First Time Visitor

Frequently Asked Questions about My First Visit

Santa Margarita United Methodist Church

What time should I arrive?

We worship at 9:30 a.m. (relaxed traditional) and at 11 a.m.(new music, band, family friendly).

Am I going to be conspicuous?

You can expect 100-125 people at our 9:30 a.m. and 80-100 in worship at 11 a.m., so you won't be conspicuous, but you will probably be noticed and greeted. WE WILL CERTAINLY NOT ASK YOU TO STAND, RAISE YOUR HAND OR INTRODUCE YOURSELF! We recognize that there is a fine line between not wanting to be embarrassed and not wanting to feel like nobody cares that you are here. We will care, but won't make you feel like a sore thumb.

How do I behave in worship?

We have a user friendly traditional type service with a casual and relaxed approach. While we do sing hymns and read prayers together (at 9:30 a.m.), you won't feel uncomfortable as the words aren't a secret ritual that you have to learn - we try to make it easy. Our New Music worship is very relaxed with a positive, upbeat feel. On the first Sunday of each month we have our Communion service. Anybody is welcome to come forward to share in this very special meal in which we actively are reminded how much God loves us.

Will I be expected to give money?

If you visit with us, we want you to know that we will not be asking you for money. In fact, when it comes time for the offering we will ask you to let the plate go right past and not put anything in! As a visitor, we would like this experience to be a gift to you.

How should I dress?

Our dress is casual (if that is what you are comfortable in) or more dressy if you like to go to church in your Sunday best. Neither our minister nor our choir wears robes at 9:30, 11AM is even more relaxed (jeans and t-shirts).

Are our children welcome?

Yes! At both the 9:30 and 11 a.m.services, children are invited up for the interactive children's sermon and then they go to Sunday School. We have a nursery and cry room available for young children, or they may remain with you in worship. Youth have Bible Study every week during the 9:30 a.m. service and are invited to remain in worship during second service at 11 a.m.

Visitors to SMUMC

Should I bring a cushion in case the service goes on forever?

No! Our worship usually lasts about an hour. Following worship, we have a simple fellowship so you can meet folks and check things out. Welcome to SMUMC!

Sunday Info

This Week at SMUMC

This Wednesday we will have an Ash Wednesday service at 7 pm. Ashes are a sign of repentance and mourning. The Ashes traditionally are from Palm Sunday the year before and serve as a reminder that the joy of Palm Sunday can quickly turn to the betrayal and grief of the cross. The Ashes also remind us of the brevity of life. Let us begin the season of Lent with a clear focus on the gift of life and the correct use of that gift.

Featured

Cooperative Parish with Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church - Learn more about our Covenant for Cooperative Ministry here...

Dave Roberts, lead musician in our worship band, released his first CD several months ago. Recently, his music was picked up by UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, and used in a video they created and posted on their website! View the video here....