What to Expect
We know that visiting a new church for the first time can be an awkward experience so we want to be as helpful as we can in making your experience a good one. Below is some information that we hope will make your visit more enjoyable.
During COVID time, we aren't worshiping and experiencing community like normal. As a visitor, this is good and bad. It's easier to 'see' worship without having to show up in person, but you only get a glimpse of our pastor and a few other folks. However, if you worship with us online, we encourage you to contact our pastor. She can help you connect with some others and find a way to be part of the congregation even during COVID.
What is your worship service like?
Methodists value music and we sing at least 3 or 4 songs or hymns together. There is always a time for prayer, scripture reading, and a sermon most often preached by the pastor. At both services the children worship with their families and take part in a Children's moment during worship. Quiet pew activities are available each week for families.
The Sunday morning 9am service has a contemporary feel with a band, and our 11am service is more traditional in style, accompanied by piano and organ along with choir during the school year.
What should I wear?
You'll see people in jeans and casual shirts, and a few folks in bowties. Plenty of folks enjoy dressing up a bit, but Northwest casual also looks good here. You decide. We want you to feel at home. If it is a Sunday game for the Seahawks, you'll see plenty of people in team gear, and in the Spring, Mariners and Rainiers gear.
How long will the services last?
About 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Will I have to say anything, sign anything, or be singled out in any way?
While you will be greeted and welcomed when you walk in the door, we don't have a shake-your-neighbor's hand time. We know that feels off-putting for a lot of folks. There is an Attendance Binder at the end of the row. You can fill it out if you'd like more information about the church or if you'd like to connect with the pastor or a ministry or submit a prayer request.
If you'd rather remain anonymous, that's cool too.
Am I expected to give money?
Nope. However, during each service there is a time to worship God through the giving of tithes and offerings. This is an act of worship for folks who consider Gig Harbor UMC their church home, allowing them to share in the church's ministry to the community of Gig Harbor and to the world. As a guest, please do not feel any pressure or obligation to give.
What about my kids? Is there child care available?
The nursery is available for children 6 weeks to 5 years, from 8:45 am - 12:15 pm every Sunday. Older children worship with families during the 9 & 11am services as we believe they are an important part of the congregation.
GHUMC Kids Clubhouse Sunday School (pre-K thru 5th grade) starts at 10 am in the Clubhouse in the children's hall, and then they break into groups for age-level classes. Come join us for the fun!
Are your facilities handicapped accessible?
Yes, the entire church facility including the foyer, restrooms, and sanctuary are wheelchair accessible. Educational rooms are on the same level as the sanctuary with no stairs impeding wheelchair access.
How do I get there, and is parking available?
Click here for a map and directions. Our parking lot is big.
Are you affiliated with a particular denomination?
Gig Harbor United Methodist Church is a congregation of The United Methodist Church and is part of 220 other congregations in the Pacific Northwest Conference which connects churches throughout Washington and Northern Idaho. While we are a United Methodist church, people who attend come from a wide variety of faith backgrounds.
But I still have more questions!
Please feel free to call us (253-851-2625) - we'll be happy to take the time to answer any question you may have. We hope you'll make a visit for worship.
During COVID time, we aren't worshiping and experiencing community like normal. As a visitor, this is good and bad. It's easier to 'see' worship without having to show up in person, but you only get a glimpse of our pastor and a few other folks. However, if you worship with us online, we encourage you to contact our pastor. She can help you connect with some others and find a way to be part of the congregation even during COVID.
What is your worship service like?
Methodists value music and we sing at least 3 or 4 songs or hymns together. There is always a time for prayer, scripture reading, and a sermon most often preached by the pastor. At both services the children worship with their families and take part in a Children's moment during worship. Quiet pew activities are available each week for families.
The Sunday morning 9am service has a contemporary feel with a band, and our 11am service is more traditional in style, accompanied by piano and organ along with choir during the school year.
What should I wear?
You'll see people in jeans and casual shirts, and a few folks in bowties. Plenty of folks enjoy dressing up a bit, but Northwest casual also looks good here. You decide. We want you to feel at home. If it is a Sunday game for the Seahawks, you'll see plenty of people in team gear, and in the Spring, Mariners and Rainiers gear.
How long will the services last?
About 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Will I have to say anything, sign anything, or be singled out in any way?
While you will be greeted and welcomed when you walk in the door, we don't have a shake-your-neighbor's hand time. We know that feels off-putting for a lot of folks. There is an Attendance Binder at the end of the row. You can fill it out if you'd like more information about the church or if you'd like to connect with the pastor or a ministry or submit a prayer request.
If you'd rather remain anonymous, that's cool too.
Am I expected to give money?
Nope. However, during each service there is a time to worship God through the giving of tithes and offerings. This is an act of worship for folks who consider Gig Harbor UMC their church home, allowing them to share in the church's ministry to the community of Gig Harbor and to the world. As a guest, please do not feel any pressure or obligation to give.
What about my kids? Is there child care available?
The nursery is available for children 6 weeks to 5 years, from 8:45 am - 12:15 pm every Sunday. Older children worship with families during the 9 & 11am services as we believe they are an important part of the congregation.
GHUMC Kids Clubhouse Sunday School (pre-K thru 5th grade) starts at 10 am in the Clubhouse in the children's hall, and then they break into groups for age-level classes. Come join us for the fun!
Are your facilities handicapped accessible?
Yes, the entire church facility including the foyer, restrooms, and sanctuary are wheelchair accessible. Educational rooms are on the same level as the sanctuary with no stairs impeding wheelchair access.
How do I get there, and is parking available?
Click here for a map and directions. Our parking lot is big.
Are you affiliated with a particular denomination?
Gig Harbor United Methodist Church is a congregation of The United Methodist Church and is part of 220 other congregations in the Pacific Northwest Conference which connects churches throughout Washington and Northern Idaho. While we are a United Methodist church, people who attend come from a wide variety of faith backgrounds.
But I still have more questions!
Please feel free to call us (253-851-2625) - we'll be happy to take the time to answer any question you may have. We hope you'll make a visit for worship.
