Introduction to the Contemporary Service

If you have never visited First United Methodist Church, it might be helpful to learn more about our early contemporary service, so you will have a better idea what to expect. For more information about how things work at First UMC, please check our main visitors page.

First UMC's Crossroads Service at 8:30am features a unique way to worship God each Sunday morning. Beginning with music, the congregation joins 4th Street Sound (our contemporary choir) and the Praise band (guitar, drums, flute and keyboard) in singing praise to God. After four or five songs, we greet each other with the peace of Christ. 4th Street Sound prepares an anthem to inspire all of us with the Truth of the Word each week. Sometimes we are treated to the youth choir or one of the three Children's Choirs. Children are included in the worship service as well. Members of the congregation speak with the kids at the front of the sanctuary for about 5 minutes during the Children's Sermon which is usually based on the same scripture as the adult sermon. Special musical presentations are made during the offertory as we give our financial gifts to the church. Congregational Prayer time is a meaningful time for us to share requests for prayer, both joys and concerns. We then take time to listen and speak to God individually and corporately. Our pastor, Rev. David Okerber, then shares a scripture and thought-provoking sermon with the congregation. We rejoice with one another as we sing the last song. After the pastoral benediction, we join hands and share the choral benediction.

The service has a unique flavor to it, utilizing Contemporary Christian worship music, informal attire, and a warm atmosphere of Christian family. A large-screen video presentation assists the congregation in following the order of worship. Visitors are more than welcome to join us in our Praise of the risen Lord Jesus.