You are welcome here.
Listen to a greeting from our senior pastor, the Rev. Michael Love.

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Frequently Asked Questions That Visitors
Might Have About The First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto

We've tried to think of questions you might have. If you have others, just ask anybody. Ours is a close church family. If one person doesn't have your answer, he or she can find someone else who does. You can also email your questions to info@firstpaloalto.com

Worship Services
• What time should I come?
• What goes on during the service?
• Do you have any hearing-assistance devices?
• What happens after the service?
• When is Communion?
• Who can participate in Communion?
• How is Communion served?
• Can I get a copy of a sermon?

Getting Here
• Where are you located?
• How do I get there?
• How do I get there by public transportation?
• Where do I park?

The Church Building
• Is there an elevator to the upper and lower levels?
• Where does the Sunday School meet?
• Where are the rest rooms?

Children's Participation and Activities
• May my children stay in the Sanctuary during the service?
• What if my child is restless?
• What if my child is too young to sit through the service?
• What youth activities do you have?

Making Contact
• How do I get in touch with the Pastors?
• How do I find out about special events or on-going projects?

Getting Involved
• How can I be of service on Sunday mornings?
• Are there ways to be of service to the community through the church?
• Are there Bible study opportunities?

Membership
• How do I become a member?
• What if I'm not a Methodist?
• Do I have to give a certain amount of money to the church?

Weddings and Events
• How do I get married at First Palo Alto?
• Can I have a funeral, reception or social gathering at First Palo Alto?
• Can my organization hold our meetings at First Palo Alto?
• Can my group hold a concert at First Palo Alto?

What Other Things Might Be Helpful to Know?

Worship Services

What time should I come?

• Our worship services starts at 10:25 AM on Sunday morning and is held in the Sanctuary.

However, if you are running late, don't stay away because of that. You are always welcome at any time.

What goes on during the service?

The printed Order of Worship will guide you as to will be happening in that particular service. It also indicates when, if you are able, you are requested to stand.

There is often a Children's Message during which all children (and those young at heart) are invited to come and sit on the chancel steps to listen to the message.

The service also includes a sermon, bible readings, hymns, a song performed by the choir, a listing of joys and concerns and prayers. An offering will also be taken.

The service generally ends with a benediction followed by the congregation rising, joining hands with the people around them to sing Shalom. This is followed, except during Lent, by the singing of Alleluia. The organist will then play the postlude during which time you are invited to leave the sanctuary and join the rest of the congregation on the patio for coffee and fellowship.

During the summer months the service is much more informal. We have a summer "pick-up" choir that you are invited to join.

Do you have any hearing-assistance devices?

Yes, ask one of the ushers to get you one.

What happens after the service?

Please join us for refreshments and fellowship on the Patio. Follow everyone out the left hand door at the front of the Narthex. That is when we share what's been going on in our lives and just enjoy each others' company. It's an ideal time for you to learn more about our church and for us to get to know you.

When is Communion?

A service of Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at the 8:30am Communion Service. Communion is also served at the 10:25 am service on the first Sunday of the month and sometimes at other special Sundays and other services.

Who can participate in Communion?

The United Methodist Church practices open Communion. Everyone (including children) who wishes to take Communion in the spirit with which it is offered is welcome to participate.

How is Communion served?

We usually celebrate Communion by "intinction". The ushers direct people up the center aisle, where the communion servers hold the bread and "wine" (grape juice). Each person takes a piece of the bread and dips it in the grape juice and eats it. You may choose to kneel and pray at the prayer rails. Afterwards you return to your seat by the side aisle.

If you are unable to come to the front of the church for Communion please notify one of the ushers so that a server may bring the Communion elements to you.

Can I get a copy of a sermon?

The text of some of the sermons preached at FirstPaloAlto are available on our website at www.firstpaloalto.com/sermons.shtml. You can also join our sermons emailing list. Subscribers to the Sermons Emailing List will receive an email from one of our pastors with a copy of their latest sermon. The sermon will be sent as a .pdf. Click here to subscribe to the Sermons Email list.

You can also listen to most of the sermons preached at FirstPaloAlto. They are available as mp3's that you can listen to online, or you can download them to your iPod or computer. Go to www.firstpaloalto.com/sermons.shtml to view the available Sermons.

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Getting Here

Where are you located?

We are located at 625 Hamilton Avenue in downtown Palo Alto.

How do I get there by car?

Click here for driving directions.

How do I get there by public transportation?

Bus and train service are located nearby. Transit 511 has an online travel planner to help you get here by public transit. Our street address is 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto 94301.

The Palo Alto CalTrain station is .7 miles from the Church.

Bus systems serving Palo Alto include the Santa Clara VTA and the San Mateo County samTrans.

Where should I park?

Parking is available on city streets or in the municipal Parking Garage on Webster. There is limited parking in the church parking lots on Byron and Webster streets, as well as unofficial alternative parking on Webster ONLY for Sunday services.

A map of all of the available parking locations can be found on this page.

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The Church Building

Is there an elevator to the upper and lower levels?

Yes, there is an elevator that links all 3 floors of the education building.
     On the lower level it is located across from the entrance to the memorial garden.
     On the first floor it is located next to room 175 near the door leading to the sanctuary and chapel.
     On the second floor it is located at the end of the hallway next to the womens restroom.

Where does the Sunday School meet?

Sunday school meets from 9:00 am - 9:50 am. Our Bible-based curriculum is designed to nurture the youth in their faith journey.

• Preschool (3-4 years old) meets in the Butterfly Room on the first floor of the Education building

• Grades K-1 meet in the Sunshine Room on the first floor of the Education building

• Grades 2-3 meet in the Rainbow Room on the second floor of the Education building

• Grades 4-5 meet in the Star Room on the second floor of the Education building

• Grades 6-8 meet in the Mood Room on the lower level of the Education building

• Grades 9-12 meet in the Stuart Youth Center on the lower level of the Education building

After Sunday School, from 9:50 am - 10:20 am, children are invited to attend Children & Youth Choir Rehearsal.

Where are the rest rooms?

There are mens and womens restrooms at the back of the Narthex. The mens room is behind the left staircase heading to the balcony and the womens restroom is behind the right staircase heading to the balcony.

In the education building there are restrooms on the lower level, on the upper level and across from the Library on the first floor. Directional signs are located at the corners, and by the stairwells of each floor.

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Children's Participation and Activities

May my children stay in the sanctuary during the service?

You and your children should do whatever makes you most comfortable.

Childcare is available for children under five years old Noah's Ark Nursery during the worship hour.

We encourage children to remain with their families for the entire worship service. We often have a special children’s sermon during the service. Worship activity packs are available on the children's table in the Narthex.

What if my child is restless?

An usher can provide you with a cloth bag of quiet things that will interest your child. Otherwise you may ask the usher to direct you to the nursery where child care is provided.

What if my child is too young to sit through the service?

Please feel free to leave your child in the Noah's Ark Nursery in the education building. It is a well-equipped nursery, with cribs and toys, and tended by dedicated and caring individuals. Please ask someone to show you where it is.

What youth activities do you have?

We have two active youth group, led by a team of dedicated individuals. One group is for middle schoolers and the other group is for senior high youth. These groups meets on Sunday afternoons from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm.

The two groups meet together for a shared meal at noon in Fellowship Hall, and afterwards they break into two groups for different activities that include study, fun and games. Activities can include:

• A Meal, a Movie, and a Discussion (2 different movies would be shown for age appropriateness)

• Service and Mission to our local community

• Combined service events with other Palo Alto UMCsv
• Conversation Starter Videos and Discussion

• Sunday Field Trip to Glide for a day of worship and mission

• Special program presentations, eg. Sam Kauffman's Drama Ministries for Youth

• Other off-site special events can be planned with parent support

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Making Contact

• You can e-mail the Rev. Michael Love at michael@firstpaloalto.com and Pastor Laurie McHugh at laurie@firstpaloalto.com

How do I find out about special events or on-going projects?

We have several ways to find out what is happening at First Palo Alto.

• Our web site is updated regularly with the latest schedule of events.

• If you have given us your mailing and/or e-mail address you will receive our newsletter, Insights, which will tell about what is happening in the next month or so. Click here to sign up to receive Insights by email

• The Sunday Order of Worship contains information about upcoming events.

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Getting Involved

How can I be of service on Sunday mornings?

We are delighted to have many people take an active role on Sunday mornings. If you want to know more about how to do that, contact the Church office at 650-323-6167.

Some of the opportunities to serve include:
• Greeter
• Usher
• Lector (read one of the Scripture lessons)
• Sing in the choir
• Help with the Fellowship Hour
• Help teach Sunday School
• Help tend the Nursery

Are there ways to be of service through the church?

Yes, there are many ways you can help

Volunteer activities in the church include
• Helping in the office or staffing the reception desk
• Being a greeter for the Monday Night Meat
• Serving on a church committee
• Keep the outside of our church looking its best by joining Marvin’s Gardeners
• and many, many more

Contact the Church office at 650-323-6167 to find a opportunity that meets your interests and skills.

You can also make a difference in our Community by volunteering with a local organization. Check out our Joy Of Doing section for more information.

Are there Bible study opportunities?

There are many several opportunities to study the Bible at First Church including:

• a weekly group that studies scripture every Wednesday evening
• a weekly group led by Robert Hamerton-Kelly is held every Thursday evening
• a Sunday morning class that studies the weekly lectionary scripture

For other classes and more information check out our Adult Education page

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Membership

How do I become a member?

We welcome interest in membership at First Palo Alto. If you're considering membership, you are invited to a time of conversation at one of our Coffees with the Pastors.

Meet some current church members who will talk about what First Church has meant in their lives. Also Pastors Michael and Laurie answer your questions about church membership as well as sharing the ways we will equip you for a deeper experience of membership.

Coffee with the Pastors are offered about once a month except in holiday seasons.

Members are received in three ways:

• By profession of faith and baptism
• By letter of transfer from another United Methodist Church
• By letter of transfer from another Christian Church OR by reaffirmation
   of faith when a letter of transfer is not appropriate/possible.

To learn more about membership please speak to one of our pastors.

What if I'm not a Methodist?

Several of the most active people at First Palo Alto are not members, and some are not even Methodists. Non-members are welcome to participate on committees and other activities. Speak to one of the Pastors about what it means to be a Methodist, and about becoming a member. Or join in a time of conversation at one of our monthly Coffees with the Pastors.

Do I have to give a certain amount of money to the church?

You are always welcome to worship with us and participate regardless of whether you contribute money. However, we would like everyone who considers First Palo Alto their church (whether as a formal member or not) to make a commitment (a "pledge") to contribute some amount, either weekly or monthly.

It is entirely up to you to decide how much you can afford to give and how important the church is to you. The pledge isn't binding and we know everyone's circumstances differ and can change at any time. What you give is kept confidential by the financial secretary and the treasurer.

If you would like help in deciding how much to give, we have some guidelines and facts about our financial needs. We like to think about giving in terms of a percentage of one's income. Tithing is the ultimate goal (10%), but the important thing is to do whatever you can.

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Weddings and Events

Contact our wedding consultant, Jessie Ngai, for details about getting married at First Palo Alto. Call her at 650-575-6539 or email us at Jessie@firstpaloalto.com. Click here to view the Wedding section of our website.

Can I have a funeral, memorial service, reception or social gathering at First Palo Alto?

Non-members are invited to have their events here under the guidance of our ministers and the events coordinator. Contact our events coordinator, Jessie Ngai, at 650-575-6539, Jessie@firstpaloalto.com for specific details.

Can my organization hold our meetings at First Palo Alto?

Our meeting rooms are very much in demand by our own groups and committees, as well by local community organziations. Because of this we may not be able to meet your needs. Please contact our events coordinator, Jessie Ngai 650-575-6539 for more information.

Can my group hold a concert at First Palo Alto?

Several groups have made First Palo Alto their concert home. Please contact our concert coordinator Harriet Howell 650-323-6167 to discuss your needs.

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What Other Things Might Be Helpful to Know?

• The Communion is non-alcoholic.

• The coffee served during refreshments is regular. There is also cold punch or juice (non-alcoholic) and cookies or other snacks.

• There is no smoking in any of the church buildings. Please step outside if you want to smoke.

• Wear whatever you please. Some people like to dress up; others don't. We welcome those in three-piece suits and those in jeans.

• A Fijian fellowship is also part of our Church. Their services are conducted in the Fijian language. They worship in our Chapel on Sundays at 10:30 AM Their congregation welcomes you as well.

• The First Tongan United Methodist Church of Palo Alto shares our facilities. Their services are conducted mostly in the Tongan language. They worship in the Sanctuary at 3 PM on Sundays and at 7 PM on Wednesdays.

Their congregation welcomes you as well. For more information contact the Rev. Heilala Ahio 650-323-4340

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