The Andover Community of First United Methodist Church

The Andover Community is one of three unique worshiping communities that make up First United Methodist Church in Lexington, KY in the southeast area of Lexington. 

Beyond Sunday mornings, Andover is a church that values genuine community and is committed to creating opportunities for connection, conversation, and shared life together. 

At Andover, we seek to be a church where tradition meets community, where worship leads to service, and where all are invited into the grace-filled life of Christ. We welcome you to join us in this journey of faith.

Worship

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”

Acts 2:42, NRSV

Our Sunday morning worship is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of the Church. Liturgical in structure and traditional in style, our service invites worshipers into a sacred rhythm of prayer, scripture, and song. Each week, we celebrate Holy Communion, centering our gathering around the grace of Christ’s table.

You may also join us online Sundays at 11 AM.

“…be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to one another, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts…“

Ephesians 5:18-19, NRSV

Music plays a vital role in our worship, with hymns sung by the congregation and offerings from our chancel choir each week. Our pastors and worship leaders often wear traditional robes and cassocks, reflecting the reverence of our time together. The service begins with a processional, as an acolyte leads the way, followed by the pastor and other worship leaders, setting the tone for a worshipful encounter with God.

Children’s Worship

“Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:4, NRSV

We deeply value the presence of children in worship and celebrate their active participation. At the same time, we recognize the importance of providing a worship space tailored just for them. Each Sunday, children begin in worship with the whole congregation before transitioning to their own time of children’s worship after our children’s moment where kids of all ages are invited down front to hear a message specifically for them. They return in time to receive communion alongside their families, reinforcing their place in our shared life of faith.

“…but speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, ¹⁶ from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.”

Ephesians 4:15, NRSV

Adult Discipleship

There are opportunities a time of intentional formation on Sunday mornings through our Sunday school classes. All Sunday school classes begin at 9:45 AM. We offer a weekly Bible study throughout the fall and spring semesters, as well as, weekly book studies throughout the year on a range of different topics concerning the Christian life.

CHILDREN

In addition to children’s worship on Sunday mornings, we provide several opportunities throughout the year for children and families to connect and grow in their faith.

YOUTH

At First UMC, youth from all three of our communities (Downtown, Andover, and Offerings) come together on Sunday evenings to learn and grow in their faith.

Want to know more?

For more information about our discipleship opportunities, please use our contact form.