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We gather each Sunday with open hearts to encounter God's presence through inspiring music, meaningful prayer, the reading of Scripture, and messages centered on the hope and saving grace of Jesus Christ. Rooted in the rich tradition of the United Methodist Church, we believe God's grace is offered freely to all and that everyone is welcome to experience Christ's love. As we are renewed through worship, we are sent into the world to live out our faith by serving others, sharing God's love, and becoming the hands and feet of Christ in our community. If you are a lifelong follower of Jesus, you are welcome here. If you are new to the Christian faith, you are welcome here. If you are simply seeking someplace to belong and explore your faith and spirituality, you are welcome here. We invite you to join us this Sunday morning. You are ALL welcome!

Piano and Organ
Aerial view of First United Methodist Church, Norwalk, Ohio
Stairwell with hanging lantern and stained glass windows

What to Expect

From the moment you step through the doors of our historic church on Main Street, we hope you will feel welcomed and at home. Our main entrance is located on the parking-lot side of the church and is clearly marked. The Sanctuary is located upstairs, and an elevator is available in the lobby for those who prefer or need easier access.

As you arrive in the Rotunda, you will be greeted by friendly faces. If this is your first visit, be sure to let us know—we have a special gift for you as our way of saying thank you for being here!

Before worship, take a few moments to relax and enjoy fellowship at our Common Grounds Café, where you can find fresh pastries along with hot and cold beverages. It is a wonderful time to meet others, catch up with friends, and get settled before worship begins.

When it is time for worship, you are welcome to sit wherever you feel comfortable. We have seating on both the main floor and in the balcony. Worship begins with beautiful music, whether from our praise band or the piano, and our bulletin will guide you through the order of service.

During worship, we use three books: The Holy Bible, The United Methodist Hymnal, and The Faith We Sing Hymnal. Each selection will be noted in the bulletin with the appropriate book and page number, so you can easily follow along.

Come as you are. we look forward to welcoming you!

Open Doors
When

Sunday mornings

Every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. Doors open early so you can settle in, grab a cup of coffee, and greet each other before the service starts. We have a small study group prior to service at 9:45 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend on any given Sunday prior to our worship service.

In Person & Online
Where

In Person & Online

Join us at 60 W. Main St. in Norwalk, Ohio, or tune in from home through our website or our Facebook livestream.

Common Questions

What should I wear?

There is no dress code at Norwalk First! You’ll find people worshiping in everything from blue jeans and tennis shoes to dress clothes, and heels. Come as you are and wear what makes you comfortable.

What you wear on the outside isn’t what matters to us. What matters is what you carry in your heart—a desire to know Jesus, grow in faith, and be part of a welcoming church family. You are welcome here just as you are.

Do I Need to Give an Offering?

No. There is no cost to come to church, and no one is expected to give. We are simply glad you are here!
If you choose to give, your offering is one way to share your love for Jesus and help care for others. Your gifts help keep our church doors open, support our ministries, and allow us to help people in our church, our community, and around the world.
Give as you are able. Your presence and worship with us are what matter most.

Is there Communion? How does that work?

Yes! At Norwalk First, we celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month, and everyone is welcome at the table.

During Communion, we remember Jesus, his life, his love, and the Last Supper he shared with his disciples. Our pastor will guide you through the service and explain what to do, so you can simply follow along and participate as you feel comfortable.

We offer bread, including gluten-free bread, and small cups of juice. As you receive Communion, our servers may say, “The body of Christ, given for you,” and “The blood of Christ, shed for you.”

You do not need to be a member of Norwalk First or even United Methodist to receive Communion. Children, visitors, and people from every faith tradition are welcome. We believe Christ's table is a place where all are invited to experience God's love, grace, and peace.

Are you an inclusive church?

Absolutely! At Norwalk First, you are welcome just as you are. We believe it is not our place to judge others, but to love and welcome them. We strive to be a church where everyone can feel accepted, valued, and at home—no matter who you are, where you come from, or where you are on your faith journey. Our doors and our hearts are open to all.

Do I have to be a member to attend?

No, not at all! Everyone is welcome at Norwalk First, whether you are a member, a visitor, or simply exploring your faith. If you ever feel that Norwalk First is where you would like to put down roots and become a member, we would be happy to help you learn more. Simply call the church office or speak with Pastor Ed.

Membership is a way of joining together with others in faith and making a commitment to support the church through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. But membership is never a requirement to be part of our church family. We are glad you are here!

Are there programs for children at your church?

There is a place for children and youth of all ages at Norwalk First! KidVenture is offered during the worship hour for children who would like to learn about Jesus, grow in faith, and have fun with friends. Children attending KidVenture are dismissed after the morning announcements each Sunday. A nursery is also available for infants and toddlers during worship.

Our youth programs include Jr. MYF for 5th and 6th graders and Sr. MYF for 7th–12th graders. Through faith, friendship, service, and fun, our young people have opportunities to grow together and discover what it means to follow Jesus.

We love having our youngest members and their families as part of our church family!

Give 'Em Heaven Praise Band at Norwalk First UMC

Give 'Em Heaven Praise Band

Our Give ’Em Heaven Praise Band leads worship every other Sunday, blending contemporary praise music with beloved hymns in a joyful, spirited style. This combination honors our faith tradition while embracing modern expressions of worship, creating an uplifting experience for every generation. During the summer, the band has also brought Praise on the Porch beyond the sanctuary and into the community. In addition, our first outdoor service, held August 9, 2026, featured these talented Christians sharing their love of Christ through music. Whether worshiping in our beautiful sanctuary, on our historic porch, or under a tent in the parking lot, we seek to glorify God, deepen worship, and welcome our neighbors, our family, our friends and our community to experience His love and grace.

Interested in learning more about the praise band or joining in? Contact Dale Hildreth at ehildreth@neo.rr.com.

Tiina Ruffing

Tiina Ruffing, Pianist

Music has the unique ability to inspire, comfort, and draw us closer to God, and we are blessed to have Tiina Ruffing as part of our worship ministry. As our church Pianist, Tiina faithfully shares her exceptional musical gifts, helping to create meaningful worship experiences that inspire our congregation to praise God through music.

Joining with us on Sunday mornings during a time of transition, Tiina graciously answered God's call to serve. Her talent, humility, professionalism, and deep faith are evident in every service, helping to lead our congregation in worship through the gift of music.

Beyond Sunday mornings, Tiina shares her gifts during special services and concerts, including our annual Christmas Concert, and she and her husband, Tom, generously volunteer at Night to Shine. Their servant hearts and willingness to share their time and their talents have become a true blessing to our church family.

We are grateful for Tiina's faithful ministry and the beautiful way she uses music to glorify God, inspire worship and enrich the life of our congregation.

Caitlin Schwanger

Caitlin Schwanger, Pianist

When Caitlin Schwanger, her husband Dustin, and their five children came to our church searching for a new church home, we were blessed to welcome them into our church family. As we got to know Caitlin, we discovered her love for music and her gift for playing and teaching piano. She has graciously shared those gifts with us through piano recitals at our church and filling in as our pianist when needed. Caitlin has provided beautiful music for funerals, Sunday worship services, children's events, and will soon be providing dinner music for our Free Community dinners each month. In addition to all of this, Caitlin serves as our Acolyte Leader, making sure our Acolytes are ready to bring in the Light for each Sunday morning service. She gives of her time with a servant's heart and a love for Jesus that is evident to all. We are so thankful for the beautiful music she brings to our church and, even more, for the blessing she and her family have become to all of us here at Norwalk First. We truly believe that God sent Caitlin and her family our way, and we are grateful to call them part of our church family.

Offering plate

Give Online

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"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." ~ 2 Corinthians 9:7

Your gifts help us share God's love, support our ministries, and serve our community and beyond. Whether you worship with us each week or simply want to support the work God is doing through Norwalk First United Methodist Church, your generosity makes a difference. Thank you for giving faithfully and helping us make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

Give Online

Watch Online

Our Sunday worship service is livestreamed every week on our website and our Facebook page so you can join us from wherever you are. The stream begins at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Past services are also available to watch anytime on our Facebook page for up to 30 days.

Watch the Livestream Watch on Facebook