FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have tried to think of questions you might have.
If you have others, please don't hesitate to contact us, we want to hear from you.
WHAT TIME IS SUNDAY SERVICE ?
Sunday Service begins at 11.00 a.m and ends at approximately 1:00pm - 1:30 PM on Communion Sundays
Communion Service - First Sunday of every month.
I AM NOT A MEMBER OF THE UNITED METHODISTS CHURCH . CAN I STILL RECEIVE COMMUNION?
The table of Holy Communion is Christ's table, not the table of The United Methodist Church or of the local congregation. The table is open to anyone who seeks to respond to Christ's love and to lead a new life of peace and love, as the invitation to the table says.
Our Book of Worship says, "All who intend to lead a Christian life, together with their children, are invited to receive the bread and cup. We have no tradition of refusing any who present themselves desiring to receive" (page 29). This statement means that in practice there are few, if any, circumstances in which a United Methodist pastor would refuse to serve the elements of Holy Communion to a person who comes forward to receive.
By Water and the Spirit affirms: "Because the table at which we gather belongs to the Lord, it should be open to all who respond to Christ's love, regardless of age or church membership. The Wesleyan tradition has always recognized that Holy Communion may be an occasion for the reception of converting, justifying, and sanctifying grace."
To learn more please visit: FAQs: Communion
WHAT TIME DOES SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGIN?
Sunday School begins at 10:30 AM.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
When asked why they never attend church, many folks say that they can't afford or don't have "proper church clothes." Having to wear suits, ties, and dresses can be discouraging to those that are coming to church for the first time. You will see a variety of styles of dress here. During the summer, most people dress business casual (khakis, short-sleeve shirts, light pants, sundresses, capris). You will see more suits and ties when it cools off.
HOW EARLY SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Arrive a couple of minutes early.
WILL ANYONE TALK TO ME?
You will be greeted. But we do try to meet people where they are. Some want to be left alone and others would like to visit. We want to make it easy if you have questions or want more information. If you have specific questions, consider contacting us before your visit.
WILL I BE SINGLED OUT AS A VISITOR?
It depends on you! If you want to let us know you're visiting, we will gladly welcome you as a guest! We ask our visitors to stand so we can welcome you . However it is not required,you can remain seated if you wish.
DO I HAVE TO GIVE IN THE OFFERING?
As a guest or regular attender it is our privilege to welcome and serve you, and we ask that you do not unless you absolutely feel motivated.
WHERE DO MY KIDS GO DURING WORSHIP?
Children may stay in worship. During each service we have a children’s time especially designed for the children to come down to the front of the sanctuary.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT OUR CHURCH?
We don’t have a long list of doctrines that everyone must believe. We all believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Communion is part of our worship service the first Sunday of the month. Everyone present in the worship service is invited to partake, not just the members.
If you have been baptized in another church, we accept your baptism and do not ask you to be baptized again. We believe God has already acted in your baptism whether or not it was done in a Methodist Church.
HOW DOES SAINT MARK'S CHRISTEN BABIES?
A person can request to be baptized or may be presented by sponsors. When a baby is sponsored, the sponsor promises and takes responsibility for the child’s Christian guidance and nurture. Simply contact the church's office and we will respond to your request.
Have you been asked to be a godparent for a child? Are you questioning what's expected of you? Must godparents be United Methodist?
Having sponsors (or godparents) derives from the ancient church practice of a mature, reliable Christian serving as a spiritual mentor and encourager of those being baptized into the Christian life.
The sponsor/godparent is a lifelong commitment to spiritually nurture the one being baptized to make a profession of faith for themselves and continue in their growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
In all infant baptisms, the parents or other family members serve as the primary sponsors, and in many churches, especially Roman Catholic practice, another Christian or two may be named as godparents.
The parents, sponsors and the whole congregation affirm their own faith and their commitment to raise the child as a Christian. Sponsors don’t have to be United Methodist, but should be members of a Christian church.
Being invited to be a child’s godparent is an honor and a serious responsibility. Godparents play a special role in the life of the child. They help the child know they are a beloved child of God, listen to and pray for them, and celebrate the anniversary of their baptism.
Our pastor can share more about the role and expectations of godparents.
WHAT DOES THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH BELIEVE ABOUT BAPTISM?
Baptism is a sacrament. In a sacrament, God uses common elements - in this case, water - as means or vehicles of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is the act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. For more info. please visit - FAQs: Baptism
I'D LIKE TO GET MARRIED AT ST. MARK'S , WHO DO I CONTACT?
Weddings must be scheduled through the church office. Simply, contact the office or email us at stmarksumc2@optimum.net and we will respond to your request.
HOW DO I GET TO THE CHURCH USING PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION?
The church is located at 2017 Beverly Road , between Ocean Avenue and East 21 Street.
Google Map/Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/J61xk
HOW DO I CONTACT THE PASTOR?
You can inform one of the ushers , you can introduce yourself to the Pastor after the service, or leave a message at the Church Office: (718) 282-6304. or email the office- Stmarksumc2@optimum.net
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
We welcome interest in membership at St. Mark's . Membership classes are held periodically. In these classes we discuss faith questions, the United Methodist beliefs and our local church history. To learn more about membership, please speak to our pastor.
WHAT IF I AM NOT A METHODIST ?
Many of the most active people at St. Mark's UMC are not members and some are not even Methodists. Non-members are welcome to participate on committees and other activities. If you have questions about Baptism, Infant Baptism and Confirmation please speak to the Pastor about the classes on what it means to be a Methodist, and about becoming a member.
Visiting a church for the first time?
We've got you covered - here's a simple guide for first-timers: https://bit.ly/2NQVnGh
WHOSE FUNERAL SERVICE CAN BE HELD AT ST. MARK'S?
St. Mark's UMC is in the community to serve. Members and relatives of members may have funeral services at the church. If you are not affiliated with us please contact the church office.
HOW CAN I RENT THE CHURCH HALL (ADAMS HALL) OR OTHER FACILITIES?
Visit: https://www.stmarksumcbklyn.com/adams-hall-rental
Thank You for your interest in reserving our Hall. Our facilities are for the glory and worship of God and to serve the fellowship and social needs of the congregation and the community. We have affordable, comfortable spaces that are available for day and evening rental. We rent to individuals, families, clubs, businesses and other organizations. For more information please contact the church office. Phone: (718) 282-6304
Online Giving:
St. Mark's United Methodist Church - Brooklyn accepts online monetary donations/payments.
The Donate button below will allow you to safely and securely make a donation using your credit card or debit card. You can also easily select to give automatically on a monthly basis, an account with PayPal is not needed.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSS AND FLAME OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH?
The history and significance of the Cross and Flame emblem are as rich and diverse as The United Methodist Church. The insignia's birth quickly followed the union of two denominations in 1968: The Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church.
Following more than two dozen conceptualizations, a traditional symbol—the cross—was linked with a single flame with dual tongues of fire. The resulting insignia is rich in meaning. It relates The United Methodist church to God through Christ (cross) and the Holy Spirit (flame). The flame is a reminder of Pentecost when witnesses were unified by the power of the Holy Spirit and saw "tongues, as of fire" (Acts 2:3).
The elements of the emblem also remind us of a transforming moment in the life of Methodism's founder, John Wesley, when he sensed God's presence and felt his heart "strangely warmed." The two tongues of a single flame may also be understood to represent the union of two denominations.
The insignia, one with lettering and one without, was formally adopted by the General Conference in 1968 and registered in 1971 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Since 1996, the General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) of The United Methodist church has supervised the emblem's use.
For more information about the United Methodist Church please visit - http://www.umc.org
Contact Us - Send us a message:
The United Methodist Church was officially
formed on April 23, 1968.
United Methodists celebrate 50 years
transforming the world
WE STILL BELIEVE: Celebrating 50 Years of The United Methodist Church.
A Film Celebrating 50 Years.
Produced on the 50th Anniversary of the 1968 Uniting Conference.
To learn more please visit the link below:
The 50th Anniversary of The United Methodist Church
GET IN TOUCH
We'd love to hear from you
St. Marks United Methodist Church
Address: 2017 Beverley Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11226
Church Email: Stmarksumc2@optimum.net
Google Map/Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/J61xk