Here are answers to frequent questions. For other questions, please send us an email HERE.
We will answer them soon. Thank you!
Traditional Service in the Chapel
This warm, friendly worship service begins with a piano-accompanied hymn sing. The smaller setting of the chapel creates more intimate worship. The service lasts about forty-five minutes.
Contemporary Service – online only
Join in worship online as our top-notch Celebration Praise Band glorifies our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
The more formal service features superb music with organ, piano, and choir. Professional and gifted musicians enhance the worship experience which lasts about forty-five minutes.
There are three different and unique services:
- 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship in the Chapel
- 9:45 a.m. – Contemporary Worship – Online Only
- 11:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Like many churches, we offer Holy Communion to those attending. Currently we offer Communion on the first Sunday of each month.
What happens during Communion? We remember the sacrifice that Christ made for us with bread representing his body and grape juice representing his blood. During the celebration, the pastor prays for the Spirit's outpouring to make the bread and juice be for us the body and blood of Christ so we, who receive them, may be for the world the body of Christ redeemed by his blood.
Who can participate in Holy Communion? In the United Methodist community, our liturgy states: "Christ our lord invites to the table all who love Him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another." You don't have to go to "confession," be a member of this or any other church, or even be baptized to receive Holy Communion. All are welcome.
How do I take Communion? At First UMC we offer two ways to celebrate. We have individual cups in our pews which contain a wafer and grape juice, for those who wish to partake where they are. For all others, we offer Communion through "intinction". You come to the table at the front of the church. The server hands you a small piece of bread which you then dip into another server's grape juice before eating. You may then return to your seat or go to the Communion rail to pray, as you prefer.
I am gluten-free. What should I do? The servers have gluten-free wafers at the table, with fresh juice. Just ask.
First United Methodist Church is located at 104 South Pineapple Ave. in downtown Sarasota, FL 34236. The entrances to the office and the Family Life Center are on Mira Mar Court.
There is plenty of free parking. Complimentary parking is available at the Mira Mar Court entrance (in the rear of the building). We ask that this be used by those with limited mobility issues if possible.
Valet Parking is available at the Mira Mar Court entrance. Valet service begins at 10 a.m. YOU MUST RECLAIM YOUR VEHICLE BY 12:30 p.m.
Directly across the street from our front entrance, the Mark has 40 designated parking spaces for those who attend service at First UMC. Our designated spaces are the first ones you come to upon entering the parking garage. While a First UMC parking sticker is not required, we do have them available at the Welcome Desk in the Narthex on Sundays or at the church office during the week.
In addition to street parking, the city’s State Street Parking Garage and Palm Avenue Parking Garage are also available.
Monday – Friday | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(NOTE: The church office closes at 2:30 p.m. on Fridays during June, July, and August.)
The office is closed on the following holidays:
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Good Friday
Monday after Easter
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving and the Friday after Thanksgiving
Christmas and the day after Christmas
There is no dress code. Dress as you choose!
Yes. Beverages are allowed in both the chapel and sanctuary. In fact, coffee, water, and juice are served before and after services.
We welcome all requests for prayer. Click HERE for the prayer request page. You may also write prayer requests on the back of the attendance form and leave it on the pew.
To learn more about becoming a member of First United Methodist Church, contact Donna Maynard, Director of Ministries (941-955-0935; [email protected]).
Children are welcome to attend the services.
Dedicated and enthusiastic teachers provide a nursery for infants and toddlers and engage preschool and elementary students in Sunday School classes during the 11:00 a.m. service.