FAQ

Here are the answers to some of the questions you may have in mind if you are considering visiting or joining St. Paul United Methodist Church, Gainesville.  We've also included some websites to help answer your questions.

WHAT MAKES ST. PAUL UMC UNIQUE?  We are a downtown, family friendly church and we have worked very hard to provide a safe, comfortable, exciting place to worship and serve God.  People attend from Buford, Clermont, Flowery Branch, Oakwood, Murrayville, Talmo, Dahlonega, and Hall and Gwinnett County.  We are blessed with talented professional staff and gifted, loving lay leaders who work behind the scenes to carry out the mission of the church.  

WHAT WILL THE SERVICE BE LIKE?  We worship at 8:30 and 11:00 am in the sanctuary.  Both services are traditional in style but not stuffy!   Our pastor, Rev. Geoff Grubbs, is a pasionate Worship Leader and always shares the Good News in such a way that each person experiences God's call to be a better disciple.  Dr. Tim Gale is our Choir Director and he leads us and the choir in a variety of old and new Christian hymns.  Each service lasts about one hour. 

There is a children's sermon about 15 minutes into the service after which the children are invited to attend Children's Church.  They are escorted to the Children's Center where parents may pick them up after the service.  There is a nursery for very young children and a "Cry Room" just outside the sanctuary where you may take your restless child and watch the service on a closed circuit TV.  Ask any usher for directions to the Nursery or the Cry Room. 

Sound Enhancement Equipment is available for the hearing impaired.  Please ask an usher for assistance.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO THE SERVICES?  It’s not a big deal.  We are not hung up on having to wear a certain type of clothing for you to "fit in".  Our greatest desire is that you come and be a part of our church family!  We dress casually during the summer months (May through September).  Many people like to dress up for church and, in the fall, return to coat and tie mode for men, dresses and pant suits for women.  However, a large number of people use the “business casual” approach that many companies have adopted.  The main point is that we want you to come and be comfortable in God's house.

Will I BE SINGLED OUT IN ANY WAY AS A VISITOR?  NO!  You will never be put on the spot to give money, talk, or be embarrassed in any way.  We do ask that you sign the registration pad in the pew so we can send you a note later in the week to thank you for coming.  You may also fill out a visitor card in the pew rack if you would like more information from our staff.

WHAT IF I WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER AT ST. PAUL?

The first step for you to take is to contact our pastor Rev. Geoff Grubbs.  You can do this by just meeting him either after one of our two Sunday worship services or at any of our more informal fellowship activities during the week.  Or you can call and chat with him by phone at the number listed on this page.  He will provide you with the information you need and guide you on the steps to follow.

If you are in high school or college, our Youth Director Stacie Willingham would be happy to get you started if you wish.  Call her at the number listed below.

 St Paul United Methodist Church Main Phone #: 770 532-2977

  

 I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.  This congregation of the United Methodist Church holds the basic beliefs of the Christian faith. 

We believe that God's love and acceptance is extended to everyone. 

We believe this love and acceptance was exemplified through the life of Jesus Christ.  Jesus touched people whom society deemed untouchable.  He ate with people whom others felt unacceptable.  He forgave people that some called unforgivable.  At St. Paul UMC, we believe that this is the type of church God calls His people to be.  You are invited, welcomed, and encouraged at St. Paul in God's heart and in ours. 

To learn more about our beliefs, please check out these websites : UMC.org  and  UMC NEWS    Of course, you may also visit, call,  or use the contact form on this page.