What to Expect

Visiting a new church can be intimidating:

What should I wear? Where do I park? Where do my kids go?

We understand the many questions that can come when visiting a new church, and we want you to feel comfortable when you visit. Below are some frequently asked questions. If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact us.

Before Worship:

First you need to know where we are: 521 W. Pipeline Rd. in Hurst. Here’s a convenient map and driving directions.

You may park in any available space in our parking lot, being mindful of dedicated spots for those with special needs. Outside the Wesley Building, there are 12 parking places for visitors (there is also an awning for curbside drop-offs during rainy weather).

The Saturday Genesis service takes place in the Fellowship Hall at 6 p.m. Genesis is a more casual worship experience, with acoustic, alternative music and the sermon delivered in a teaching style.

Sunday morning worship takes place in the Sanctuary at 8:30, 9:45 a.m., and 11 a.m. Sunday services are traditional style with familiar hymns and meaningful liturgy.

Sunday School for all ages is offered at 9:45 a.m. Detailed Sunday School information for: Children • Youth • Adults

What should I wear? We want you to feel comfortable. Some of our folks prefer to wear their “Sunday best,” some wear jeans, and most fall somewhere in the middle. The Genesis service tends to be more casual. Some families come straight from soccer games or other Saturday activities. It is good to worship God together — we want you to be more focused on the service than what you’re wearing. We think you’ll fit in, no matter how you dress.

Please stop by the Welcome Center to pick up information about FUMC Hurst.  Our Welcome Center staff can answer almost any question:  Where is the nearest restroom?  Where is the nursery?  Where is the Sanctuary?  Where is a specific Sunday School room?  Not only will they help you with your questions, they will also be happy to escort you to where you would like to go.

Join us for coffee and hospitality, 8–10 a.m. each Sunday in the Fellowship Hall.

During Worship

First United Methodist Church of Hurst is a friendly church. Be prepared to be warmly greeted and engaged in conversation. When you arrive at the door, you will be offered a worship bulletin with an outline of the service, and activities and announcements for the week.

If you arrive late, ushers will let you know when you can enter the Sanctuary. If you need to leave early, no one will complain if you slip out.

You may sit anywhere — no seats are reserved. The church is accessible to those needing wheelchairs or walkers. Once inside, wheelchairs can be placed next to shorter pews, in convenient locations.

When it’s time to stand to read a Bible verse, sing or pray, an asterisk in the worship bulletin will alert you. If you are not sure what to do, just follow everyone else or, if you prefer, you can just remain seated throughout the service.

For those who are hearing impaired, we have special hearing devices that you can wear that will allow you to control the volume. If you think this would be beneficial to you,  pick one up in the Narthex, outside of the Sanctuary. For those with sight impairment, large print hymnals are available.

Children are welcome in our service. Believing it is important for parents, grandparents, and children to worship together, children are always welcome. It is our practice to let parents and children decide the level of participation with which they feel comfortable. A Children’s Worship Guide in the pew pockets outlines the worship and music opportunities for children during Sunday services. Nursery facilities are available for infants.

Visitors are not expected to contribute to the work of the church (that’s our responsibility), so don’t feel embarrassed to pass the collection plate without putting anything in it. Many church members contribute once a month or online, so you won’t be the only one just passing the plate on. If you consider FUMC Hurst your church home, we want you to prayerfully consider giving to our church, by check or cash during the service, or by setting up an online giving account.

Am I invited to take communion? We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month. We do so to commemorate Christ’s final meal with the disciples, and to celebrate his resurrection. In the United Methodist Church, all are welcome at the Lord’s Table, regardless of denominational affiliation, church membership or belief. All are welcome to experience the gift of grace offered to us through Jesus the Christ.

Do I have to join your church? No, you do not have to join, you are always welcome to worship among us, participate in any of our activities and attend any of our study groups. Membership is a choice and commitment which we want you to make only when the time is right for you. You can become a member by Baptism and Profession of Faith, or by transfer from another United Methodist Church or another denomination. We believe that the Holy Spirit works within other churches and if you have previously been baptized we do not “re-baptize” you.