I’m New
Welcome to Ethan United Methodist Church!
We’re so glad that you are interested in learning about Ethan UMC. We want to ensure that everyone who comes through our doors feels welcomed by the Ethan UMC family. We understand that visiting a new church can be intimidating so please feel free to ask questions of any of our family. The Ethan UMC family is a diverse group of people all seeking to connect to God. We hope that you will join us . If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Preparing to visit a church for the first time can be nerve wracking. You have questions – Where should I park? What should I wear? Will this church welcome my entire family?
At Ethan UMC, we understand that you want to have an idea of what to expect when you come to visit our church the first time. We hope that the following information will make you more comfortable and answer any questions you have. If you have questions that are not addressed in our FAQs below, please contact our office at 605-239-4343 or email us at alexethanumc@triotel.net
Ethan UMC FAQs
Where can I park?
Parking is available on the south side (front) of the church. We have designated parking spots for handicapped and those with special needs located in the back of the church.
What are the Worship Services at Ethan UMC like?
Worship Service at Ethan UMC is Traditional.
Traditional Services Every Sunday at 8:30 am. This service offers elements traditional worship. The service is more liturgical .
How can children participate in Worship?
Children are always welcome at Ethan UMC Services. The Worship Services include a Children’s Time as part of the service.
Will my family be welcomed?
At Ethan UMC , we welcome all kinds of families, traditional and non-traditional. We appreciate the diversity of various cultures, races, religious backgrounds, and family groupings: one parent, two parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, children added to your family through birth or through adoption, and more.
Where should I sit?
You are welcome to sit anywhere at our services.
How do I know when to stand during services?
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 may remain seated throughout the service.
How often do you serve Communion?
We serve Communion at our services on the Fourth Sunday of the month and occasionally at the discretion of the Pastor based on the church calendar.
Am I able to take Communion?
In the United Methodist Church, the table of Holy Communion is Christ’s table. The table is open to anyone who seeks to respond to Christ’s love and to lead a new life of peace and love. At each service, bread and juice are a part of the Communion service.
What should I wear to Worship Services?
We encourage you to wear whatever is comfortable.
How can I find out about Ethan UMC activities and events?
There are several ways to find out about Ethan UMC activities & events. Check the website, the Facebook page; @Ethan-United-Methodist-Church- & the bulletin during service.
What options do you have for children and teens?
We offer programs for both children & teens. Worship Service includes Children’s time during the Service. We also have a group called Sonshine Club for elementary school kids in the Ethan school district.
Do you offer Sunday School?
At this time, we don’t have a Sunday School program.
Do you have any assistance for those who are hearing impaired?
Headsets are available for those with hearing impairment at each of our services. If you need assistance finding a headset an usher will be able to assist you.
Do I have to join Ethan UMC if I want to attend regularly or be involved in the church?
No, you don’t. We have many attendees who come to services regularly & are very active in our congregation but are not members. While we encourage membership, it is by no means required. If you would like to discuss membership, please contact our pastor.
We are a community of believers whose faith has been formed through reason, experience, scripture, and tradition. We are a diverse group with the common goal to connect and empower people to live out the Gospel of Jesus. Believing that we are all God’s children, Ethan UMC Church affirms that persons of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation or identity, economic or marital status, and physical or mental condition are welcome to participate fully in the life of our congregation.