Q. What is worship like at First UMC of Brighton?
We offer several different worship times and styles of worship to meet the needs of our diverse community.
Sunday, 8:00 a.m.—Experience traditional hymns, prayer and preaching that is designed to provoke thought, inspire faith and lead us to action. Holy Communion is served weekly. Fellowship time follows the service.
Sunday, 9:30 a.m.—This worship service is traditional with a contemporary flair. Hymns and congregational prayers are projected on our screens. Children are invited forward for their own message. The chancel choir leads our music, and is often joined by other musical groups, including handbells, men’s, women’s and children’s choruses and our orchestra. Prayer and preaching is
designed to provoke thought, inspire faith and lead us to action. There is fellowship time before and after the service.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m.—The lights go down and the sounds of our praise bands rise up. This service is music-driven, inspired by the latest in Christian praise music. There is a message time for children.
Prayer and preaching is designed to provoke thought, inspire faith and lead us to action. There is fellowship time before and after the service.
Thursday, 7:30 pm – Sanctus is an intentional faith community that gathers weekly in pubs and cafes. For more information go to sanctusonline.org.
Q: Can I receive Communion at First UMC if I am not a member, or if I am from a different denomination, or have never been to church?
In The United Methodist Church all people are welcome to Christ’s table. You do not need to be a member of this church, nor of any church. People of all ages are welcome. “Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another.” We believe that in Holy Communion we join the risen Christ at his table and that by his presence we are nurtured for a life of faithful service.
At First UMC, Holy Communion is primarily offered through pieces of broken bread that we dip into a cup of grape juice. Gluten-free wafers are available. Holy Communion is experienced at the 8:00 am worship service weekly and at all worship services the first Sunday of each month.
Q. What do United Methodist’s believe about Baptism?
Baptism is a celebration of God’s love for us through Jesus Christ. In baptism we acknowledge that we are beloved children of God. Baptism is our opportunity to pledge our faith and love for God and acknowledge that through God’s Holy Spirit we are transformed for new life. We believe that baptism is right at any age, from infant to adult. Adults and youth, who have not
yet been baptized, are welcome to profess their faith in Jesus Christ and be baptized. Children and others who cannot yet make decisions for themselves are presented for baptism by parents or guardians. By their profession of faith, they vow to nurture their loved ones in the Christian faith and bring them to the point where they can take the Baptism vows themselves. Baptisms are performed with the community of faith present so that the church might also vow to support the baptized. Baptism is performed by an ordained elder of the church and can be done by sprinkling (water on the top of the head), pouring or immersion. If you are interested in baptism for your child or yourself, we celebrate this decision and God’s grace working in your life. Please email terry@brightonfumc.org.
Q: What is the mission, vision and core values of the people who attend First United Methodist Church of Brighton?
Our Mission: We are a people Transformed by God to Transform the World.
Our Vision: We are a vibrant, growing community of faith that welcomes all people to experience the transforming power of God. We expect God’s Holy Spirit to move us to belief in Jesus Christ and to hope and action through the experiences of worship, shared community, faith formation and service. We reflect God’s reign in this life.
Our Core Values:
Invitation
We act as the body of Christ, intentionally offering activities and events that create a sense of
belonging for all people. We celebrate the diversity of God’s people and actively invite and
enthusiastically welcome all to join us in faithfully living out God’s call.
Spiritual Practices
Spiritual Practices ground us in faith, allow us to grow in grace and offer guidance. Traditional practices include Bible reading, prayer, the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion, worship, service, generosity, and hospitality. We take part in these and other means of experiencing God’s grace individually and as a community. We believe that the Holy Spirit speaks through spiritual practices and transforms lives.
