Whether you are dropping by for a visit or looking for a new church home, we always look forward to welcoming visitors at our worship service. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you feel comfortable when you visit.
When are your services?
Our worship service is held on Sundays from 10:30 am-11:30 am. It is a hybrid worship service for visitors and families of all ages – blending traditional and contemporary elements. Enjoy a welcoming, peaceful service in our historic Church Street building on Sunday morning…draw closer to God amidst the beautiful stained glass windows, inspiring worship music, and scripturally grounded sermons delivered by our Pastor Bob Clinger.
Throughout the year, activities and spiritual engagements are available to people of all age groups. Evening adult bible studies, Sunday morning discipleship groups, youth activities and mission trips, and special worship services are held at various times throughout the year. Please visit or call to learn more details.
Do you offer childcare?
All children are welcome to sit and participate in worship service alongside their parents. We also offer childcare.
Nursery: Bluffton First has a nursery for infants through preschool aged children that is staffed by volunteers from the church. You do not need to make reservations for this program, but parents are asked to provide a diaper bag for young children, a sippy cup or water bottle, and leave a cell phone number that caregivers can use to reach parents.
Cry Room: If you are not sure if your child is ready for the nursery, and they are experiencing one of those rough days, there is a comfortable room in the back of the church that allows you to hear and participate in the service while caring for your child.
Kid’s Church: Elementary school aged children Kinder-5th are welcome to attend the Kid’s Church program. Kid’s Church follows a Christian curriculum for teaching the basics of the Christian Faith in a fun, encouraging atmosphere in our education wing just outside the main Sanctuary. Snacks are included. Kid’s Church is held during the school year from September – May. It is not available on Communion Sundays (the first Sunday of each month).
Safe Sanctuary: All of our childcare and children’s programming is governed by Safe Sanctuary practices as described by our denominational conference leadership team. A copy of Covenant Statement that all workers are required to adhere to is available here:
Can we take communion?
As United Methodists, we offer communion as an “open table” meaning that believers (of any age) who “love Jesus, earnestly repent of their sin, and seek to be at peace with one another” are welcome to receive. If you have not made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, we are happy to serve you communion but would look forward to further conversation with you on how you can experience God’s grace and salvation through the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our communion is typically served with bread and individual servings of juice, and served by intinction. If you are not able to proceed to the front, Communion Stewards can serve you in your seat.
Where can we park?
Parking in Bluffton is readily available on Sunday morning. We suggest you park on Church Street, on Jackson Street, or in the parking lot on the north side of the church. Most attendees enter through the double doors on Church Street which are labeled “Sanctuary.”
Is the Church available to rent for functions?
Our building is free for members of the congregation to use. Outside groups and organizations are welcome to contact the church with any questions about use of the church building or grounds for events, meetings, weddings, etc. Our availability varies and any events must be approved by church staff.
Bluffton First UMC 