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Greetings and welcome to Aldersgate United Methodist Church! We are so glad you are interested in visiting us. We look forward to meeting you in worship services, at Arts at Aldersgate Concerts or at other special events at our church. This section should answer most of your questions and prepare you for your arrival.
Everyone is welcome here! Aldersgate UMC opens its doors to all persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, social status, age, mental health, intellectual or physical ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. We affirm our belief that God’s grace is available to all as we commit ourselves to be an inclusive Christ-centered community.
Wherever you are in your faith journey, you are welcome here. So, whether you’re a spiritual seeker who’s just starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian who wants to sink the roots of your faith even deeper, you can find a home here at Aldersgate.
All are welcome here! We offer two styles of worship service, both of which can be attended live or watched online. We worship through music, spoken word, prayer, and learning from Scripture.
Our regular schedule is observed most Sundays:
• 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service with the Journey Band, a more informal approach.
• 11 a.m. Traditional Worship Services with our Chancel Choir, organ and piano, and a consistent order of worship.
Periodically throughout the year, we hold Unified Services at 10 a.m., combining the worship styles and bringing our congregation together. These will be listed in advance on our Worship page.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church is a large “A-frame” church, located on Concord Pike just north of the Fairfax Shopping Center.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
2313 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803
The main parking lots are located just north of the church building. You can enter the property from northbound Concord Pike just before or just after the church building. You can also enter at the back of the property at the intersection of Alders Drive and Carr Avenue. Access from the main parking lots will require climbing a half flight of stairs as you enter inside the nearby glass doors or a full flight of stairs to enter from the large red doors that face Concord Pike.
Handicapped parking and parking for people with limited mobility are able to enter on the south side of the church. There is a handicapped entry ramp on that side of the church.
Plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of the service to park, make your way into the sanctuary, ask questions of any of our greeters or ushers, and find a place to sit.
Wear what you’re comfortable wearing and you’ll see everything from suits to shorts in most services.
We have coat racks for your raincoats or winter coats located in the Narthex (lobby) of the sanctuary.
Aldersgate loves children and youth, and we are happy to have them join us in worship, Sunday School, and other activities.
Children and youth of all ages are always welcome to worship with their families. If you attend in person and wish to keep them in service with you, our children’s activity sheets will help keep your youngest ones engaged. They are located at the welcome desk along with our weekly worship bulletins.
There is a children’s message during the 9 a.m. Journey Service during which children are invited to the front of the sanctuary for a message from one of our pastors or church members.
A nursery is provided every Sunday from about 30 minutes before the first service begins to about 30 minutes after the last worship service ends. Go downstairs from the parking lot glass doors, and turn right. The nursery is the first door on the right.
From September through May, we offer Sunday School opportunities for all ages between the two worship services, from 10 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of our members and guests has been a top priority. Church staff and leaders continuously monitor local conditions and guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In response to the onset of the pandemic, we made upgrades to our sanitizing procedures, and audio and video equipment to provide a higher quality live-streaming option.
Currently, wearing a mask and keeping social distances during worship or church activities is a personal choice. We respect your decision to protect yourself and your family, whether joining us in person or online. We encourage people to participate online if you are not feeling well
We would love to have you introduce yourself to our pastor or to Susan at the Information desk, but you do not have an obligation to do so. We are excited to greet you, but we won’t put you on the spot. We will not ask you to stand up. We know that many people want to check out the church and “be anonymous” for a while. We understand. Come in, enjoy, and see if this is the community for you.
Our online streams enable you to participate from anywhere and be a part of our Aldersgate community. Our two Sunday worship services are live every week and are available on-demand any time thereafter.
Go to our Youtube or Facebook page as early as 10 minutes before the start of the live service or check out our archive.
There are many ways you can get involved at Aldersgate UMC in our ministries, small groups and activities. We are an active congregation aspiring to serve our community and each other. Browse the pages on this Web site to find the areas that interest you. Then, contact the church office (302-478-2575) or the person designated in the small group descriptions and we will get you connected with the right people.
Let us know if you would like to be added to our distribution lists to receive our weekly emails, weekly phone messages, or the Aldersgate newsletter “The Messenger”. These all provide a way to stay up to date on all our latest announcements and news. You can also follow us on Facebook.
We are happy to help answer them. Please contact Susan Schranck or call the church office at 302-478-2575 during office hours.
You can also ask at the information desk on Sunday’s before each worship service.
Let the pastor (or anyone!) know that you would like to become a member.
We have New Member orientations offered a few times each year. Please fill out our Aldersgate United Methodist Church Membership Profile and send it via email to Susan Schranck prior to attending the class.
New members will be introduced to the congregation at one of the worship services, when they will acknowledge their Christian faith and be welcomed into the church family.