What To Expect

We hope you are warmly greeted upon arriving, and that your experience with us is a pleasant and welcoming one.  This page should help you anticipate, in part, what to expect when you come visit us for the first time in person.

What Should I Expect at the 8:50 “Encounter” Service?

Our contemporary “Encounter” service features a live praise band, and is held in our Fellowship Hall.  The informal nature of this setting and the casual atmosphere of the service make it particularly appealing to those who are unfamiliar with very traditional church services.  Seating is on folding chairs, lighting is dimmed, words are projected on screens, and the live music provided by our “Encounter band” is a selection of contemporary praise music.

What Should I Expect at the 11:00 Traditional Service?

Our traditional service, held in the Sanctuary, is of a more formal and liturgical in nature.  Traditional hymns make up the bulk of the music, which is provided by piano, organ, a chancel choir, and occasionally handbell choirs or other special instrumentation.  The order of worship includes responsive readings, the Apostle’s Creed, Gloria Patri, the Lord’s Prayer, and a doxology.  Acolytes, altar flower, and candles help create a worshipful atmosphere.

What Should I Wear?

Wear what you feel comfortable wearing to a church service!  Although our contemporary service is more informal, and our traditional service is more formal, you will find members of our congregation dressing casually at both services, as well as decorously at both services.  We believe that everyone is invited to share in worship, and that style of dress should have no bearing on whether someone is welcomed or not.

What About Babies and Young Children

We love babies and young children! We welcome them in our worship services, and hope they feel included in all aspects of our church life. We believe that an abundance of children and youth is a sign of a church’s growth and strength. Babies are welcome to be held by their parents during worship services, though a nursery is provided downstairs on the first floor for infants and children up to 3 years of age for those who wish to use it.

About halfway through either worship service, young children are invited up to the front to listen to a “Children’s Moment,” after which they may leave to go to “Children’s Church” for lessons and activities for the duration of the service, rather than stay for the sermon.  Children’s Church is offered for children aged 4 years – 2nd grade.  We feel children in 3rd grade and older benefit greatly from taking part in the entire worship service, including the sermon. 

Can I Take Part in Communion?

It is the belief of the Global Methodist Church that Holy Communion is Christ’s Table, and is therefore open to anyone who seeks a relationship with Him, and who is committed to a new life in Jesus Christ. This means that the bread and juice representing Jesus’ body and blood are offered to all.  At First Methodist Church of Tallassee, Communion is typically offered on the first Sunday of each month, in both worship services. and all who feel so led to partake are welcome to do so.