The Building
We’re located at 1404 Brooke Road, Rockford, IL. There are two parking lots on either side of the building, and you can use whichever you choose. The entrance on the west side (by the laundromat) has no stairs, power doors, and leads you right into the back of the sanctuary. Restrooms are located through the back of the sanctuary across from the office.
The Worship Service
Sunday morning services start at 10am, but you can come in whenever you arrive! There will be printed bulletins and announcement pages you can pick up as you enter. Here’s an example bulletin, which shows an * next to some things. That means you’re invited to rise as you are able - some people will stand and others will stay seated. We’ll sing some songs, have time for shared prayer, the pastor will preach a sermon that lasts about 15 minutes, and then we’ll sing some more. A typical service lasts about an hour. Every first Sunday of the month we celebrate communion and all people are invited to participate in that sacrament. United Methodists practice open table theology, which means we believe God invites everyone to the communion table and there are no requirements except wanting to connect with Jesus. Most people dress casually and you’re welcome to bring in your coffee or water.
Kids
We love kids! There is a nursery where babies can be cared for during the service, and most kids start in the sanctuary and stay through the Children’s Time message, which comes after the first hymn. The pastor will invite kids to come up to the front and sit down for a story, and caregivers are welcome to join them if you choose. Then kids are dismissed to Sunday School and follow a teacher down the hall for the remainder of the service. All Sunday School teachers have been background checked and follow Safe Sanctuaries policies.
Accessibility
We are working to become more accessible and welcome all suggestions and feedback about how we can do so! The most accessible entrance is on the west side, with a curb cutout and no steps into the sanctuary making it convenient for people with walkers, wheelchairs, or strollers. We do not have power doors but an usher will be available to open the doors for you. We have accessible bathroom stalls but have not yet installed power doors, so we can prop the main doors open or find someone to assist you if needed. There is a lift down to the lower level where we have special events, but most often we gather on the main level for all meetings and coffee time.
Fellowship after the service
Following Sunday morning worship services, everyone is invited for conversation with treats, punch, and coffee in the parlor at the back of the sanctuary. We offer gluten free options. When masks are required, we move fellowship time outdoors, weather permitting.
Masks and COVID-19 precautions
Our Health Team prioritizes the health and safety of everyone in the building, and we regularly check Winnebago County’s Department of Health data and adjust our policies as COVID-19 cases fluctuate. Our pastor has encouraged and celebrated the blessing of vaccines, and we encourage mask wearing. When case rates have been high, we have either switched to livestream only or required masks in the sanctuary. You can check our Facebook page for updates, or call the office to ask the current status if you do not see it listed elsewhere on this page. Unless otherwise stated, we encourage but do not require masks.
We’re located at 1404 Brooke Road, Rockford, IL. There are two parking lots on either side of the building, and you can use whichever you choose. The entrance on the west side (by the laundromat) has no stairs, power doors, and leads you right into the back of the sanctuary. Restrooms are located through the back of the sanctuary across from the office.
The Worship Service
Sunday morning services start at 10am, but you can come in whenever you arrive! There will be printed bulletins and announcement pages you can pick up as you enter. Here’s an example bulletin, which shows an * next to some things. That means you’re invited to rise as you are able - some people will stand and others will stay seated. We’ll sing some songs, have time for shared prayer, the pastor will preach a sermon that lasts about 15 minutes, and then we’ll sing some more. A typical service lasts about an hour. Every first Sunday of the month we celebrate communion and all people are invited to participate in that sacrament. United Methodists practice open table theology, which means we believe God invites everyone to the communion table and there are no requirements except wanting to connect with Jesus. Most people dress casually and you’re welcome to bring in your coffee or water.
Kids
We love kids! There is a nursery where babies can be cared for during the service, and most kids start in the sanctuary and stay through the Children’s Time message, which comes after the first hymn. The pastor will invite kids to come up to the front and sit down for a story, and caregivers are welcome to join them if you choose. Then kids are dismissed to Sunday School and follow a teacher down the hall for the remainder of the service. All Sunday School teachers have been background checked and follow Safe Sanctuaries policies.
Accessibility
We are working to become more accessible and welcome all suggestions and feedback about how we can do so! The most accessible entrance is on the west side, with a curb cutout and no steps into the sanctuary making it convenient for people with walkers, wheelchairs, or strollers. We do not have power doors but an usher will be available to open the doors for you. We have accessible bathroom stalls but have not yet installed power doors, so we can prop the main doors open or find someone to assist you if needed. There is a lift down to the lower level where we have special events, but most often we gather on the main level for all meetings and coffee time.
Fellowship after the service
Following Sunday morning worship services, everyone is invited for conversation with treats, punch, and coffee in the parlor at the back of the sanctuary. We offer gluten free options. When masks are required, we move fellowship time outdoors, weather permitting.
Masks and COVID-19 precautions
Our Health Team prioritizes the health and safety of everyone in the building, and we regularly check Winnebago County’s Department of Health data and adjust our policies as COVID-19 cases fluctuate. Our pastor has encouraged and celebrated the blessing of vaccines, and we encourage mask wearing. When case rates have been high, we have either switched to livestream only or required masks in the sanctuary. You can check our Facebook page for updates, or call the office to ask the current status if you do not see it listed elsewhere on this page. Unless otherwise stated, we encourage but do not require masks.