Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get to FUMC?
FUMC is located at 1421 Spruce Street, between 14th and 15th Streets in Boulder. We are three blocks east of Broadway and one block north of the Pearl Street pedestrian mall. The main entrance is found off our circle driveway, which is accessible from 15th Street, 1/2 block north of Spruce.
Where can I park for worship services?
Our parking lot entrance is on 15th Street between Pine and Spruce. While it is reserved parking on weekdays, the lot can be used for non-reserved parking on Sundays and evenings after 6:00 pm. There are a few weekday parking places in the circle drive next to the main entrance. There is also a public garage across from the church on Spruce Street. The car entrance is on 15th Street, just north of Pearl. This garage is free on Sundays.
Where can I park for an evening event?
After 6pm and on the weekends, the parking lot of the church is generally open for event parking. There is also a public garage across from the church on Spruce Street. The car entrance is on 15th Street, just north of Pearl. This garage is free on Sundays.
Is your parking lot accessible to people with disabilities?
There are several handicap accessible spots in the parking area adjacent to the church, on the circle driveway off of 15th Street. The church’s parking lot is also on the same level as the driveway, and is not far from the circle and main doors.
Is your church accessible to people with disabilities?
There is a ramp off of the circle driveway and no steps in to the building from this entrance to the church. The Sanctuary is accessible without steps. The building has 3 floors, and there is an elevator for access to classrooms on the top floor as well as to the basement level including our labyrinth.
Do you sell tickets to the events being held at your church?
FUMC rents its facilities to a number of excellent musical ensembles and other well-known organizations and cultural groups from the Boulder and Denver area. Most of these events are open to the public. If tickets are required, sales are handled by the organization hosting the public event. Our church on-line calendar includes these public events, and contact information and other details including ticket price availability are generally available through links on the calendar.
What dress is appropriate for your worship service?
Our services are fairly informal and people wear a range of comfortable attire.
Are children welcome in worship & is childcare available?
Yes, most definitely. We include children specifically in the service through a children's parable from one of our co-pastors, and there is free childcare available for infants through age three during the service. We also have a full educational program for children through adults prior to worship.
What is the worship style?
Worship is reverent and celebrative, featuring a contemporary message in a largely traditional style. Children are welcome in worship and participate in a lesson tailored to their interest and understanding before leaving for Children’s Church. Engaging preaching is Christ-centered, Biblically-based, and theologically sound from a progressive perspective, usually following the Revised Common lectionary for assigned readings. Our inclusive worship services utilize the gifts and abilities of both church staff and laypersons. Long known for an excellent music ministry, our service music is varied and diverse. Music of many styles and all eras of church history is performed by our Chancel Choir, soloists and small ensembles. Our Bell Choir performs on a 5-octave set of Schulmerich handbells. The historic Roosevelt pipe organ and grand piano are used to lead congregational singing and accompany vocalists as well as a wide variety of professional and volunteer instrumentalists, including guitars, brass, violins and other strings, flute, recorder, xylophones and harp. More contemplative services, usually featuring meditation and sung Taize prayer, are periodically offered in the labyrinth and chapel.
When are the pastors available to meet for pastoral care?
Pastors are available by appointment, most readily on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, at other times including weekends and evenings as necessary, and at any time for emergencies.
Can one just "drop-in" to see the Pastors?
Because they do not have regularly scheduled office hours, it's best to call (303-442-3770) to make an appointment.
What does our being a "Reconciling Congregation" mean?
It means (1) that we are welcoming to all people, regardless of age, gender, race, income status, sexual orientation, or any other real or perceived separating condition; and (2) that we are a member congregation of the Reconciling Ministries Network. The RMN is a national grassroots organization that exists to enable full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist church, both in policy and in practice.
What adult religious education do you offer?
We offer a wide range of classes and open forums given by our co-pastors, lay leaders, visiting theologians, and outside guests. Bible study and book studies are frequent offerings, with the topics changing to reflect new scholarship and congregational interest.
Is there a youth group?
Yes, there is a youth group for teens that plans a variety of fun activities throughout the year, including movie nights, "lock-ins", and volunteer events.
Are there activities for young adults?
Yes, there is a very active group of "Young Adult Methodists" or YAMs that meet frequently for brunch, volunteer to do service projects, and generally provide support and fellowship to one another.