Our Mission

“We are a church of Jesus Christ, in which all people are welcome, every member is a minister, the world is our responsibility, disciple-making is our goal, and worship is our duty and delight.”

Our Building

In keeping with our mission statement, it is our desire and goal to ensure that all people do feel welcome. Each floor of FUMC-Hershey is wheelchair-accessible with elevators. We acknowledge that there are individuals in our community that have sensory sensitivities that may make it challenging for them to participate as fully as they would wish during worship and other church gatherings. Although these issues may be invisible, they are real and important. In order for us to become more adaptable and accommodating as a church community, please download and fill out the Sensory Sensitivity Inventory. If a tour of our facility prior to worship and gatherings would be helpful, please contact us so we may arrange a meeting time.

The Welcome Center

When visiting normal be sure to stop by our Welcome Center, which is located in the Narthex, just outside the Sanctuary. At the Welcome Center you will find brochures, information, sign up sheets, a weekly video "News and Notes" presentation, and a friendly face ready to answer your questions. First-time visitors also receive a gift from the church.

Safe Sanctuary Program

FUMC-Hershey has a Safe Sanctuary Program which protects both children, youth, and vulnerable adults from abusive situations. We have taken steps to make certain that opportunities for such situations are minimized and that we have effective means in place for reporting and addressing suspected abuse, whether it should happen at church or during a church activity, or elsewhere. Please take time to read about our Safe Sanctuary Program (.pdf).

Worship Times and Styles

First United Methodist Church of Hershey has several distinct worship services on Sunday mornings.  At 8 a.m., the Traditional Service in the main sanctuary follows the familiar United Methodist Church liturgy format with adult choirs. At 9:30 a.m., the Celebration Service in the social hall follows a more contemporary format with a praise team band and singers. (Click here for pictures of our Celebration Worship Service.) Also at 9:30 a.m., students meet in Room 204 for The Gathering, a worship experience for those in 6-12th grade. At 11 a.m., the Worship For All Ages Service in our main sanctuary, creates an all-inclusive experience for children and families to worship together with adult and children's choirs. Music in an integral part of all of our worship services. See our music ministry page for a glimpse of how we use music in worship.

What to Wear

We do not have a dress code. Worshipers at FUMC Hershey wear anything from jeans and tee shirts, to slacks and golf shirts, to suits and ties. Please wear whatever you feel is most comfortable for you in this setting.

Children in Worship

Children are welcome at all worship services. Click here (.pdf) to learn more about involving children in worship. Worship Pockets for Children, ages 3 to 11, are available in at the Welcome Center. Pockets contain items to help your child understand worship. Each child may claim one for his/her very own. Children learn by doing, so worship together as a family! We also have an active children's ministry program. Please check out the children's ministry page for more information.

The Nursery

Nursery services are available every Sunday morning from 7:30 a.m. until noon. Click here to learn more about our nursery.

Communion

In the United Methodist Church, we believe Communion is served at the table of grace. If you come with a heart that desires to draw near to the Lord, it does not matter what age your are, young or old, or what denominational persuasion you may be. We invite you to come to the table.

Sunday School

Sunday School is available for adults and children from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. each Sunday (during our Celebration Worship Service). Click here to learn about our Sunday School classes. Child care is also provided in our nursery during this hour.

Directions and Parking

Our physical address is 64 West Chocolate Avenue Hershey, PA.

From the North: Follow state route 743 South to Hershey. When you reach Chocolate Avenue, turn right, this is route 422 West. Go one block to Linden Road, and turn left. The church is located on this corner of West Chocolate Ave and Linden Road. Go one block to Caracas Ave and turn left. Go half block and turn left into the parking lots. The main entrance is located off of the parking lot. 

From the South: Follow state route 743 North to Hershey. When you are half a block from the junction with 422 (across from the Hershey Theater), turn left onto Caracas Ave. Go half a block and turn right into the parking lots. The main entrance is located off of the parking lot. 

From Lebanon and the East: Follow state route 422 West to Hershey. This will become Chocolate Ave. After passing the chocolate factory and the Hershey Theater, turn left onto Cocoa Ave, which is 743 South. Go one block and turn right onto Caracas Ave, the go half a block and turn right into the parking lots. The main entrance is located off of the parking lot. 

From Harrisburg and the West: Follow route 322 East. This merges into route 422 East. Follow 422 into downtown Hershey, this will become Chocolate Avenue. Once in the downtown turn right onto Linden Road, the church is located on this corner. Go one block and turn left onto Caracas Ave, then go half a block and turn left into the parking lots. The main entrance is located off of the parking lot.

For more specific directions, go to www.mapquest.com.

Parking space is available at various locations around the church. Click here for a map of available parking around our church. The parking lots on either side of the alley behind the Church should be reserved for the elderly, those with disabilities, and those with small children. A Handicap Accessible Entrance has been installed at the main entrance from the upper parking lot. Just push the square button mounted on the wall for the door to open by itself.

Joining First United Methodist Church of Hershey

Considering membership? We hold “New Member Sessions” at various times during the year. Please contact the church office, 533-9668, for the next new member session.

Topics presented during the new member session include an introduction to the vision, mission, ministries, programs, and opportunities for our congregation. United Methodist beliefs about discipleship and ministry will also be presented. The session will include opportunities to discuss matters of salvation common to all Christians, as well as distinctive teaching of United Methodist Theology. The emphasis will be our journey of faith as Christian disciples and members of the body of Christ.

Getting Connected

There are many ways to get connected at FUMC Hershey. From bible studies to small groups, worship and music participation to outreach and missions. We have something for everyone!  

Staying in Touch

We use one bulletin for all three worship services in the main sanctuary and social hall, which contains the order of services and the "News and Notes" pages. Our Student Ministry also has a bulletin for The Gathering worship.