I'm New

Whether you have been going to church your entire life or woke up today and decided to start, there is a place at First UMC Gilbert for you.

9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Our blended traditional/contemporary worship celebration includes the Chancel Choir (September through May),  organ, guitar, special music, and more. Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month – all who are baptised are welcome to the table. Children are always welcome in worship – we even have a special play space in the back (turn right as you enter the sanctuary). Nursery is also available as well as Sunday school for students of all ages. 

After all services you are welcome to enjoy delicious snacks (like veggies, crackers, cheese) and coffee and other refreshments in the Activity Center (the building located to the south of the Sanctuary or left as you exit the church).

We also have a variety of study and small groups for adults on Sunday mornings and throughout the week.

We celebrate special church holidays like Ash Wednesday, Lent, Palm Sunday, Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, All Saints Day, Advent, Christmas and more!

May I take Communion the first time I come?

The Communion Table is open to anyone who has a “hungry heart”, meaning if you feel a desire to come and receive the bread and cup, we welcome you to come and meet God in communion. From children to adults, members or first-time worshippers...all who come are welcome to take part in this Holy Mystery. The Methodist tradition is to serve grape juice rather than wine as part of this openness. Read more about what Communion means to United Methodist people here.

What do my children and students do during service?

All are welcome in Worship Service. That said, we also have different options for children and youth depending on what service time you attend.  Our Nursery is available in both services for kids, 6 months through preschool. We also have a "Prayground" children's area in the Sanctuary on the South side for families with small children. This is an area for families to sit together during a service and learn how to worship together. Noises are welcome!

During second service we have Sunday School available from Preschool through Senior High and an Adult Sunday School.  

The youth group community also has meetings often on Sunday afternoons for fun, service, or adventures in the area. We meet frequently with other youth groups at other United Methodist Churches  in the area. Check the youth enews for the latest details!

Is there a dress code for church?

No. Wear what makes you comfortable. It is Arizona and it can get hot! When you worship with us you will find people in a whole range of clothing, from shorts and sandals to formal dress. We encourage you to come as you are and experience the love of Christ.

How early should I arrive for service on my first visit?

We encourage you to come a few minutes early to grab some coffee from the Activity center and stop by our Welcome Desk, located just outside of our Sanctuary. Friendly volunteers are ready to help you with any questions or directions you may need. 

Additional Questions?

If you have any questions about your first visit, please contact us at PastorBrandon@gilbertumc.org.

Let us know you are coming and ask questions before you come. We will do our best to be ready for you on campus to welcome you and show you around. You can start by coming to the red "Welcome Desk" right on the patio. Our helpful volunteers can direct you to where you are going. 

Start here by filling out this interest form.

We will contact you for a meeting with Pastor Brandon and when you are ready, we can schedule a date for you to join the church. We usually invite people to join at the service they attend most often. If you would like to invite friends or family to attend we can accomodate your schedule.

After you submit this, we invite you to browse around our website some more or check out UMC.org from the United Methodist Church. Here is the current Handbook with facts and figures from the UMC.