We would love for you to join us in worship on a Sunday morning to experience the gracious, loving presence of God within our congregation.
We would love for you to join us in worship on a Sunday morning to experience the gracious, loving presence of God within our congregation. Above all, we want you to know everyone is welcome in our congregation. It doesn’t matter what your background is, your history, who you are, if you are exploring faith, or a long time believer, you are welcome here! Moreover, we’d love to get to know you, hear your story, and learn what God is doing in your life. Below is some helpful information to assist you in planning your initial visit. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us in our church office. We’d be glad to help make your visit an accessible and fulfilling visit.
Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Good News Celebration Worship in the Great Hall
We have three worship services on Sunday mornings – An 8:30am service in our Sanctuary, a 9:05 service in the Great Hall, and an 11:00 am service in the Sanctuary. The 8:30am and 11:00am services are traditional in style with hymns, liturgy, chancel choirs, acolytes and a sermon. Our 9:05am service is more contemporary in nature with a praise band, modern worship music, and a sermon. Each service lasts about an hour and feel free to wear what is comfortable.
On the first Sunday of every month and on some special Sundays we celebrate the service of Holy Communion. We practice “open communion,” meaning that one does not need to be a member of our congregation or a Methodist in order to participate. Our liturgy says “It is the Lord’s table, and you are welcome.”
Our church is in the historic district of Conway, Arkansas. Being tucked away in the neighborhood, the easiest way to find us is through Google maps or other direction software. Simply type “1610 Prince Street Conway AR” into the search bar. You will find we are just off of Oak Street on Prince St near downtown.
Our main parking lot makes all parts of our building easily accessible. So feel free to park anywhere in the lot as it allows you to be able to access the varied spaces easily. “For those attending the Traditional services, look for the dome! It’s best to enter the building under the dome. Both parking lot entrances are handicap accessible but an elevator can be found at the main entrance which is at the covered driveway. For those attending the contemporary services, look for the “Trinity Building” just behind the large glass doors you will find the Great Hall Entrance.
Yes, we have Sunday Schools that meet at 10am in varied areas of the church. Please visit our Adult Discipleship page to learn more about those groups. If you want to visit one of those groups, let us know! We’d love to connect you with them. There are also opportunities for kids, youth, and college students. Please see below for more information about these programs.
Also, on Sundays between 9:30am-11:00am there is “Middle Grounds.” Middle Grounds is an opportunity for visitors to connect with members of the congregation while sharing a cup of coffee and enjoying donuts. There is no weekly program or any planned topic. It really is just an opportunity to connect with others! So, stop by the Fellowship Hall at anytime between 9:30-11:00am to connect with others!
Kids of all ages are welcome in all of our services. We are so honored to have them be part of worship. As Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these (Luke 19:14).” Some parents and guardians feel more comfortable placing infants and small children in our nursery. The nursery, staffed by trained volunteers and paid staff, is located in the children’s wing of the Trinity Building and is available during all of our Sunday morning classes and worship services. The nursery is accessible through the Great Hall (gym) through the front left door. As a special note, we are a Safe Gatherings certified church. All volunteers and staff go through a process which includes background checks. We want your kids to be in a safe environment. To learn more about Safe Gatherings, go to our Children’s page.
Mother’s Feeding and Family Rooms — We have spaces designed for nursing mothers to feed their babies.
For those in worship in the Sanctuary, you may use Room 112, which is located in the area outside the Sanctuary. Room 107 off the Sanctuary is also available for babies and toddlers that may need a space during worship to cry or play. The worship service can be heard on a speaker in that space.
For those in worship in the Good News Celebration, you may use the Parlor just off the Trinity Lobby during the service.
Yes, you are welcome in all of our services on Sunday. And there is a College Age Sunday School class which meets at 10:00am in the Parlor. It is easily accessed through the Great Hall Entrance and to the left. There will be other college students around to greet you. Also, check out “The Wesley.” It is our college age ministry associated with the University of Central Arkansas. However, any college student is welcome. There are weekly activities, studies, fellowship and worship opportunities. For more information, be sure to visit their section of the site.
Are you interested in learning more about Conway First UMC? Maybe you’ve watched us online. Or maybe you’ve visited and want to connect more? Here are a couple of next steps you can take if you’ve watched online or if you’ve come one time.
If you are able, we’d love for you to visit in person. Being present is a great way to get a feel for who we are as a congregation. While online services are great, technology can limit how we are able to communicate who we are. Consider joining us for a worship service.
This is the single best way to connect with the church. There is a team of people ready to assist you in your journey of faith and to help you connect with the church! By signing the attendance pad in one of the services and providing some contact information, we can follow up with you. In our day and age, we know what a gift it is to receive contact information. We will treat it with the utmost respect!
After your visit, we’d love to connect more with you. On a Sunday morning, the best way to connect is to come to Middle Grounds located in the Fellowship Hall which is in the middle of the church between the worship spaces! There you can meet members of the church as well as one of the Pastors where we can answer questions, engage in conversation, and learn more about one another.
We’d love to get to know more about you! Please take a minute to fill out our form and we will get back to you soon!
Watch here, www.facebook.com/conwayfirstumc or on our YouTube Channel