We are so honored that you’re interested in Providence-Fort Washington United Methodist Church.
We are a vibrant and growing congregation eager to share our faith, spread the message of hope, and demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love. When you step through our doors, you’ll be greeted with a smile, a warm hello and a church bulletin.
If you haven’t attended a Methodist service before, a typical Sunday morning will generally include:
- Time for people to greet each other before service begins;
- An opening prayer once service starts;
- Scripture readings;
- An affirmation of faith;
- Prayer and meditation;
- An offering;
- A children's message;
- The sermon;
- Special music and hymns; and
- A closing prayer.
On the first Sunday of each month, the congregation joins together for Holy Communion.
You may also notice the use of candles, the meaning of which is described below.
From Worship Matters: A United Methodist Guide to Worship Work, Vol. II by E. Byron Anderson:
"Jesus said: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12). The presence of the light reminds us of Jesus' coming into our world and into our lives. The light is carried into the worship service as a symbol of Jesus' coming into the presence of the worshiping community. Many congregations use two candles on the altar to point out that Jesus was both a human being and God. At the end of the service, the light is carried out into the world to show that Jesus Christ is for all people everywhere; The acolyte leaves the worship service at the pastor's direction, carrying out the lighted candlelighter. This symbolizes the light of Jesus Christ going out into the world where believers are to serve."
From The Acolyte's Book by Hoyt Hickman:
"Since ancient times, light and fire have reminded people that God is here with us. When you bring the light (fire) into the place where people are gathering to worship, and when you light the candles, you are reminding the people that God is with us at home, at school, and at work, as well as in the worship service; Lighted candles also remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. Many persons like to think of the two candles on or beside the Lord's table as reminders that Christ is both human and divine."
Special Times for the United Methodist Church
- Christmas Season (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany)
- Easter Season (Lent, Easter, Pentecost)
- Special Days During Ordinary Time (Trinity Sunday, All Saints' Day, Christ the King Sunday)