What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the worship services like at CUMC?

Chatham UMC currently offers one worship experience.

Our 9:00 am Sunday worship service rotates in style.

The COVID pandemic certainly brought about a lot of change in congregational life and we've determined that worshipping together as much as possible is needed to move us into the future unafraid. Because we have both contemporary and traditional music staff, we currently rotate the style of our worship service.

On first, third and fifth Sundays the service is traditional in style. On traditional Sundays, we sing traditional hymns led by a piano. The Sanctuary Choir often sings or the CUMC Bell Choir leads in worship. Even though we label the service a traditional service, it is still rather casual in dress and is very welcoming. There is a special time just for kids during the worship service led by our youth pastor.

On second and fourth Sundays the service is casual or contemporary in style. We sing contemporary Christian music led by a Praise Band. You are welcome to bring your coffee into the sanctuary and to make yourself at home. There is also a time for children in the worship service.

The sacrament of communion is celebrated most Sundays at Chatham UMC, regardless of the style of worship service.

Are children welcome in worship?

Yes. Children are always welcome, or a nursery is available for children birth to age 5. You can expect for there to be some children in the service of worship, so you should never feel as though you have to take your children to the nursery. At Chatham UMC we love having the youngest among us. We’ve included a special time in the worship service just for them led by our Children and Youth Minister, Natalie Morey. When we say all are welcome, we really mean it!

Relax and feel free to sit wherever you feel comfortable. We know children may be curious about what’s going on during the service, so sitting toward the front is not a problem. If you feel you need to leave during the service with your child, we encourage you to feel comfortable moving about, but also encourage you to return to the service when ready. We offer a parent/child room just outside the main sanctuary doors and to the north. If a parent needs a place to feed a baby, or a parent and child simply need a quiet place for a few minutes, it’s available. There’s also a speaker so you can hear what’s happening in the sanctuary. Children are important to Jesus and they are important to us.

What do people wear to church at CUMC?

You are welcome to wear whatever feels most comfortable for you! Some people dress casually at all services, while others choose to wear something a bit more formal. You’ll see a variety of dress styles at each service – jeans, suits, khakis, skirts, flip-flops and heels.

Just come as you are – you’ll fit right in!

Where do I sit in worship at CUMC?

You are welcome to sit anywhere in the worship space during services. Feel free to ask an usher or greeter to introduce you to someone in the congregation who can answer any questions you might have about our services and ministries.

There is always a place for you at Chatham UMC.

Is there fellowship time after worship?

There is currently a short and very casual time of fellowship after the 9 am worship service. Some folks will grab a goody and a cup of coffee and move toward our Sunday school offerings, while others will stand around a chat a bit over coffee and a treat. We have lovely volunteers that make coffee and display simple refreshments to give us an extra excuse to stand around a talk with one another.

Coffee is welcome in the sanctuary, too. So, feel free to grab a little ahead of church and bring it in with you.