What can I expect when I come to Mission Bend?
Located in the most diverse corner of the most diverse city of Houston, the people of Mission Bend United Methodist don’t fit any one picture of what “church people” look like. You’ll meet people gathered from 5 continents as well as native Texans, and older adults alongside our young people. Some folks will be dressed in business casual, but you can see the stalwarts in coat-and-tie alongside members in t-shirts and jeans — or even shorts! It is Houston, after all, which means you can count on some Texans jerseys in the fall also.
But more important than what kind of clothes to wear is what attitude you bring. We expect that God will be present with us as we gather, listen, respond, and are sent out. We bear with one another in many different ways: we’re human after all! So we expect to be grace-full also. Someone will introduce themselves to you no matter where you’re sitting and tell you more about us.
What kinds of Sunday School classes and small groups are available?
Our Sunday School classes meet at 9:30 until 10:20 am, providing strong relationships to go with in-depth Christian discipleship for all ages. There’s a class waiting to welcome you! Our children’s classes (Ages 2 thru 5th Grade) meet in the Education Building while the Youth classes and adult classes meet in the Christian Life Center, Education, and Main buildings. Families can attend Sunday School classes at 9:30 and then attend the 10:30 hour worship service together.
To learn more about which class might be right for you, please talk to our pastor or with Janet McBryde! We also have information brochures in the narthex (that is the hallway) outside the sanctuary.
We also have a number of opportunities for spiritual growth that don’t meet on Sunday mornings. Learn more about Christian Discipleship.
What can I expect in Worship?
Our musical style is varied: we feature traditional hymns, contemporary songs, and global praise regularly. We observe the liturgical calendar and our pastors wear robes and stoles. With doors open wide and worship strongly centered on Jesus Christ, we find a richness and joy in how we worship together.
Worship isn’t something that only the pastors and musicians perform for our benefit; we find meaning in our own full-throated participation as an assembly of human beings in God’s presence. We have two screens on the wall where information for the service will be displayed and the words for the hymns will be listed. Those watching our service livestream will also be able to view the slides of information as well plus we have a camera to show the various speakers, singers and the congregation. If you are in the service and would like to have use a hymnal to sing with, please ask one of the ushers for one. We would like to know that you have attended our service whether in person or online and ask that you register your attendance and prayer requests via https://mbumc.org/worship/attendance-form/
You’re welcome to use any Bible (paper or app) during worship; we most often use the Common English Bible translation. We do request that you mute your electronic devices so not to disturb others if you would receive a call or an alert.
You find that worship is focused around the Bible readings, preaching of the Good News, and connecting our lives to the world today. The Celebration Chorale lead by Dr. Daniel Kramlich leads the congregation in song and shares an anthem. Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month during the worship service. Also we will typically get up at some point in the service to greet each other by waving to those in the sanctuary as well those join us online. One of the pastors will share a message which is normally followed by a time of prayer. During this time, you are invited to pray in your seat or to go to the railing to pray. The ushers will also hold out an offering basket on a pole through the rows during the “God’s Tithes & Offering” time to collect money and checks to support the church and its ministries.
1st time visitor? We don’t want to embarrass you but we do want to know you are here. Please fill out the attendance form https://mbumc.org/worship/attendance-form/ and indicate Visitor: First Time. If you are interested
Children in Worship – During the worship service there will be a Children’s Time where they will go to the railing area for a short story or message. If your child is hesitant to join the other children, you are welcome to accompany your child to the front and sit with them to hear their special message. If your child needs something to do at other times, you can ask one of the ushers for one of the children’s activity bag. Please help your child to participate as much as they can in the service.
Learn more about Worshipping as a Family.
Learn more about Sunday worship and music.
Learn more about how to support the church through online donations.
