People who worship with us come from every walk of life. You will find a kind and passionate congregation that includes singles, older adults, young adults, straight and gay couples, empty nesters, and families with kids of every age. Many are members, and many are regular visitors. There are college students, teachers, business professionals, engineers, manufacturing specialists, farmers, artists and art-lovers, musicians and music-lovers, social workers, business owners, parents, and retirees.

We want you to be comfortable when you come to worship…clothes included. Dress as you see fit. Worshipers wear everything from shorts and tank tops to (a few) suits and ties.

Worship on a typical Sunday morning happens at our downtown location. Parking is available in the large parking lot behind the church on the corner of Lafayette and Madison. Visitors with mobility concerns may use our automatic handicapped entrance off of the parking lot, under the portico. Street parking is also available in front the church on Main Street and along Madison Street.

We are also accessible by public transit with a bus stop right across Main Street.

On a Sunday, if you enter the doors from the parking lot you will be met by a greeter who can help you find your way. Head up the rainbow stairs, past the welcome desk in the hallway, and up the stairs to the sanctuary on the right.

If you enter from the double glass doors nearest to the corner of Main Street and Madison Street, head up the short staircase into the hallway, and up the stairs to the sanctuary on your left.

Please note: In the Summer months, usually from Memorial Day weekend until early August, we worship outdoors at the amphitheater in Leeper Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us for casual, meaningful worship in a beautiful location! Stay tuned to our social media for last minute location changes due to weather.

Yes! We have two elevators located at the rear of the building, off of the parking lot. The North elevator can take you up to our education wing with classrooms, the church office, and our children’s ministry space. It can also take you to our Lower Level which houses the Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen on weekdays. The South elevator takes you to the Sanctuary and Gathering Room (where we have coffee hour).

We blend new and traditional worship into a style that is all our own. Our worship includes music (choir, congregational singing, organ, piano, and Celtic traditions), scripture reading, prayers for our church and our world, relevant preaching, a children’s message, and Holy Communion generally on the First Sunday of the month and holidays.

Children of all ages are ALWAYS welcome in worship! Our Prayground space at the front right corner of the sanctuary is designed especially for children four and under. It includes toys, books, and coloring that can help keep littles occupied while their grownups get to focus a little more on worship. On most Sundays, children age 4 through 5th grade are welcome to attend Children’s Church for a portion of worship following the children’s message to engage scripture at their own level.

Sermons are shared by our senior pastor Rev. Vickie Van Nevel and our Pastor of Families Rev. Emily Trubey-Weller. Both focus on preaching that is engaging and relevant to everyday life.

Everyone is welcome at the open table. The first Sunday of each month we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. United Methodist Christians practice “open table” communion. This means that all persons, regardless of spiritual background, beliefs or non-belief, are welcome to participate. The “table” is open to anyone who seeks to respond to Christ’s love. Like most Methodists communities, we use grape juice rather than wine, which honors those among us who struggle with addiction or abuse of alcohol.

As a Reconciling Congregation, First and Northwest UMC welcomes all people, without respect to age, gender, color, race, national origin, faith background, immigration status, marital status, gender orientation or identity, past involvement with the criminal justice system, struggles with addiction, socioeconomic status, physical, mental, or emotional challenges.

We are all recipients of the grace of God; we are all one in Christ Jesus, and all called to love.