesus’ life and ministry: radical welcome, love for neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, nonviolence in the face of injustice. At the heart of Jesus’ teachings, we find liberation, love, mercy, and grace—all of which are meant to be very good news for us all.
Jesus’ words are easily distorted and sanitized in our modern world. Following Jesus leads to a richer, more expansive life, but it’s not necessarily comfortable. Jesus’ ministry can be described as “radical” which comes from the Latin word “radicalis,” meaning “root” or “ground.” Therefore, the good news should bring us back to our roots. Emulating Jesus and embodying his teachings should ground us in who God created us to be. Can we be “good news” people in a world too often burdened by bad news?
This Lent, let us remember that the good news really is good news. It is joyful—like fine wine saved for celebration. It grows like a mustard seed and smells like perfume poured from an alabaster jar. It tastes like bread passed endlessly through a hungry crowd. It sounds like laughter and feels like mercy. The good news is alive in the world.
We hope this series will provide fertile ground for conversation and worship, rooting our hearts and lives in the expansive goodness of God. This Lent, let the teachings of Jesus lead us forward. May the good news inspire us to take action in a world desperate to hear, see, and taste what is good.
–from A Sanctified Art – Tell Me Something Good
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.
© 2026 Chelsea First UMC
CONTACT US
Chelsea First UMC
128 Park St., Chelsea, MI 48118
📞 (734) 475-8119
✉️ info@chelseaumc.org
📍 Get Directions
STAY CONNECTED
Follow us on: