WELCOME to our web site, an extension of our church, located at 12th and Francis Streets, across from Civic Center Park and City Hall in historic downtown St. Joseph, Missouri. We hope you want to learn more about our church family. Come to worship in the splendor of our historic sanctuary on Sunday at 8:45 or 10:45 a.m. and experience God’s saving grace and love for you. We look forward to meeting you.
FIRST TIME GUESTS
Like a guest in your own home, we want you to feel welcomed and comfortable when you come to church. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Francis Street First United Methodist Church.
We gather for worship on Sunday morning at 8:45 and 10:45 a.m. Because of Methodism’s roots as an evangelical movement within the Anglican Church, our worship services are a unique blend of traditional elements, such as an altar table and communion rail, coupled with gospel hymns.
The early worship service is briefer and more informal, led by piano with occasional special music from the “Joyful Noise” mixed chorus. The later worship service is led by the organ and Chancel Choir, which sings from September through May. Both services are multi-generational, with children, parents, grandparents and even great-grandparents in attendance.
We gather for one worship service on any fifth Sunday of the month and special services throughout the year, usually followed by a congregational brunch or dinner.
Attire at both services ranges from jeans to dresses and coats and ties. We invite you to dress comfortably.
Coffee and light refreshments are available all morning in Kemper Hall, which adjoins the sanctuary. This provides a central gathering place and a chance to visit. Sunday School for all ages is from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Ask for directions to a class. We have three adult classes in addition to Children’s Sunday School.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
We believe that church is for all ages. Part of each worship service is set aside for a special message for children, after which they are welcome to sit with their parents or go to Noah’s Ark, our professionally staffed nursery, where infant care is also available. Our childcare staff is background checked and trained. They look forward to meeting your child, helping them feel welcome in God’s house, and providing biblically-based activities. Ask an usher for directions.
We have three Sunday School classes from pre-school through high school that meet from 9:30—10:30 a.m. The younger children meet in Noah’s Ark to sing before going to their classes and participate in worship services throughout the year. A special “Trails West!” Sunday presentation in August and the Children’s Christmas Pageant in December are highlights.
HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY
All areas of our historic building are handicapped accessible from the exterior and handicap accessible rest rooms are available on each level. Handicap parking spaces are available in the church’s off-street lot and an automatic door to the sanctuary is immediately across the lot on the 12th Street side of the building.
Our sanctuary is equipped with an assisted hearing system using radio transmitters. Ask an Usher to provide a personal unit.
HOLY COMMUNION
We celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion, sometimes called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist/Mass in other denominations, on the first Sunday of each month, as well as Holy Thursday before Easter and Christmas Eve. Believing that Christ died for all, the Lord’s Table in the United Methodist Church is open to all, regardless of religious affiliation.
Traditionally, we receive communion in the form of a wafer and an individual cup of grape juice while kneeling at the altar rail, although other forms, such as dipping the wafer into a common cup before consuming, are also used. Special arrangements are made for anyone physically unable to come forward to receive communion.
BAPTISM
We believe that the Sacrament of Baptism is a sign of grace and entry into God’s Kingdom for people of all ages. We recognize any baptism made in the name of the Triune God. In the United Methodist Church, baptism in the form of sprinkling or the pouring of water, takes place in worship so we can welcome new members into God’s family, acknowledge our own Baptism, and affirm our covenant to help each other in our Christian journey. The congregation joins the parents/guardians of children presented for baptism in pledging to lead them by Christian example until they are able to make a profession of faith, and acknowledge their baptism and become full members through Confirmation Class, around age 12.
If you are interested in baptism or church membership, please speak to the pastor.