Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the church?
The church is located at 341 West Main Street, Centre, Alabama 35960.
We are in the heart of downtown Centre. The easiest way to find us is to come downtown and look for the copper domed building with the large cross on top--that is our traditional Sanctuary.
For a map, see the following LINK.
We are in the heart of downtown Centre. The easiest way to find us is to come downtown and look for the copper domed building with the large cross on top--that is our traditional Sanctuary.
For a map, see the following LINK.
Where do I park?
There are several parking options. There are five parking lots to choose from:
1. Behind the Sanctuary
2. Between the Children's Building and the Worship & Education Building
3. Behind the Worship & Education Building
4. The parking lot of First Southern State Bank
5. The grass and gravel lot behind the church
You can also park on the street on West Main Street if spaces are available.
We only ask that you use extreme caution when having to cross the streets.
1. Behind the Sanctuary
2. Between the Children's Building and the Worship & Education Building
3. Behind the Worship & Education Building
4. The parking lot of First Southern State Bank
5. The grass and gravel lot behind the church
You can also park on the street on West Main Street if spaces are available.
We only ask that you use extreme caution when having to cross the streets.
Is everyone welcome?
Yes! Everyone is welcome at Centre First United Methodist Church! You can be searching for a church home or just searching for meaning in your life. So, wherever you are in your journey, come join us in worship, in a class or in reaching out to others.
What time is worship and how long does it last?
We have two exciting worship services. The first is a Contemporary Service called "The Edge" which begins at 8:45 am. The second is a Traditional worship Service which begins at 10:55 am. Both services typically last for one hour. Very rarely we will go over that hour due to Communion, a Baptism, or people wishing to join the church.
What will the worship service be like?
In the Contemporary Service, at 8:45 am, you will find all ages, from the very young to the not so young. In this service the praise band, Fully Human, will lead the congregation through music, prayer, drama, and much more. In this service you will find the widest range of clothing choices: from shorts to suits. A free breakfast is also served before worship begins with coffee, soft drinks, and a large spread of food--come join us for some food and fellowship before worship!
In the Traditional Service, at 10:55, you will find a mixture of ages. There will be a call to worship, passing of the peace, the recitation of the Apostles Creed, Choir, children’s moment. The clergy, choir, acolytes and musicians wear the traditional robes during this service. For this service some of the congregation wear “Sunday Clothes”, but many styles of clothing are often seen and are always welcome.
In the Traditional Service, at 10:55, you will find a mixture of ages. There will be a call to worship, passing of the peace, the recitation of the Apostles Creed, Choir, children’s moment. The clergy, choir, acolytes and musicians wear the traditional robes during this service. For this service some of the congregation wear “Sunday Clothes”, but many styles of clothing are often seen and are always welcome.
What do I wear?
At Centre First UMC you will find people in shorts and t-shirts, in khakis and polo shirts, dresses, suits, and all points in between.
Be comfortable. We have no dress code and simply wish for you to come as you are to worship.
Be comfortable. We have no dress code and simply wish for you to come as you are to worship.
Do I have to be a member of CFUMC to take Communion (Eucharist, the Lord's Supper)?
In the United Methodist Church we believe that the Table of Holy Communion is open to anyone and everyone who wants to receive. The invitation we give says, “Christ, our Lord, invites to His table all who love Him, who earnestly repent of their sins, and seek to live in peace with one another.” So, every time the table is set – you are welcome to come and receive. This includes children.
Is there a nursery?
Yes! We have a terrific nursery staff ready and waiting to take care of your child. The Nursery is for children Newborn to 3 years old.
What is Children's Church and where do my children go?
Children Pre K to Fifth Grade are invited to take part in Children’s Church! This is a fun and exciting time of learning, playing, and growing together. Children are dismissed to Children’s Church halfway through the 8:45 and 11:00 Services. Children’s Church takes place in the Children's Building.
At the 8:45 Service, your child will be taken from Children’s Church to their age-appropriate Sunday School Class, also in the Children's Building, when Children’s Church is over. This is to insure the safety of all our children and to make sure no children get lost looking for a parent. You are welcome to pick your child up after worship or you can let them stay for Sunday School--it is up to you! All parents are asked to pick up their children from their Sunday School Class promptly at 10:30.
At the 10:55 Service, your child will be returned to the Sanctuary during the singing of the last hymn.
At the 8:45 Service, your child will be taken from Children’s Church to their age-appropriate Sunday School Class, also in the Children's Building, when Children’s Church is over. This is to insure the safety of all our children and to make sure no children get lost looking for a parent. You are welcome to pick your child up after worship or you can let them stay for Sunday School--it is up to you! All parents are asked to pick up their children from their Sunday School Class promptly at 10:30.
At the 10:55 Service, your child will be returned to the Sanctuary during the singing of the last hymn.
How do I get involved at CFUMC?
There are many ways to get involved at Centre First. One of the best and easiest ways to get involved is to take part in a Sunday School Class. Through this small group experience you get exposed to a lot of great people who can help you find ways to grow deeper in your faith and share it with others. You can also arrange a time to meet with our pastor and he would be honored to help you find a place to worship, grow, and serve in the life of the church. Just call the church office to set up and appointment!
How do I become a member of CFUMC?
We hope that you will consider becoming a member of the Centre First United Methodist Church. We believe that your life and the life of our church will be richer if you do. Membership in a church really is about discipleship. Because of that, at CFUMC, we want to help all of our members and prospective members become followers of Christ, which we call discipleship.
When you join a United Methodist Church you will be asked, “Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?
PRAYERS
Our commitment to uphold the Church through prayer is based upon the fundamental reality that we need God’s guidance in order to be the church. That is why we pray for our pastors, for our teachers, for one another, and for those who may never even enter our doors.
PRESENCE
Our commitment to uphold the Church by our presence is a visible witness of our faith, both in the church and in the world. Our relationship to Christ is nurtured by our presence in worship where we find spiritual guidance, comfort and strength. We also uphold the Church by our presence at home, at work, at school, and in the community. Wherever we are, our presence should be an expression of our commitment to Christ.
GIFTS
Our commitment to uphold the Church by our gifts is a thankful response from the heart for all God has given us. The giving of our money also helps to establish and maintain ministries that no individual or single congregation could fund alone. These worthy causes include youth and children’s ministries, hospitals, colleges, rehabilitation centers, food and clothing distribution, evangelistic and educational work, and emergency relief.
SERVICE
Our commitment to be loyal to the Church and uphold it by our service further reflects our commitment to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a sacrifice for many (Matthew 20:28). God has entrusted all of us with certain talents and abilities, and sharing these gifts is a means of sharing ourselves out of love and gratitude toward God and love for one another.
There are several ways you can join the church:
BAPTISM AND PROFESSION OF FAITH
The United Methodist Church recognizes baptisms of other Christian traditions. We believe that Baptism is a one time occurance. It is typically done in one of the worship services because the congregation plays a critical role in the life of the person being baptized.
If you have not been baptized, in order to join the church, you will be baptized and make a public profession of faith. By “profession of faith” we simply mean that you will answer “yes” to questions about faith in Christ and your intention to lead a Christian life.
TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER DENOMINATION
We recognize your baptism and profession of faith from your previous church. We believe that your coming to join First UMC is a statement of renewal of your faith in Jesus Christ. We will ask you to be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service.
TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER U.M.C.
We are happy to receive you by transfer from another United Methodist Church. We will only ask if you will be loyal to this congregation of the United Methodist Church.
So, if you have decided to join CFUMC, you can contact one of the ministers or you can indicate your desire to join on the attendance registration pad (one of the ministers will then contact you).
When you join a United Methodist Church you will be asked, “Will you be loyal to The United Methodist Church, and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service?
PRAYERS
Our commitment to uphold the Church through prayer is based upon the fundamental reality that we need God’s guidance in order to be the church. That is why we pray for our pastors, for our teachers, for one another, and for those who may never even enter our doors.
PRESENCE
Our commitment to uphold the Church by our presence is a visible witness of our faith, both in the church and in the world. Our relationship to Christ is nurtured by our presence in worship where we find spiritual guidance, comfort and strength. We also uphold the Church by our presence at home, at work, at school, and in the community. Wherever we are, our presence should be an expression of our commitment to Christ.
GIFTS
Our commitment to uphold the Church by our gifts is a thankful response from the heart for all God has given us. The giving of our money also helps to establish and maintain ministries that no individual or single congregation could fund alone. These worthy causes include youth and children’s ministries, hospitals, colleges, rehabilitation centers, food and clothing distribution, evangelistic and educational work, and emergency relief.
SERVICE
Our commitment to be loyal to the Church and uphold it by our service further reflects our commitment to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a sacrifice for many (Matthew 20:28). God has entrusted all of us with certain talents and abilities, and sharing these gifts is a means of sharing ourselves out of love and gratitude toward God and love for one another.
There are several ways you can join the church:
BAPTISM AND PROFESSION OF FAITH
The United Methodist Church recognizes baptisms of other Christian traditions. We believe that Baptism is a one time occurance. It is typically done in one of the worship services because the congregation plays a critical role in the life of the person being baptized.
If you have not been baptized, in order to join the church, you will be baptized and make a public profession of faith. By “profession of faith” we simply mean that you will answer “yes” to questions about faith in Christ and your intention to lead a Christian life.
TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER DENOMINATION
We recognize your baptism and profession of faith from your previous church. We believe that your coming to join First UMC is a statement of renewal of your faith in Jesus Christ. We will ask you to be loyal to the United Methodist Church and uphold it by your prayers, your presence, your gifts, and your service.
TRANSFER FROM ANOTHER U.M.C.
We are happy to receive you by transfer from another United Methodist Church. We will only ask if you will be loyal to this congregation of the United Methodist Church.
So, if you have decided to join CFUMC, you can contact one of the ministers or you can indicate your desire to join on the attendance registration pad (one of the ministers will then contact you).
What about Baptism?
The United Methodist Church recognizes baptisms of other Christian traditions. We believe that Baptism is a one time event. It is typically done in one of the worship services because the congregation plays a critical role in the life of the person being baptized.
If you have not been baptized, in order to join the church, you will be baptized and make a public profession of faith. By “profession of faith” we simply mean that you will answer “yes” to questions about faith in Christ and your intention to lead a Christian life.
If you have not been baptized, in order to join the church, you will be baptized and make a public profession of faith. By “profession of faith” we simply mean that you will answer “yes” to questions about faith in Christ and your intention to lead a Christian life.
What do United Methodists believe?
Centre First United Methodist Church shares a common doctrine and belief system with all United Methodist Churches. The United Methodist Church holds similar beliefs to most Protestant denominations when it comes to bedrock elements of the faith such as salvation through Jesus Christ, the Trinity, etc. The differences come about in our emphasis on God's grace, how we administer the Sacraments (Baptism & Communion), and in our church structure.
We encourage you to visit the website of The United Methodist Church for greater details about the church, it's history and belief statements.
We encourage you to visit the website of The United Methodist Church for greater details about the church, it's history and belief statements.