Welcome to Trinity
Welcome to all who have no church home, need strength, want to follow Christ, have doubts, or do not believe.
Welcome to new visitors and to old friends.
Welcome to grandparents, to mothers, fathers and single people.
Welcome to people of all colors, cultures, abilities, and sexual orientations, to old and young, to believers and questioners - and welcome to questioning believers.
Welcome to everyone We hope you find peace and the life changing presence of the Holy Spirit as we worship together
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Frequently Asked Questions That Visitors Might Have About Trinity United Methodist Church of Chico.
We've tried to think of questions you might have. If you have others, just ask anybody. Ours is a close church family. If one person doesn't have your answer, he or she can find someone else who does. You can also email your questions to info@chicotrinity.org .
Sunday Morning Service
• What time should I come?
• What goes on during the service?
• Do you have any hearing-assistance devices?
• What happens after the service?
• When is Communion?
• Who can participate in Communion?
• How is Communion served?
• Can I get a copy of a sermon?
Getting Here
• Where are you located?
• How do I get there?
• How do I get there by public transportation?
Does the church offer Van service?
• Where do I park?
The Church Building
• Where does the Sunday School meet?
• Where are the rest rooms?
Children's Participation and Activities
• May my children stay in the Sanctuary during the service?
• What if my child is restless?
• What if my child is too young to sit through the service?
• What youth activities do you have?
Making Contact
• How do I get in touch with the Pastors?
• How do I find out about special events or on-going projects?
Getting Involved
• How can I be of service on Sunday mornings?
• Are there ways to be of service to the community through the church?
• Are there Bible study opportunities?
Membership
• How do I become a member?
• What if I'm not a Methodist?
• Do I have to give a certain amount of money to the church?
Weddings and Events
• How do I get married at Trinity United ?
• Can I have a funeral, reception or social gathering at Trinity?
• Can my organization hold our meetings at Trinity ?
• Can my group hold a concert at Trinity ?
What Other Things Might Be Helpful to Know?
What time should I come?
We have two service on Sunday morning
The Early Service starts at 9:00 AM in the Chapel. This service is open to all and is very informal. The chapel is small and comfortable. There is piano music and, of course, sinnging. The Sermon will usually be given by Pastor David or one of the Church's Lay Leaders.
The main worship services starts at 10:30 AM and is held in the Sanctuary.
At 10:30 the service begins with the organ Prelude and then one of the Lay Leader makes announcements. Just before the worship time starts, everyone gets up and greets a neighbor in the seats near them. Please try to be on time so you will not miss the announcements. However, if you are running late, don't stay away because of that. You are always welcome at any time.
What goes on during the service?
The printed Bulletin will guide you as to will be happening in that particular service. It also indicates when (if you are able) you are requested to stand.
The service generally begins with a Call to Worship.
There is usually a Children's Message in the beginning of the service and all children (and those young at heart) are invited to come and sit on the chancel steps to listen to the message.
The service also includes a song performed by the Choir, a Bible Reading, a sermon, hymns, a listing of joys and concerns in prayer, and an offering will also be taken.
After the service is over the organist will then play the postlude during which time you are invited to leave the sanctuary and join the rest of the congregation in Hadley Hall for coffee and fellowship.
During the summer months the main service is much more informal. We have a summer "pick-up" choir that you are invited to join.
Do you have any hearing-assistance devices?
Yes, ask one of the ushers to get you one.
What happens after the service?
Please join us for refreshments and fellowship in Hadley Hall. Follow everyone out the left hand door at the front of the Sanctuary. That is when we share what's been going on in our lives and just enjoy each others' company. It's an ideal time for you to learn more about our church and for us to get to know you.
When is Communion?
A service of Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the Month and sometimes at other special Sundays and other services.
Who can participate in Communion?
The United Methodist Church practices open Communion. Everyone (including children) who wish to take Communion in the spirit with which it is offered is welcome to participate.
How is Communion served?
We usually celebrate Communion by "intinction". The ushers direct people up the center aisle, where the communion servers hold the bread and "wine" (grape juice). Each person takes a piece of bread and dips it in the grape juice and eats it. You may choose to kneel and pray at the prayer rails. Afterwards you may return to your seat by the side aisle.
If you are unable to come to the front of the church for Communion please notify one of the ushers so that a server may bring the Communion elements to you.
Can I get a copy of a sermon?
The text of some of the sermons preached at Trinity United are available on our website at www.chiicotrinity.org
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Getting Here
Where are you located?
We are located at 285 East Fifth Street in downtown Chico. The Chapel is by the parking lot on 6th and Flume. The Sanctuary is on the corner of 5th and Flume.
How do I get there by car?
Click here for driving directions.
Does the church offer Van service?
We offer limited van service to the 10:30 AM service on Sunday. Please contact the church office at 343-1497.
How do I get there by public transportation?
The Chico downtown CAT station is 7 Blocks from the Church. Note, the bus does not run a regular schedule on weekends and holidays.
Where should I park?
Parking is available on city streets or in the church parking lots on 6th and Flume streets.
A map of all of the available parking locations can be found on this page.
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The Church Building
Where does the Sunday School meet?
Sunday school meets following children's time in the 10:30 worship service.
Preschool and Kindergarten meets in the kindergarten room on the 1st floor at the south end of the building (has its own restroom)
Grade 1-2 meet in Room 2 on the 2nd floor at the top of the stairs at the north end of the building
Grades 3-5 meet in Room 3 on the 2nd floor.
Grades 6-8 meet in the youth room on the 2nd floor at the south end of the building.
Where are the rest rooms?
In the Sanctuary's main entrance to the right of the doors. Also in the Education wing, next to both entrances from the street and at the entrance to the Sanctuary. Also at the top of the stairs on the south end.
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Children's Participation and Activities
May my children stay in the sanctuary during the service?
You and your children should do whatever makes you most comfortable.
All other children are encouraged to attend the beginning portions of the worship service with their families. They are then invited (but not required) to come to the front of the sanctuary and sit on the steps for the Children's Message.
After the message comes "Children's Time," when the younger children (3-6 years) are welcome to enjoy an activity time in the Butterfly Room. These children return to the Sanctuary for the close of worship.
Children 7 years and older are encouraged to remain with their families for the entire worship service. For these children, worship activity packs are available on the children's table in the Narthex.
On special occasions, all children remain with their families for the worship service.
Older children are also encouraged to help in worship services by reading the opening prayer, acting as Acolytes, and by reading scriptures.
Contact:
What if my child is restless?
An usher can provide you with a cloth bag of quiet things that will interest your child. Otherwise you may ask the usher to direct you to the nursery staffed by volunteers.
What if my child is too young to sit through the service?
Please feel free to leave your child in the Nursery in the education building. It is a well-equiped nursery, with cribs and toys, and tended by dedicated and caring volunteers. Please ask someone to show you where it is.
What youth activities do you have?
We have an active youth group, lead by a team of dedicated individuals. There are two youth groups: for 6th-8th graders, the JOY Group meets weekly on Sunday evenings, 6-8 pm. For 9th-12th graders, the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, meets weekly on Sunday evenings, 6-8 pm.
The two groups meet together for dinner at 6, and at approximately 6:30 break into two groups for different activities that include study, fun and games.
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How do I get in touch with the Ministers?
There are several ways:
• Sign the attendance sheet during the worship service. If you give your address and phone number, one of our ministers will get in touch with you, and we will add you to our mailing list.
• Introduce yourself to them after the service, and come to the patio to meet some of the members.
• You can leave a message at the church office 530-343-1497.
• You can e-mail the Pastor Dave at squeezerev@chicotrinity.org
How do I find out about special events or on-going projects?
We have several ways to find out what is happening at Trinity United Methodist.
• Our web site is updated regularly with the latest schedule of events.
• If you have given us your mailing and/or e-mail address you will receive our newsletter,The Trinity Times, which will tell about what is happening in the next month or so. Click here to sign up to receive Insights by email
• The Sunday Order of Worship contains information about upcoming events, and one of the Lay Leaders makes news announcements at the beginning of the service.
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Getting Involved
How can I be of service on Sunday mornings?
We are delighted to have many people take an active role on Sunday mornings.
Some of the opportunities to serve include:
Greeter
Usher
Lector (read one of the Scripture lessons)
Sing in the choir
Tone Chimes
Help with the Fellowship Hour
Help teach Sunday School
Help tend the Nursery
Van Driver
Communion Server
Are there ways to be of service through the church?
Yes, there are many ways you can help
Volunteer activities in the church include
• Helping in the office or staffing the reception desk
• Serving on a church committee
• Keep the outside of our church looking its best by joining Marvin’s Gardeners
• and many, many more
You can also make a difference in our Community by volunteering with a local organization. Check out our Joy Of Doing section for more information.
Are there Bible study opportunities?
There are many several opportunities to study the Bible at Trinity United. including:
• a weekly group that studies the weekly lectionary scripture every Wednesday evening
For more information check out our Ministries page
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Membership
How do I become a member?
We welcome interest in membership at Trinity United Methodist. Inquirer's Classes are held frequently. In these classes we discuss together faith questions of the participants, and you will have an opportunity to learn more about the United Methodist beliefs and our local church history.
Members are received in three ways:
• By profession of faith and baptism
• By letter of transfer from another United Methodist Church
• By letter of transfer from another Christian Church OR by reaffirmation of faith when a letter of transfer is not appropriate/possible.
To learn more about membership please speak to one of our pastors.
What if I'm not a Methodist?
Several of the most active people at Trinity are not members, and some are not even Methodists. Non-members are welcome to participate on committees and other activities. Speak to one of the Pastors about the Inquirer's Classes on what it means to be a Methodist, and about becoming a member.
Do I have to give a certain amount of money to the church?
You are always welcome to worship with us and participate regardless of whether you contribute money. However, we would like everyone who considers Trinityo their church (whether as a formal member or not) to make a commitment (a "pledge") to contribute some amount, either weekly or monthly.
It is entirely up to you to decide how much you can afford to give and how important the church is to you. The pledge isn't binding and we know everyone's circumstances differ and can change at any time. What you give is kept confidential by the financial secretary and the treasurer.
If you would like help in deciding how much to give, we have some guidelines and facts about our financial needs. We like to think about giving in terms of a percentage of one's income. Tithing is the ultimate goal (10%), but the important thing is to do whatever you can.
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Weddings and Events
How do I get married at Trinity United Methodist?
Can I have a funeral, memorial service, reception or social gathering at Trinity Methodist?
Non-members are invited to have their events here under the guidance of our ministers and the events coordinator.
Can my organization hold our meetings at Trinity Methodist?
Our meeting rooms are very much in demand by our own groups and committees, as well by local community organziations. Because of this we may not be able to meet your needs. Please contact our event coordinator, Rich at 530-343-1497
Can my group hold a concert at Trinity Methodist?
Several groups have made Trinity United Methodist their concert home.
What Other Things Might Be Helpful to Know?
• The Communion is non-alcoholic.
• The coffee served during refreshments is regular. There is also cold punch -or juice (non-alcoholic) and cookies or other snacks.
• There is no smoking in any of the church buildings. Please step outside if you want to smoke.
• Wear whatever you please. Some people like to dress up; others don't. We welcome those in three-piece suits and those in jeans.
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Updated on July 7, 2009
We invite you and your family to worship with us any Sunday morning.
Our members come from all over the Chico area including Paradise, Orland, Magalia and Oroville.
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