All About Seymour First UMC
Our Mission & Vision
Our vision…
is to connect people to faith and each other through worship, fellowship and service to others with God’s love.
Our mission…
is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
What We Believe
The United Methodist Church shares a great deal with other denominations. The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
A United Methodist is someone who joins in that mission by putting faith and love into action. We believe that God loves all people, and that we share in expressing that love. The United Methodist tradition emphasizes God’s grace and in serving others. We believe that Jesus Christ is the fullest expression of God’s love–showing us the fullness of God’s care through Jesus’ teachings, death and resurrection.
John Wesley started the Methodist movement in 18th century England. His teachings on practical divinity (living out our faith) and appeals to reason and experience form important aspects of United Methodist practice today.
We invite you to learn more about our rich theological heritage in this link:
CLICK HERE
Our Church History
Methodism in Seymour dates back to 1852 when the village of Seymour was attached to the Rockford Circuit. The Seymour Circuit was started in 1853, and the Methodist congregation in the city at that time worshipped in the Baptist church for over 3 years. The first church building was dedicated on January 11, 1864. In 1883 the building of our current building began at Third and Ewing streets, and the current building was opened on January 13, 1884. The pipe organ, still in use today was dedicated November 19, 1916. The building has been renovated and updated over time (1925, 1941 and 1969), but most significantly after a fire in 1987 damaged much of the building and destroyed the educational wing. First Methodist Episcopal Church celebrated its centennial along with the city of Seymour in 1952.
Known for many years as the First Methodist Episcopal Church, the First United Methodist Church was renamed when the Methodist Episcopal Church and United Brethren Churches merged in 1968. Through the years, the congregation has been served by many wonderful ministers and staff.
The faith-family has always been involved in mission and ministry with individuals outside our church walls, as we seek to model the life of Christ Jesus. Consistently many opportunities have been offered – numerous Sunday School classes for children, youth and adults, women and men’s Bible classes and societies, a choir, Methodist Youth Foundation (MYF, which became UMYF), birthday dinners, Christmas and Easter Services with special music, Vacation Bible School (VBS) and important outreach and support for our community.
The worship services have evolved over time, with TV ministry on a local cable channel initiated in 1974. The first ecumenical Thanksgiving service was held in 1977. During COVID, we initiated on-line services via FaceBook and YouTube. Our worship is a blended service with contemporary and traditional music to serve our multigenerational faith-family, while still retaining the traditions we value.
For Our Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What do United Methodists believe?
As a part of the worldwide United Methodist Church family, we follow a set of Bible-based, God inspired beliefs set forth by our denomination. To learn more about our beliefs, CLICK HERE.
Where should I park? Is there handicapped parking available?
We have parking on the north parking lot (along Ewing and 4th Street), the east parking lot (entrance on 3rd Street), and parking along 3rd.
Do you have handicap parking and access?
Both the north parking lot and east parking lot are handicap accessible with handicap friendly entrances.
What door do I enter?
For Sunday classes and worship, doors 1 (on 3rd street), door 4 (from north parking lot), door 6 (from east parking lot), and door 7 (from 3rd Street) are open. The doors are marked with what you can access from that door.
What should I expect?
Our worship is a blended worship with contemporary music of current artists and traditional music from hymnals and other sources.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever you are comfortable wearing. Some people come in a full suit or dress, while others come in jeans. Come to worship is what we stress, not what you wear.
Do you have any aids for the hearing impaired?
We have hearing assistance devices just outside the sanctuary door. Our ushers would be pleased to help you select a device to use for worship.
Do you serve Communion?
We serve Holy Communion generally on the first Sunday of every month and on special Sundays. The people come forward to receive communion but we also have servers who specifically come to those to serve communion if walking to the front is difficult or uncomfortable. We believe the Communion table is Christ’s table and open to anyone who seeks Christ’s love.
Is there Sunday School?
We offer an adult Sunday School called the “Chapel Class” in the Fellowship Hall (accessible from Door 4, 6, and 7) at 9:00am. Our Children’s Sunday School is during worship and is called “Children’s Church.”
Is there Children's Church?
We have Children’s Church during worship. The children come into the sanctuary and early in the service they are excused to follow the leaders to Children’s Church in the Education Wing. During the Summer, we have a Children’s Moment during the worship and children get to remain with their families.
Is there a Nursery available?
We have a nursery available with 2 trained staff. See the usher at the sanctuary door who is passing out bulletins to direct you to a member who can lead your child to the nursery. You are welcome to join them to see the space also.
Where do the children sit during Sunday worship?
We have a space in the front of the sanctuary with a small table and chairs for children to sit. There are activity bags available also. If you prefer the children can sit with you also. We love children in worship and the pastor will sometimes include them to participate in the message also.
Is the church available for events (i.e., weddings, funerals, etc.)?
Yes, but please contact the church to complete a Facility Use form and understand any other information needed.
How do I become a member of the church?
Please let the pastor know you are interested in becoming a member. For those who haven’t been a member elsewhere, we have a new member class that is offered at various times. Once you complete that class, you can become a member.
Where are the restrooms?
We have a gender neutral restroom just outside the sanctuary doors near Door 1 entrance. We have two larger bathrooms near the Fellowship Hall easily accessible from Door 4, 6, or 7 but also nearby the sanctuary. There are also restrooms available in the Education wing in the lower level.