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About Aldersgate United Methodist Church

Image of Aldersgate parishioners. Aldersgate UMC is about family!

We are glad you stopped by!

At Aldersgate United Methodist Church (UMC), we strive to provide a welcoming environment for everyone seeking to learn more about our community. In this guide, we have compiled essential information about our Aldersgate UMC family to address any questions you may have. We invite you to join us for worship this Sunday or any time that suits you! For further inquiries, don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we are here to help.

Our mission at Aldersgate UMC is to introduce individuals to God’s unconditional love. This love is unselfish, undeserved, and profoundly powerful. It is truly transformative when we embrace the importance of loving one another as God intended. Experience the joy of community and faith with us at Aldersgate UMC!

First Things You’ll Want to Know

Know that you are welcome here! Aldersgate UMC welcomes people of all ages, races, backgrounds, abilities, economic circumstances, sexual orientations, and gender identities into the life of the church. We believe God loves you and we’d love a chance to get to know you as well.

Chances are, if you are here, you’re thinking about visiting us for the first time or joining the church as a new member. You might have a lot of questions about our beliefs and practices. Aldersgate is a United Methodist Church.

Why Belong to a Church?

Life can be challenging, and we all experience difficult moments. The members of our Aldersgate United Methodist Church community understand how essential it is to have a supportive network that we can turn to in times of need. Whether you are part of a family, a single individual, or anywhere in between, our church community is here to help make life’s challenges more manageable. In good times and bad, we can come together to grow, learn, and support one another as we strive to love and uplift each other. We believe in holding each other accountable and encouraging one another to be the best versions of ourselves, as we seek to fulfill the purpose that God has intended for each of our lives.

Get All The Answers You’re Looking For:

Aldersgate United Methodist Church welcomes all to worship, whether beginning your spiritual journey or looking for a new church home. We know that attending a church for the first time may be uncomfortable. Following are answers to frequently asked questions about Aldersgate UMC. We hope to see you soon and often!

Click on the questions below to find the answers…

What to Expect:

Aldersgate is located at 8320 South Street: the northwest corner of 84th and South streets. You can enter the parking lot from either South Street or Pinedale Avenue.
We have two in-person services every Sunday as well as a Thursday Service:: • 8:30a.m. (in person and LiveStream • 11:00 a.m. (in person) • In addition, we have a hospitality hour at 9:45a.m. where coffee, tea and water are served as well as cookies. • We offer adult Sunday school at 10am as well, so that people from both services have opportunities to socialize. • Children's Sunday School is at 10:00 a.m. during the school year. • For those who cannot make it to Sunday service, we have a Thursday service at 12:30 at the Legacy Estates as well
Arrive a few minutes before service, as we have ample parking and seating.
The church has parking on the east side of the building. You are welcome to use one of the guest parking spaces conveniently located in front of the building. There are several accessible parking spaces marked in front of the church as well.
Yes! Our building has no stairs or other barriers, as well as handicap accessible restrooms.
Anywhere! The pastor speaks from the center. Generally, anyone who speaks during the service uses a microphone. Song lyrics and visual aids are projected on large screens on both sides of the sanctuary, so screen location may be a factor in your seating decision.
Dressing up is not expected. Some may wear their “Sunday best,” but you’re also likely to see slacks, jeans and casual shirts. We believe the most important part about Sunday morning is arriving, ready to worship God.
You will not be singled out as a visitor. Everyone is greeted on arrival. You will be offered a connection card to fill out if you want more information about Aldersgate.
No. Offering plates will be passed during the service for those who want to support our ministries, but participation is voluntary. You will not be pressured to give. If you do want to give an offering, there are several ways to give.
The communion process is explained during the service and is open to anyone who would like to participate. Communion is typically served at both services on the first Sunday of the month.
Following each worship service, Pastor Joseph Rafique greets everyone as people leave the sanctuary. He also is available for a personal phone call or meeting during the week.
  • We have a staffed nursery available, but children are most welcome in our sanctuary as well.
  • We have a kids table in the back stocked with drawing supplies and sheets for coloring, as well as games and puzzles.
  • During the school year, we offer Sunday school at 9:45 am to any children who wish to attend.