PLAN YOUR VISIT

Meeting someone for the first time can be intimidating, so below is some information to help you know what to expect. Let’s make your first experience Downtown a great one!

WEEKLY SERVICE TIMES:  8:30 AM and 11:00 AM

The Downtown community is one of the original Kentucky Methodist congregations with a rich history, a vibrant present, and a vital future. The congregation comes from just down the street, across town, and even neighboring communities, representing all ages and life-stages all with a desire to grow closer to Christ as we worship, grow, and serve together. The expression Downtown for Good means more than a location. It’s a commitment to participate in God’s work from the heart of our city.

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Worshiping together is always a gift. At each service, we come together to hear God’s word, offer prayers and praise, and to be changed. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of the month, and all are welcome to participate. Our 11:00 AM service is available via livestream each Sunday.

MUSIC AT DOWNTOWN

The music Downtown seeks to glorify God, inspire His people and welcome all into divine worship. It is, therefore, an integral part of how we worship.

Here for you!

If you have any questions, please contact us at 859-233-0545 (M 9:00-2:00, T-Th 9:00-noon) or send a message here. To become more familiar with our order of worship, you can check out past services here.

DOWNTOWN | FIRST UMC

200 W. High St.
Lexington, KY 40507

200 W. High St. Lexington, KY 40507
8:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Plan on arriving 15-20 minutes before the beginning of service. Greeters will be available to welcome you and orient you to the building. Our 11:00 AM service is also available via livestream; you can connect to that here.
In general, whatever they are comfortable in – for some, that is a coat and tie or a dress, for others slacks and a sweater. Our pastors and chancel choir usually wear robes in our services.
On Sunday mornings we have two parking lots available to us, as well as on-street parking. The parking lot directly adjacent to the church building is primarily for guests, people with mobility concerns, and families with small children. The Truist Bank parking lot directly across High Street is open to all — guests, regular attenders, staff, volunteers, etc. You can enter the church building through the front doors at the top of the steps on High Street, the front door of the Parsonage on High Street, or through the flat, accessible entrance connected to the church lot at the rear of the building. To view our parking map, click here.
The gift of time with children is incredibly special to us, and children are always welcome in services. The nursery is open for the entire service for ages 0-5/PreK. Sunday School is offered for preschool through 5th grade in the Children's Wing and 6th through 12th grade in the Youth Cafe starting at 9:50 AM. We also have a Children's Moment followed by Children's Worship at our 11:00 AM service. Please see our Family Ministries page for more info on how you and your children can get connected.
Yes! Our Wesleyan heritage emphasizes discipleship through small groups, and Downtown’s take many forms (book studies, Sunday School, prayer time) and are for all ages. For many, the first next step, after attending worship Downtown, is connecting with a group. You’ll find our current groups here, and our pastors are always glad to explore opportunities for involvement with you

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Once installed, search for “First United Methodist Church” and select "Downtown." You can find any groups you are a part of, give online, and find every Zoom or livestream link that you need.