Welcome to our church!

Here are the answers to some of the questions you may have in mind if you are considering visiting Shalimar United Methodist Church for the first time.

What makes Shalimar United Methodist Church Unique? Shalimar and the surrounding areas are diverse communities filled with people form all walks of life.  The nearby military installations and the coastal environment here provide a friendly and vibrant backdrop for Shalimar UMC.  And it is that same friendly and vibrant atmosphere that awaits you at Shalimar UMC.  You are welcome here; you are loved and you are encouraged to join the Body of Christ at SUMC.  We look forward to getting to know you.

What will the service be like? Shalimar UMC offers four services each Sunday morning.  The first service begins at 8:00 AM and is more traditional in style with congregational hymns.  The second service begins at 9:30 AM and is more contemporary in style with praise singers and media presentations.  The 11:00 AM service is also traditional in style with the addition of an adult choir and, at various times, an orchestra.  11:07 is an emergent congregation.  This means we have a band, liturgy, and a sermon though presented in a unique style each week.  Please note that 11:07 worship meets in the Family Life Center.

What types of Sunday School classes are available?  There are Sunday School classes for children ages 3 to 12^th grade.  There are also 11 Adult Sunday School classes of many different types to choose from and at this time they all meet at 9:30 am for about one hour.

How long are the services?  The worship services at Shalimar typically last about an hour.

What should I wear to Shalimar UMC?  Shalimar UMC is 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. 

Will I be singled out in any way as a visitor?  At Shalimar a visitor will never be put on the spot to give money, talk, or be embarrassed in any way.  We ask only that you let us know you are with us by filling out a visitor's card.

Where do my kids go during the service?  Nursery care is provided for infants and toddlers in the Family Life Center, Rooms 101 & 102 during all worship services.  During the 8:00 and 11:00am services, all children are invited to come down front for a children’s sermon (except on Communion Sundays).  Afterwards, the 4 year olds, kindergarten & 1^st graders are dismissed to the Family Life Center, Room 105 for Children’s Church. Grades 2 and up are encouraged to remain in the worship service and there are activity tote bags available for them from the ushers.  Children are welcome for the entire service at 11:07am where you can sit at a table as a family.

What are the basic beliefs of Shalimar United Methodist Church?  Shalimar UMC holds the basic beliefs of the Christian faith.  We believe that God's love and acceptance is extended to everyone.  Shalimar UMC believes in a God of Love who stands with arms open to welcome all who will come.  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 that others felt unacceptable, and he forgave people that some called unforgivable.  At Shalimar, we believe that this is the type of church God calls His people to be.  You are loved, welcomed, and accepted at Shalimar in God's heart and in ours.  To learn more about our beliefs, please feel free to contact one of our pastors or come experience our Christian education program.

What is there for me and my family at SUMC?  Regardless of your age or spiritual maturity, SUMC has a place for you!  Browse this website to see some of the main activities that we offer to help you grow spiritually, as well as building relationships with other Christians.

What is there for my children at SUMC? Shalimar Methodist is the place to be for kids. On Sunday morning, there is Sunday school for ages 3 to 5th grade, children's church for the 4-7 year olds, and a children's sermon during the regular worship service. Sunday night is Fish Factory Friends, a fun time for the kids to learn bible scriptures and stories through different activities such as: computers, cooking, science, art, and games. For those who like music, there are children's choirs for ages 4 through 5th grade. Summer includes Vacation Bible School, and summer camp opportunities. Children are invited to serve the community by becoming acolytes and participating in various mission projects. Please join us as we celebrate our children and encourage their Christian growth.

What types of activities are there for Youth at SUMC? There are plenty of great activities that not only focus on Jesus Christ but are fun as well.  On Sunday morning, there is Sunday school for grades 6-12.  On Sunday nights our youth choir meets at 5:30 PM in the music suite.  After youth choir, the youth have snack supper in the Family Life Center at 6:30 PM and then meet together for FUSION - at time of fun, friends, and God.  These programs are usually over by 8:00 PM.  If you want to dig a little deeper into the Word of God, we have Transformed Bible Study on Wednesday nights starting at 6:45 PM and ending at 8PM. Also, throughout the year we have numerous special events, retreats, camps, Christian music festivals, mission trips, and service projects that your teenager ca participate in. Come be a part of these great adventures!