Epworth United Methodist Church | 5253 N. Kenmore Ave Chicago, IL 60640 | 773-561-6422

Frequently Asked Questions


Where is Epworth?

A part of Chicago's Edgewater, Uptown and Andersonville communities, Epworth UMC is conveniently located at the corner of N. Kenmore and Berwyn, just one block east of the Berwyn stop on the CTA Red Line, and easily accessible via the Foster, Broadway, Inner Drive, and Sheridan buses. Click here for a map!

I'm in big trouble, and I don't know what to do. Will you pray for me?

Absolutely. Call us at (773) 561-6422 or email us at epworthumcchicago@sbcglobal.net. Our Wednesday Evening Praise and Prayer service in the Chapel at the back of the church is a half-hour set aside for lifting up the needs of those in trouble. Please come.

I want to be involved in something. Does Epworth need me?

YES. From shelter meals to tutoring opportunities, choir to youth activities, we NEED you. If you long to serve others, you'll find a way here at Epworth.

I've never been to your church -- will I be able to follow along?

Maybe not at first -- but God doesn't mind and neither do we. We lay it all out in the Bulletin to make it very, very easy, so by your second visit you'll be completely comfortable with how we worship. If the tradition or the music is new to you, listen at first, then join in whenever you feel ready.

The Bible and hymnals are available in the pews. The United Methodist Hymnal is red. The Faith We Sing is black. An asterisk in the bulletin indicates standing as you are able. Bold type indicates the congregation speaking. Just follow Pastor Joe and the lay leader, and you'll do fine.

What style of worship can I expect?

Epworth is pretty traditional, with plenty of hymns, passing the peace (where we greet each other), the prayers of the community (so we can share our joys and concerns), a responsive Psalm reading, a youth sermon (in addition to the regular sermon), an offering, plenty of scripture. You could say we're in between the Episcopalians and the Lutherans on the "structured worship" sliding scale.

How should I dress?

Shirts and shoes required! No pajamas except on special occasions!

How long is the worship service?

One and a half hours, and the time flies by.

Can I bring my children?

PLEASE DO! We are family friendly. Children are welcome in worship and, should you desire, a preschool nursery is located in the south hallway beyond the parlors (we plan on expanding it soon).

Can I take communion at your church?

Communion is served the first Sunday of the month (though we'll be increasing that), and ALL are welcome to partake.

What about parking?

Parking is available across the streeet at the Christian Science Church. Please come a few minutes early, so you can see an usher for parking stickers and instructions.

Will I feel welcome?

We want you to feel MORE than welcome. We want you to feel the love of Christ, alive in us. Whatever your gender, race, economic status, sexual orientation, condition of ableness, etc., we greet you as a beloved child of God. We mean that.

How do I join the church/get baptized?

Talk to Pastor Joe about a new members class! It's that simple! Call (773) 561-6422 or email epworthumcchicago@sbcglobal.net.

I'm sick -- can you help?

A Healing Service is given on the third Sunday of every month, during which Pastor Joe and a congregation member will anoint those in need and pray with them. We'll also add you to our prayer list. Just let us know.

I admire all your programs, but I'm not the organized church type. Can I support Epworth anyway?

Absolutely. God speaks to each of us differently. If your spiritual gift is prayer, please lift us up. If your spiritual gift is generosity, we welcome your tax-deductible donations to our ministry: Epworth United Methodist Church, 5253 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, IL 60640.