Visit the Hospitality center in the coffee cafe area for a Welcome brochure with a map of the building and other information. We take pride in being a friendly church.
Worship | Fellowship | Children | Accessibility | WiFi & Cell Phones
Worship
Worship services on Sunday mornings vary in atmosphere, and usually last about an hour. Ushers will welcome you to the sanctuary and offer you a program or bulletin for the service. Instructions, songs, and other information is also available on the overhead screens.
The early “Classic” service features more traditional music usually accompanied by piano or organ. Special music is often provided by our Chancel Choir or Noteworthy Bell Choir during the school year. Although there is no dress code, most people dress at least “business casual” at the early service. Communion is offered on the first Sunday of the month.
The late “Praise” service usually features music led by guitar, drums, keyboard, and singers. Many people feel comfortable with more casual dress. Coffee, tea, and other covered drinks are welcome in the sanctuary. Communion is offered the first Sunday of the month.
Communion is is open to all. You do not need to be a member of our church or The United Methodist Church to receive communion. We celebrate communion with grape juice and bread; gluten-free bread is available for those who need it. The pastor will explain the process of communion during worship.
More detailed information about worship is available here.
Fellowship
Fellowship time at 9:45am is a chance to visit and enjoy refreshments. Coffee, tea, water, and other drinks are served. Homemade snacks are available. Often we celebrate special events with cake! Fellowship time takes place in the Narthex and Lobby outside of the sanctuary.
Coffee, tea, and hot cocoa are also available from the Hospitality center in the coffee cafe area, along with free books, information, and small gifts.
Children
Children are welcome at Onalaska UMC! A staffed nursery is available down the hallway in the education wing past the office. There is a children’s worship area on the left side of the sanctuary with toys and space for children to play in the sanctuary. Most services include a children’s sermon. Sometimes we have puppet shows or other fun events during church. We firmly believe the following:
- Relax! God put the wiggle in children; parents shouldn’t feel you have to suppress those wiggles in God’s house.
- Consider sitting toward the front where it is easier for your little ones to engage. The children’s worship area at the left of the sanctuary is equipped for kids to play while still in the service.
- Quietly explain the parts of the service and actions of the pastors, musicians, and leaders.
- Sing the songs, pray and join in voice responses. Children learn behavior from mimicking you.
- If you have to leave the sanctuary with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back. As Jesus said, “Let the children come to me” (Matthew 19:14).
Accessibility
Accessibility at Onalaska UMC for people with physical and mental limitations is available. Handicap parking spaces are available in the main parking lot on the east side of the building; the East Office and Lobby entrances are the easiest to access. A unisex handicap-accessible restroom is located by the East Office entrance. Our sanctuary is handicap accessible and offers flexible seating options for those with walkers or wheelchairs. The elevator across from the office provides access to the fellowship hall and lower level of the church. Please contact us if you need additional accommodations.
WiFi & Cell Phones
WiFi is available from any of the “OUMCguest” networks throughout our building. The access code is available on signs in the lobby, by the office, and on the Welcome flyers. We encourage you to use social media to share your experience during your visit (#OnalaskaUMC). Please turn off your cell phone ringer so it does not disturb others during worship.