I’m New
Welcome to Portage Chapel Hill!
Chapel Hill Methodist Church was born with a worship service in the gym of then Portage North Junior High in 1961. The charter members sought to create a vibrant, family focused, theologically progressive church community and we have been living into that vision ever since.
In 1968, when the church became the United Methodist Church, Chapel Hill rebranded at Chapel Hill UMC and we have gone through a few name updates through the years while remaining a United Methodist Church and a theologically progressive expression of Methodism. In 2001, we became a part of the Reconciling Ministries Network (the UMC church advocacy caucus for LGBTQIA+ affirming congregations) and you can find more info about that here: https://rmnetwork.org/.
Welcome to Portage Chapel Hill, a church where all are welcome.
We recognize Christ in everyone and embrace our differences as gifts from a creative God. We challenge ourselves to reflect God’s unconditional and forgiving love.
Our Mission:
We embrace the love and teaching of Jesus Christ and share them with all People.
Our Vision:
We will be a faith community where everyone is loved and responds to God’s call.
Our Values:
Faith – Connection – Family – Inclusion – Outreach – Social Justice – Stewardship
What to Expect
Join us for in-person and online worship each Sunday at 9 am and 11 am. Curious what to expect when you join us for worship?
- Both Sunday services are generally about 1 hour long. A description of each one is on our Services page.
- Christian Education for all ages is at 10 am. Find out more on our Engage page.
- The Sacrament of Communion is held the first Sunday of each month.
- Nursery for infants and toddlers is available from 8:45 am – 12:15 pm each Sunday.
- There are several opportunities for young kids during worship, both in the Sanctuary and in their own spaces. Find out more on our Children’s Ministry page.
- We have two parking lots: one off of Oakland Dr. and one off of Romence Rd. The Oakland Dr. parking lot is closest to our main entry doors and our accessible entry doors, but both parking lots and all entry doors will be open.
- Dress in whatever makes you most comfortable. Some folks come in their Sunday best, some folks feel more comfortable in shorts and T-shirts. The choice is yours!
- Portage Chapel Hill is a church which values the presence of children in all spaces. So, while we have opportunities for kids outside the Sanctuary during worship, kids are also welcome to stay in the Sanctuary during the service. Crying babies and chatty youngsters are all welcome!
- We encourage visitors to make themselves known to either Pastor Barry or Pastor Jess, but if you’d rather stay anonymous while you check us out, that’s ok too! There are a variety of greeters and church staff members who are always available to answer questions.
FAQs
We have two Sunday morning worship services each week, at 9 am and 11 am. All are welcome!
You can view Portage Chapel Hill’s worship services any time at your convenience on the church’s Watch Online, Facebook Page, and our YouTube Channel.
When you come to church in-person, an usher or greeter will give you a Connect Card. The Connect Card has the Order of Worship on one side and a listing of news and events on the other. If you are worshiping at home you can download the Connect Card.
Nursery, P3, and Club 46 take kids from birth through 6th grade. Check out the Children’s Ministries page for more details.
TeenText, Confirmation, and Sunday Night Youth Group keep Middle School and High School youth engaged in church life. More info is on the Youth page.
There are a variety of classes, groups, and bible studies offered on Sunday mornings and throughout the week. Find out more. There are also a variety of Small Groups for fellowship, book studies, meals, and more. Check out our small groups.
- We have two Sunday morning services, at 9 am and 11 am. The 9 am service, called The Gathering, is what most would call “traditional” worship. The 11 am service, called The Journey, is what most would call “contemporary.” The difference between the two is explained on our Services page.
- Dress in whatever makes you most comfortable. Some folks come in their Sunday best, some folks feel more comfortable in shorts and T-shirts. The choice is yours!
- Portage Chapel Hill is a church which values the presence of children in all spaces. So, while we have opportunities for kids outside the Sanctuary during worship, kids are also welcome to stay in the Sanctuary during the service. Crying babies and chatty youngsters are all welcome!
- We encourage visitors to make themselves known to either Pastor Barry or Pastor Jess, but if you’d rather stay anonymous while you check us out, that’s ok too! There are a variety of greeters and church staff members who are always available to answer questions.
Connect With Us
If you have questions about our Sunday services, please contact the office at (269) 327-6643 or email [email protected].
