Excelsior United Methodist Church Here's why people keep coming back to this community:
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WORSHIP EXPERIENCE 10:00 am Each worship service has a Scripture lesson to guide its theme and in turn it inspires a message delivered by a pastor, staff person, or special guest(s). Typically, there is special music, hymns accompanied by a beautiful pipe organ, and moments of shared and silent prayer. Worship is in a stained glass-emblazoned sanctuary. Hopefully, you will find a relaxed atmosphere that mixes traditional elements with post-modern relevance, welcoming hospitality, a multi-generational body, meaningful moments, and laughter. Learn more about worship. Where to Go: As you walk through the main entrance to the narthex (a fancy church word for "lobby"), ask a greeter to point you to our visitor's center for a welcoming gift and name tag.
What to Wear: God has no dress code. Come as you are for your physical, mental, and spiritual comfort. Some wear dresses or suits & ties, business casual, or a t-shirt and jeans. Where to Park: Visitor's Parking and Handicap Accessible Parking is in front of the building. The entire parking lot is open and there is overflow parking by the garage-style annex (look for the big green bus) and even the adjacent lawn is available just in case the lots get very full. Pre- and Post-Worship Fellowship: You'll find a multi-generational group of members and visitors in the narthex talking and laughing, sipping coffee and nibbling on sweet treats, and enjoying each others' company both before and after worship. Accessibility: Portable headset devices are available at the tech booth in the back of the Sanctuary for anyone who would benefit from some extra amplification during worship. Handicap Accessible Parking is in front of and on the east side of the building with at least two spaces accessible to vans. There is an elevator between the main and lower levels and a ramp in the Fellowship Hall for special events. Families with Pre-K Children: There is child care available during the worship service in the Kids' Corner room in the northwest corner of the upper level of the building. Children of all ages are welcome to remain in worship.
Families with K-7th Graders: During the worship service, there is a "station rotation" Sunday School called KOOL (Kids Of Our Lord) for children in grades K-5 and a discussion-based group for 6th-7th Graders called the Holy Cows. Children begin in worship with their friends and family until after Children's Time at which point adult leaders bring them downstairs to the lower level classrooms. On Communion Sundays (usually the 1st Sunday of the month), children return to the sanctuary to be with their parents during communion. All children are welcome to remain in worship. Families with 8th-12th Graders: During the worship service, there is Youth Forum on 2nd and 3rd Sundays (Sept.-May) where teens gather to check in and enter dialogue on discussion topics about faith, school, family, and life. Teens are encouraged to worship with their friends or family on Communion Sundays and some special worship services. Giving: No visitor or member is obligated to contribute during the offering; it's simply one way people support the church's ministries. Many members participate in electronic funds transfer (EFT) while others prefer giving weekly during the "pass the plate" offering time. Communion: Communion is (usually) incorporated into worship on the first Sunday of each month, sometimes by receiving bread and a small cup of alcohol-free grape juice, though most often through "intinction" (pulling a piece of bread from a loaf and dipping it in the cup). We in the United Methodist Church practice open Communion. That is to say, we place no barrier between you and Christ's table. So if it is a day you feel prepared to receive, you are welcome to do so. If you are unable to come to the front of the sanctuary to receive Communion or you require alternative elements please inform an usher. Home visitation Communion is available. What We Believe: As United Methodists, we believe in the power of God's grace and the gift of free agency to respond to God's love. We believe that Scripture, viewed through the lenses of tradition, reason, and experience serves each person as they connect their faith journey with their life journey. We believe doing God's work in creation means including everyone, advocating for social justice, and exploring faith as individuals and communities so we can all ask the challenging questions and seek answers together. We believe we are created by a God who is still creating, we are to live by the teachings of Jesus Christ, our Savior, as a model for how to live our lives, and the presence of the Holy Spirit fills us as we gather in community. We believe the Older and Newer Testament are divinely inspired writings. Our mission statement is one of inclusion and celebrates personal faith exploration. We are a Reconciling Congregation and are proud to welcome all persons of all backgrounds and lifestyles. |
    More Questions?
Please call our office at 952.474.5471. Office Hours: Mon.-Thu. 9:30am-2:30pm Friday 9:30am-1:30pm |
