Welcome to the United Methodist Church of Chugiak. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to explore all the ministries and opportunities for worship, learning, growth, and service in these pages, and then we hope you will join us for worship in person at our Sunday service. We post some of the sermons online, so feel free to check those out to get an idea of what we sound like.
As a church grounded in the Methodist tradition, we value scriptural teaching, intentional disciple-making, gracious hospitality, and neighborhood service. Our mission is to be a community that is welcoming, nurturing, and serving. We seek to build up followers of Jesus Christ who love and serve God and neighbors through acts of worship, devotion, compassion, and service. Be our guest at a service sometime soon. We look forward to meeting you!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you treat new visitors?
Hospitality is very important to us. Let one of our ushers know that it's your first time visiting our church - we'd like the chance to welcome you! You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable doing, and we won't ask you to wear a name badge, or single you out in any way. There are "Visitor" badges, should you wish to wear one, but they are completely optional. You'll receive a coupon card for a free specialty drink from our youth-run cafe, and a small gift to show our appreciation for your presence. Please also note that while we appreciate tithes and donations from our regular members, your presence is the only gift we ask. If you choose to give us your contact information, please know that it will not be sold or abused. You will not be spammed.
What do you offer for children and youth?
Children and youth Sunday school classes are available during the 9:00 Sunday school time. Children meet in the welcoming center and youth meet in the classrooms on the lower level of the building. During the worship service, we have a Children's Time message, and after that, children are invited to have Children's Church during the second half of the worship service.
Nursery care is available for ages 0-5 for the worship service.
What do I wear?
We hope you come to church in whatever makes you feel comfortable. We care more about you and your relationship with Jesus than what you look like. Our dress code is pretty simple: wear something.
Where do I go when I get there?
We have a large parking lot with plenty of space. New Visitor Parking is marked with signs towards the front of the building. If the upper parking lot is full, there is a lower lot you can also park in. Our Welcome Center Desk is located right as you walk in the door. Please stop by to check in and get more information! The sanctuary is located up the stairs (there are signs, or you can follow the flow of traffic). There is also an elevator, should you need or prefer that.
What happens next?
As you enter the sanctuary an usher will hand you a weekly bulletin and order of worship. Please let an usher know if you have special seating needs such as a wheelchair or hearing aid. You may sit anywhere you are comfortable. Attendance registry is in each pew - we'd love to know you stopped by.
What happens during a worship service?
Our worship services are typically about an hour long. The Order of Worship in the bulletin will show you how the service will progress, when to stand, and in some places, what to say. (For example, we pray together during the service, and that is printed in the order of worship.) If you'd like to take a look at that before you come, you can find past orders available online here. (Current week Orders are posted by Saturday.) Our services also include Bible teachings and a short sermon from Pastor David. Some of our worship services are recorded, and you can hear them here.
What happens after the service?
Coffee and refreshments are served in the lobby, and you're invited to stay as long as you like! Feel free to ask questions and give us a chance to get to know one another.