First Time Guests
Thinking of attending a worship service with us?
We know it can be a little unnerving attending a service when you don’t know what to expect. Being new can be tough, so we’ve provided the following information to help give you some insight into what to expect.
We now offer three Sunday morning worship services:
Sunday, 8:15 am – Worshiping and praising God with a more traditional feel, in this service we focus musically on traditional hymns while occasionally also using more recent songs of worship. This service includes our chancel choir under the direction of Kimla Miner. Musical accompaniment is provided by Christy McIlwaine on the keyboard.
Sunday, 9:45 am - This is our newest service, CrossLight. Expect worship with a light, contemporary flavor led by our Praise Band that features acoustic guitars, light percussive instruments, and a few lead vocalists. Incorporating both historic practices of the church and more modern expressions of faith CrossLight will seek to create a relaxed, meaningful worship experience.
Sunday, 11:11 am – This is a blended service that utilizes both traditional and modern worship music and styles. We often begin with soft contemporary music led by Jon Godfrey and our praise team and then later in the worship service incorporate more traditional hymns accompanied by Christy McIlwaine on the keyboard.
Address and Directions
12180 US Highway 301
Parrish, FL 34219
Phone: (941) 776-1539
What Should I expect?
At Parrish UMC you’ll find a lot of smiling faces in a casual and friendly environment. We have greeters at the doors of the worship center that will be happy to answer any questions you may have. We also have coffee and food available in our “gathering place” adjacent to our worship center. You are even welcome to bring a cup of coffee into worship with you!
During worship we’ll sing, we’ll pray, and you’ll be challenged by God’s Word. You’ll find relevant and inspiring messages. Often we laugh, occasionally we shed a tear, but always we desire to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ and one another.
What about my kids?
If you would feel more comfortable with your children in the worship service that is fine with us, but we also offer two Sunday morning programs designed specifically for the kids. On Sunday morning we have our Children's Program for kids of all ages during the 9:45 AM and 11:11 AM worship hours.
We also have nursery available for little ones during during all three worship services. All of our paid staff and volunteers have been through a background screening and training so you can rest assured your kids are in good hands and safe.
What if I’m not used to going to church?
We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable, especially those who are curious about God but haven’t been to church or haven’t felt comfortable in church. We don’t expect you to have it all figured out because we don’t have it all figured out. Rather, Parrish UMC is a place where we can wrestle together with who God is and what He wants for you and for us. This is a place for those who have been on a journey of faith for many years and for those who are just beginning.
What should I wear?
The short answer is this: You are welcome to wear whatever you’d like. There is no set dress code, although the attire is more on the casual side. Regularly seen in worship: jeans, khakis, polos, nice slacks and ties. Occasionally you might even see one person in a suit sitting near one of our young people in shorts and flip-flops. The only requirement is that you must come clothed! Oh, and Pastor Chris does request no Gator or Tar-Heel attire! However, Duke shirts are more than welcomed!
Do I have to give?
If you want to you are more than welcome, but as our guest please do not feel obligated to give anything financially.
If this sounds like a place you’ve been looking for please be our guest at a service this weekend. Regardless of where you’ve been or what you may be experiencing you’ll find there is a place for you at Parrish UMC!
If you are still not sure we’d be happy to answer those questions that you still have. Please call us at the church at 941-776-1539 or contact us online.