Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Worship Service?

We meet on Sundays for worship at 11am. Coffee and refreshments are served from 10:30-11am. Several Small Groups, including classes for children and the nursery, meet from 9:30-10:30am.

How long is the service?

The service begins at 11am and is typically over at noon.

How do I get there?

There is a detail map on the home page. We are located one block east of Hwy 26/ Hwy 97 between “J” St. and Bard Ln. We sit on a hill above the Shell truck stop and are visible from the highway. Others know us as “the church by the fire station.”

When is the church office open?

The church office is open Tuesday through Friday, 9am to noon. If you want to visit with the pastor, it is best to call ahead.

Will Communion be served?

Christ followers have participated in Communion, sometimes called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, since the beginning of the Church. At Madras Free Methodist we observe Communion the first Sunday of every month. You are welcome to participate, regardless of church membership or baptism, if you can affirm our invitation: will you commit to loving God and loving others as the highest purpose of your life?

Will there be something to eat or drink at the service?

Coffee and refreshments are available from 10:30-11am in our foyer. During the summer we set up refreshments outside of the front entrance. You are welcome to bring food and drinks into the sanctuary during the Worship Service.

How should I dress?

Most people at our service are dressed casually, particularly during the summer. Jeans are normal around here, but an occasional necktie still shows up.

What is the music like?

We sing contemporary worship music, and occasionally we will sing a traditional hymn. Our Worship Team is made up of ordinary people like you- not paid professional musicians. Our music isn’t slick, but more importantly, we hope it is authentic worship.

Will there be someone to help me find my way around?

We know that visiting a new church can feel intimidating and maybe even uncomfortable. Our goal when you visit us is to make you feel welcomed. Our First Impressions Team will assist you with whatever questions you may have.

Are there kid’s and youth activities?

We have a growing kids program. Kids meet in classes from 9:30-10:30am on Sundays. They can also participate in Children’s Church during the sermon time.

Our teens meet on Sundays from 9:30-10:30am and in the evening at 4-5:30pm. We also meet for other special events like over night parties, camping trips, and trips to the lake.

What can I do if I have an infant or toddler?

We offer three options for you and your infant/toddler:

1.) Our nursery is staffed by a professional childcare provider and volunteers. All paid staff and volunteers have undergone background checks. Paid staff are CPR trained.

2.) We offer a Family Room connected to the sanctuary. It is a private room with windows looking into the sanctuary. There is a rocking chair, sink, changing table, and a few books and toys.

3.) Infants and toddlers are always welcome in the Worship Service. We love babies and kids, so crying won’t bother us, if it doesn’t bother you.

Will the nursery be able to contact me if my child needs me?

We offer individual vibrating pagers to all nursery and toddler parents.

How do I know the children’s ministries are safe?

We realize that leaving your children with strangers is often unnerving. Our children’s workers have all undergone a background screening. Pastor John Robinson, our Minister to Children & Families, has over 15 years of experience in working with kids and training volunteers. Parents are welcome to stay with their children at any time.

How can I get involved?

There are many different areas you can be involved in at Madras Free Methodist. Please e-mail us at info@madrasfmc.com to learn more.

What is unique about Madras Free Methodist?

We think God wants us to focus on five values, that we call our Core Values. We want to be good at Worship, Authenticity, Relationships, focusing on the Message of Christ, and Serving others. If you want to pursue these values with us, climb aboard.

What does “Free Methodist” mean?

The Free Methodist Church was started in the 1860’s by a group of Methodist pastors who refused to sell seats in the church to wealthier families. Selling seats was a popular fundraising technique at the time. Out of concern for the poor, some pastors insisted that their churches would be free of charge. Thus, they called themselves Free Methodists. The “Free” in Free Methodist also shares a connection to the abolitionist movement. Free Methodist churches were staunchly opposed to slavery at a time when it was still socially acceptable. You can read more at our denominational website: http://www.freemethodistchurch.org/sections/about_us/faqs.shtml

What is a Small Group?

A Small Group is a gathering of 5-20 like minded people with the purpose of growing in relationships with one another and with Jesus. Groups do that by meeting in homes or in the church building for about an hour, reading the Bible, praying with one another, and catching up on life. Groups exist for teens and adults.

Would I be able to receive a newsletter about upcoming events in the church?

You can sign up for our newsletter by e-mailing us at office@madrasfmc.com