Frequently Asked Questions

Of course! We are a Reconciling Congregation. Everyone means “Everyone,” no exceptions!

As a Reconciling Congregation, every person is welcomed, valued, and affirmed. We are inclusive of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We believe that we are strengthened in ministry by the inclusion of every child of God and are enriched by a diversity of beliefs, ages, colors, ethnicities, physical and mental capacities, economic status, gender, sexual orientation, and marital status. We affirm that all people are created in the image of God. We recognize that there are differences among us, but we believe that we can love one another. Even though we may not agree on all matters, we commit to treating one another with dignity and respect. We acknowledge that we are all on a journey of faith to make possible this total inclusion.

Find out more by visiting our Reconciling Congregation Page.

There is ample parking next door at the PKL Therapy Lot and across the street in the municipal parking lot. If you need accessible parking, that is right next to our rear entrance. There is an attendant at the PKL parking lot, so please let them know you are here for worship, and they will make sure you are welcome!

We are an accessible facility. At the rear entrance, there is a ramp from the sidewalk. With notice, there is an operator-assisted lift to reach the main floor where our Sanctuary is located. There is an accessible restroom as well on this floor. During worship, wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers are readily accommodated. To reach our second floor, a stair chair lift is available for use to get to our large meeting spaces. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out through email or by calling the Church Office at 631-264-0152, Tuesday through Friday 9 AM - 1 PM. See you soon!

Worship begins each Sunday at 10 AM.

Our vibrant worship experience is filled with music, scripture, preaching, and joys and concerns. We share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. Each week is different in worship, and we believe that worship is an integral part of our faith life here at First Church. If there is inclement weather that would cause us to have to change our worship experience to fully virtual, that information will be posted on our Facebook Page. If you would like to view some of our worship services, you can do so here.

All are welcome to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. This includes receiving consecrated bread and individual cups filled with grape juice. We believe in the Real Presence of Christ in this Sacrament. We do not know what exactly happens or how it happens, but trust in the transformative nature of this Sacrament. In The United Methodist Church, we practice an open table.

Everyone is welcome to receive this Sacrament, no matter what. We believe this Sacrament is a means of God’s grace given to those who partake. You are welcome to the table where Christ is the host.

Our worship experience is filled with the laity participating in music! Each week, our Adult and Handbell Choirs share musical offerings along with the entire congregation sharing in our opening hymn, doxology, and closing hymn.

There are no requirements regarding singing, but we encourage you to participate if you desire. If you prefer to sit or stand and participate in a different way, that is completely valid.

Giving is completely voluntary. If you would like to give, you are welcome to place your offering in the plate or give online here. We thank you for your generosity.

Families and youth are a key part of worship at First UMC! Your children are welcome to stay with you in the service and participate, including in the young at heart message and color pictures in the Young People’s Coloring Bulletin. There are also special moments for children to participate musically in worship!

This initiative offers young people, along with those with disabilities, the opportunity to share their gifts in a beautiful ministry. Each week, this bulletin offers pages to color, but also details parts of the service and special liturgical days such as Christmas Eve, Christ the King, Epiphany, etc. These pictures are shared, when completed, with members of our congregation and community that are experiencing health difficulties or are homebound or in care facilities. Of course, if you would prefer to take the pictures with you, you are more than welcome! If you would like to see some examples and see our most recent Young People’s Coloring Bulletin, click here.

Coffee Hour! This includes coffee, apple juice, and sweet treats. Everyone is welcome to join us in the parlor for Coffee Hour. The parlor is adjacent to our Sanctuary.

We offer many programs for mission and spiritual growth throughout the year. These can be discovered by looking through the latest Lamplighter.

Yes! The Lamplighter is the best way to find out these programs and opportunities. Each year in the summer, we offer Vacation Music Camp, which is for children to learn a musical based on a Bible Story. We also have a Christmas Musical Pageant where children are welcome to participate.

Our monthly newsletter! Check it out here.

We would love to have a conversation with you! Fill out this form, and we will be in touch.

Please contact the Church Office for more information. Pastoral Care is available, as well as resources for your specific need. Each request is considered on an individual basis for financial assistance through our Good Samaritan Fund.

First Church strives to be fully accessible and inclusive to all people, including those with disabilities! People with disabilities are welcomed and encouraged to participate in worship. Many already do! Each week, we have a Young People’s Bulletin, and many with disabilities have found this to be connective and a way of ministry. Pastor Calvin shares the pictures colored with people in need in our community and parishioners that are homebound and in care facilities. Our music ministries include people who have disabilities as active participants. If someone with disabilities would like to participate in reading, being an acolyte, or in other ways in worship, Pastor Calvin encourages and believes in the importance of inclusion. Please see our “What about accessibility?” FAQ for more information about our fully accessible space and specifics on physical accessibility needs.

Come and visit! If you would like to have a conversation before, please fill out the contact us form, and we will be in touch. We look forward to including you in our faith community and growing together with you!