What to Expect

·  How do I get there?

The church is located at 9 Lower Main Street, in Sunapee.  See map.

·  Will someone greet me?

There will be greeters at the front door and the back.  The back door is closest to the parking lot and is handicap accessible.  The greeter will provide you with a bright smile and the bulletin showing the order of the worship service.  The sanctuary is located on the second floor if you have come in the back entrance.  The front entrance opens into the sanctuary.

·  What if I have trouble with stairs?

If you have trouble with stairs, please enter through the back entrance and ask the greeter to help you with the elevator.

·  What is the service like?

A typical worship service starts with a musical prelude and then a gathering hymn, followed by announcements and the call to worship.  Another hymn is sung (Methodists are great fans of singing) and then the opening prayer.  This used to be and hopefully will be, at some time (we lost most of our children whose families did not return after the pandemic) followed by a children’s time when any children attending are asked to come forward and sit on the steps to the altar and the pastor will sit with them and give a short children’s message, after which the children can go downstairs to attend Sunday School.  The remainder of the service is composed of scripture readings, a sermon, an offering with special music, and then hymns and prayers.  The whole service usually lasts about an hour.

·  Is an offering expected?

The offering plate is located to the left inside the door when entering the sanctuary from the stairs in the front. You can put in it as much or as little as you are comfortable to give.

·  What about communion?

We have communion once a month, usually on the first Sunday of the month. You do not have to be a Methodist or a member of this church to participate in communion, but you are not required to participate.  Please know that you are welcome to do so if you wish.  The guiding principles of Methodism (The Book of Discipline) prohibits alcohol and so we use grape juice and bread.  The congregation files forward to receive the bread and juice and either takes the elements back to their seat for consumption or may kneel or stand (if your knees aren’t up to kneeling) at the communion rail and leave your cup in the holder.

·  Is there Sunday School for the kids?

As mentioned previously we lost a some families who brought their children upon the return from COVID closing. When families start coming again we will reinstate our Sunday School from September through June.  Children attend the first few minutes of the worship service and go downstairs to Sunday School following the Children’s Message.

·  What should I wear?

We are not a formal bunch, most of us wear casual work or school clothes.

·  What if I want to talk to the pastor?

You should have an opportunity to speak with the pastor for a few minutes following the service.  If you need a more extended time, you can make an appointment with her for a more convenient time.

·  What happens after the service?

As well as singing, Methodists are great at cooking and eating.  Except during July and August, there is usually a coffee time following the service, which is generally more extensive on the second Sunday of each month, when the congregation brings potluck.  Feel free to partake with us, you do not need to feel you have to bring anything, as well as a love of singing Methodists love to cook and we usually have way too much food.