Dallas United Methodist Church
Welcome to Dallas United Methodist Church
A Brief History:
Our church had its beginnings in 1849.
Nicholas Lee was the primary moving force in gathering families
together for worship in homes.
The first church building was completed in 1858.
The original church was built on the corner of Mill and Church
Streets, the current location of the Post Office.
In November 1970, the congregation moved into a new facility at
our present location. In
1984, the Education Wing was completed.
In 1999, we celebrated our sesquicentennial
(150 years) of serving the community of Dallas.
About our People:
We are made up of all kinds of people.
In fact, we celebrate our differences and believe we are stronger
for the many diverse gifts we bring.
We strive to be a church with "open hearts, open minds, open
doors." Our congregation has
170 members with an average worship attendance of
95.
Within our "family" you will find educators, farmers, retirees,
homemakers, state workers, artists,
students,
musicians, journalists, nurses, and more.
What brings us together is our common faith journey and desire to
serve
Jesus by serving others.
Worship:
We are a creatively
traditional church.
Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month and is open to
all. We invite you to
participate to the degree you are comfortable.
The ushers/greeters are here to assist you and answer your
questions. Families are
encouraged to worship together.
We have professional child care providers
for infants and younger children.
A "nursery
cry room" is also
available
alongside the sanctuary
for parents who need to step out with an infant.
Sunday School:
Sunday School is held 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. during the school
year.
Currently, there is one adult class facilitated by the pastor
and is held in the West Room of the education wing.
Children's Sunday School
is divided into age groups:
Pre-K, 1st-3rd, 4th-6th, and 7th-12th.
We have
dedicated volunteers who work
(and play) with our
children, teaching them the stories of the Bible and Christian values.
Small
Groups:
Women’s Faith Bible
Study, Prayer Circle, Parent’s With Young Children,
Men’s Group, Sewing Group, Book Club, Women’s Susanna Wesley
Circle, Spiritual Growth Group.
Choir:
We are
very proud of our small choir.
They rehearse on Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8
p.m. and perform most Sundays except during summer.
New members are always welcome.
Our choir director, Connie
Biddinger,
brings the best out of our singers and makes rehearsals a joy to attend.
About the Pastor:
Rev Jeremy Hajdu-Paulen came to our
church in July 2006. Before
arriving in Dallas, Jeremy served as the campus minister at the Wesley
Foundation United Methodist Campus Ministry at the University of Oregon
in Eugene. Originally from Pennsylvania, Jeremy attended seminary at the
Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Georgia. From 2001-2002 he had
the unique experience of living in England while serving three small
British Methodist Churches. Jeremy enjoys hearing people’s stories,
having great conversations over coffee, and leading nourishing worship.
He also likes to read, ride his bike around town, and watch British
sitcoms. He and his wife, Allison, have one daughter named Miriam.
Together they enjoy traveling, hiking, and camping.
Pipe Organ:
We have been told by
professionals that our pipe
organ is one of the best of
the organs in the Marion/Polk County area. We currently have three
organists who take turns sharing their talents during worship.
Unique and Community Ministries:
Labyrinth:
We have an
outdoor labyrinth nestled in our forest of trees for prayer and
meditation.
Library:
The church library is located in the Education Wing and has a
variety of books that you
are welcome to
check out.
Back to
School Backpack Program:
Helping to fill the
needs of
students at LaCreole Middle School, our neighbors to our south.
Community
Church Night at Dallas Aquatic Center:
We are one of several participating churches who sponsor a free
swim
opportunity for families once a month.