Worship
We are a federated church, celebrating both the United Methodist (UMC) and United Church of Christ (UCC) faith traditions.
As an Open and Affirming/Reconciling congregation, we embrace and welcome persons of every age, race, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family structure, physical or mental ability or disability, educational background or socio-economic status into the full life of the church. You will enjoy a genuine welcome here.
Where
We're located on the Upton Town Common at 1 Church Street Upton, MA
To access the worship space on the 2nd floor, please use the side door on Church Street nearest to the front of the building or walk up the Gothic Style Front Steps to enter the front doors of the Narthex.
When
Sundays, 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. You are welcome to join us at coffee hour in our Soul Fuel Café directly following worship.
Parking
We have a large parking lot on Church Street across from the church. There are also accessible parking spots available for your convenience.
Accessibility
Our sanctuary is on the second floor. While we do not yet have an elevator, we do have a chair lift and capable volunteers to help you access our worship service. We also provide large print bulletins and hymnals, and hearing devices.
Communion
In the UCC and UMC, we celebrate an open table, meaning all people who wish to partake in Communion are welcome to do so. Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month, and each person receives their own piece of gluten free bread and small glass of grape juice. Once a quarter, we take Communion through intinction where each person dips their own piece of bread into a communal cup. There is no obligation to take Communion.
Livestream Access
Our worship service is live-streamed on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/unitedparishupton
You can also view worship on UPTON-TV, Wednesdays at 9 PM and Sundays at 8 and 10 am.
What to Wear
You should feel comfortable wearing anything from suits and dresses to jeans and t-shirts. Please wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Worship Style
Our Sunday worship service has a traditional feel with classic hymns from The United Methodist Hymnal and more modern praise music from The Faith We Sing, accompanied by piano and organ. Our singing is bolstered by our Chancel Choir. We incorporate a variety of musical styles including classical and jazz into our worship on occasion.
Prayground
We believe children are worthy members of the church, and we celebrate their presence in worship. During worship, children are invited to stay in the sanctuary with their family or play in our Prayground, a space in the back of the Sanctuary where they can experience worship with age appropriate books, toys, manipulables, and coloring sheets. You are welcome to join your children at the Prayground if you would like. We also have a dedicated Prayground volunteer who supervises the children.
Baptism
In the UCC and UMC, we recognize all baptisms, whether or not they were done by a UCC or UMC clergyperson. There is no need to be baptized again. However, if you have never been baptized and would like to be, or you are interested in baptizing your child, please contact Pastor Emily at pastor@unitedparishupton.org