FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Thinking about getting back into church? Never been to one?  Just moved to town? Or maybe just surfing the net out of curiosity?  We understand that your first time at church, any church, brings questions and some anxiety, especially if it's been along time (or never) since you've been to a church. Maybe some of these frequently asked questions will help you make your first visit much easier.

What is it like at Sugarloaf?
Sugarloaf was founded by a small group of committed Christians who wanted to provide a dynamic worship service for people who "don't do church".  This is not your grandma's church. The environment is casual, the buildings are comfortable, the music is upbeat and uplifting and the message is practical and relevant to today's lifestyle, not a history lesson from 2000 years ago. We believe Jesus is alive today,and you can find him here.

What do I wear? We don't care what you wear. There is no dress code. We want you to be comfortable because we are more concerned with meeting your real life needs, not what you wear.Everyone will dress for comfort so you will see anything from suits and ties to jeans and tees. We don't care how you come, just come.

What is the main thing?  What is your purpose? The bottom Line? In a sentence, what are you all about?
In a sentence, we are about being a community of believers and followers of Jesus Christ, who strive to always Worship (God), Grow (our lives) and Serve (the world) in everything we do.  We focus a lot on having a mission approach to serving others, but also put great stock in growing in the word and growing in relationship with Jesus.

What is the preaching like on Sunday morning?
It's not fire and brimstone, that's for sure. You will never leave here feeling persecuted and condemned. We think getting to know Jesus ought to be exciting so we combine an upbeat blend of contemporary and traditional music and worship styles. There will be a quiet time of prayer and reflection in order to give your inner-most self to Jesus.  You'll walk away from the Sunday morning message with something relevant that you can use in your life.  It is truly, at the core an incredible time of praise and worship. If you have some time, be blessed by spending a few minutes now listening to previous Sunday morning messages.

I'm nervous about visiting.  I don't know anyone.  What if I don't' fit in?
Of course you're nervous. We were all once new to Sugarloaf and we try hard to remember what it felt like, so we can make it comfortable for you.  You are taking the first step by coming on in, let us take the next step to making it easy for you.  Let us know it's your first time here, and we'll try to make you feel comfortable on your own time table and your own agenda. 

Do I bring my kids with me to the worship service, or is there something special for them?
Boy, is there something special for them!  Sugarloaf Nursery, Sugarloaf Preschool, Sugarloaf Kids and Student Life all offer the most incredible worship programs, designed especially for their age groups in a fun, dynamic interactive way that will make your kids and teens want to come back, even before Sunday.  That's way we offer even more incredible ministries on Wednesday evenings for kids and Middle schoolers. (and Thursday evenings for High School).

Sugarloaf is a United Methodist Church and I'm not United Methodist.  Can I still attend?
We are a United Methodist Church, but that's not the main thing.  The main thing is that we are Christian; believers in Jesus Christ.  We study his word and we live our lives according to his teachings.  Everyone who loves and believes in Jesus Christ is welcome here.  You do not need to be a member of this church to participate in any of the ministries or programs that are offered.  Everyone is welcome.

I don't own a bible. Never have.  Do I need to buy one to fit in at this church?
If you have a bible, bring it.  But, it is not required because during the message portion of the worship service, we will read scripture aloud, together from the large screens at the front of the room.  Also, on the back of the newsletter there is an allocated place to take notes and follow along with the message.  Scripture will be listed in newsletter for you to take home and reread or read deeper for more insight.

When I visit the first time, am I going to have to wear a sticker that identifies me as a visitor, stand up or be recognized in any way?
No. We will not point you out, ask you to stand and identify yourself or highlight you by any other means of recognition.  We DO ASK that you fill-out the Keep In Touch card (tucked inside the newsletter) with your contact information so that we can MAIL you an invitation to Starting Point and email you the What's Happening weekly email, so that you can attend any programs you find interesting.
 
How will you know if I continue to visit and start attending every week?
Everyone who attends services on Sunday morning fills out a Keep In Touch card. This is a very important measure of attendance, not just for numbers, but for contact information and some care ministry services.
 
What is a Keep in Touch Card?  Everyone in attendance on Sunday fills out a Keep In Touch Card.  This is a multi-use card that functions as an attendance record, a form for submitting prayer requests, and an event promotion vehicle.  Worship attenders put their names on a card EVERY WEEK, and drop it in the offering plate during the service. This attendance record is used to verify attendance (for certain assistance programs), updating contact information, as well as email lists and mailing lists. 

Do you serve communion every Sunday?
No.  Communion services are generally on the first Sunday of each month.  You do not have to be a member of this church in order to partake in communion.  We practice an "open table" meaining that everyone who loves Jesus and wants to live for Him, is welcome to take communion in His holy name.

When I am ready to become a member, what do I do first?
The first step is to register for the Starting Point class.  This class will give you all the information you need, and introduce you to all the people you need to know in order to help you make an informed decision about membership. 

Can I join the church if I have not been baptized?
No.  Baptism is required for membership.  This process is discussed in the Starting Point class.  The purpose of baptism is discussed and the process is outlined, so that when you are ready to be baptized we can walk you through all the steps. 

Who do I contact about baptizing my children?
The baptism ceremony is a very special part of any worship service, so we want to schedule it at the best time for all of your friends and family to be present.  Parents of the child(ren) should be MEMBERS of the church and in regular attendance.  Most baptisms are scheduled on the 3rd and 4th Sundays of the month, so as to not conflict with other celebrations like communion services and new member services.  To schedule a date and time for the baptism, fill out the baptism scheduling request and Michele Lancaster will be in touch with you to secure a date and time that works best for your family.

Can I become a member or transfer a membership without attending Starting Point?
We have never particularly cared to answer the question "how many members does your church have" because the numbers are not important to us.  What is important is how many people are attending worship services, how many people have grown in their faith through grow groups or adult education classes or bible studies; and how many people have taken the growth to bigger and better things by serving and volunteering in the church, the community and around the world.

For this reason we ask that every person who is  ready to become a member of this church attend Starting Point, so that they are informed when they make the decision to join the membership. Remember membership is the taking of a vow (a promise) to support this church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts and your service and to be committed to the Worship, Grow and Serve process.  So the answer to this question is yes, you can join or transfer a letter, but NO, we really want you to attend Starting Point before you become a member.

Do I have to be a member of Sugarloaf UMC to have a wedding at Sugarloaf?
No. you do not need to be a member, however there are certain Christian requirements involved. 
Contact Nickie Schroeder if you are interested in having a wedding ceremony in any of the campus buildings.

Can I rent space for a private event at Sugarloaf?
Yes.  The Community Life and Worship Center was built by members of Sugarloaf who dreamed of seeing these facilities used by the community as a safe haven and gathering place; a hub of Christian interaction.  Please contact Nickie Schroeder with your interest in renting space for your event. 

If I need a pastor after hours or on a weekend, is there an emergency number I can call?
Yes.  Call the main number 678-684-6000.  Listen to the voice recording.  It will direct you to an on-call minister.  Please only page the on-call minister if it is a true emergency requiring an ordained minister.  If it is not an emergency requiring a minister, please leave a message and someone on the church staff will call you back.  Office hours are Monday - Thursday from 9:00am - 4:00pm, Friday 9:00am - 12:00pm.