Visitor FAQs

Where is Aldersgate located?

Aldersgate is located at the corner of Edwards Road and Shannon Drive on the Eastside of Greenville, SC. View map.

What time do services begin?

Each Sunday morning, regular worship services are held at 8:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of worship, so that our greeters may welcome you and answer any questions you might have. For security purposes, the majority of the exterior doors are locked at 11 am, so please plan to enter through one of the four glass door entrances to the commons area. These are located on either side of the sanctuary and under the back drive-thru area. Sunday school classes begin at 9:45 a.m.

Where do I park?

Parking is available around the perimeter of the church and in a large parking lot just south of the church. Special visitors parking spaces are provided outside the south entrance to the church.

What should I wear to Aldersgate?

Whatever makes you comfortable. You will see suits and ties, dresses and an occassional hat but most of our congregation prefers casual sports wear.
"Mortals look on the outward appearance but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

How long are the services?

The 8:45 am and 11:00 am services usually last about 1 hour.

Do I have to be a member of Aldersgate to take Communion?

Everyone is welcome at the communion table!

Where do my children go during the service?

All children may attend the various services with their parents. There is a "Children's Time" during the 11 am worship service, in which the children are invited to come to the front of the sanctuary for a "pint-sized" version of the day's scripture lesson. Afterwards, children K5 - 1st grade are invited to attend an extended session of "Children In Worship" upstairs in the Faith Depot. For those children remaining in service, we provide special Worship Bags to help add some kid friendly activities that will connect them to the day's lesson. Lastly. a nursery is available for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

Who are United Methodists?

The United Methodist Church shares a common history and heritage with other Methodist and Wesleyan bodies. The lives and ministries of John Wesley (1703–1791) and of his brother, Charles (1707–1788), mark the origin of their common roots.

As United Methodists, we have an obligation to bear a faithful Christian witness to Jesus Christ, the living reality at the center of the Church’s life and witness. To fulfill this obligation, we reflect critically on our biblical and theological inheritance, striving to express faithfully the witness we make in our own time.

Two considerations are central to this endeavor: the sources from which we derive our theological affirmations and the criteria by which we assess the adequacy of our understanding and witness.

Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason.

How do I become a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church?

If you have been worshipping with us and are interested in becoming a member of Aldersgate UMC, there are three ways to unite with the church: transfer of membership from another Methodist church, transfer from another denomination or by profession of faith. If you have been baptized, it is not necessary to be baptized again. If you have not been baptized, you can be baptized when you join. New member orientation classes are available for anyone interested in learning more about our church and the United Methodist traditions. If you would like further information on becoming a member or any information regarding Aldersgate UMC, please call 864-244-1820 or see the minister after church on any Sunday.

How do I schedule a wedding?

As early as possible, you should contact the church office (864-244-1820) to assure the availability of the minister and the sanctuary/chapel for the date of your wedding. Weddings are coordinated by the minister, the Church Financial Secretary, and the Wedding Committee. The Church Financial Secretary will provide you with an information packet containing all of the information needed to arrange a wedding at Aldersgate UMC.