Paola United Methodist Church

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors

209 So. Silver
Paola, KS 66071
(913) 294-3475

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Our Ministry

We’re proud to be in the heart of Paola, near the historic town square and courthouse.

We’ve been near the center of things since the first Methodist classes met here in 1858.  After more than 150 years, we’re still feeling young!

Services

– 8:15 a.m. – informal worship for early risers

Brief liturgy, not many frills – just some singing and some praying and some preaching, all in about 45 minutes.

– 10:30 a.m. – traditional worship

During the school year, we have a choir and some liturgy, but we’re still pretty easygoing.

– 9:15 a.m. – church school

We have classes for all ages, including youth, and several classes for adults.

We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of every month.  As United Methodists, we believe that the Lord’s Table is open to all, so you do not have to be a United Methodist or a member of this church to receive communion.  Generally, we serve by “intinction” (dipping the bread into a common cup) only at the informal service.  We offer intinction and individual cups at the traditional worship service.

Other growth and fellowship opportunities include:

  • Chancel Choir – directed by Sandra Buntin
  • Bible studies – short-term and long-term studies
  • United Methodist Youth – meet twice each month for activities onsite or off
  • Susanna Wesley Circle of United Methodist Women – meets every other month on a Thursday morning
  • Etc. Circle of United Methodist Women – meets five times a year on a Monday evening
  • United Methodist Men – meets eight times a year on a Thursday evening

We are…

  • An active member of the Paola Chamber of Commerce.
  • One of the founding members of PACA, the Paola Association for Church Action.
  • Home of the Foster Grandparents Program
  • Sponsor of Boy Scout Troop #105 and Cub Scout Pack #3105
  • Host of Busy Beaver 4-H Club
  • Host site of weight-loss groups, yoga and other exercise classes and more.

This & That Thrift Shop

The thrift shop is open 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays.  It offers bargains galore!  You can donate items by dropping them in the collection box outside the north church entrance.  Knick-knacks and clothing are especially in demand.  Please, no furniture or TV sets.

Morning Out for Mothers

Since 2003, MOMS has offered a structured child care program for children ranging in age from about eight months to five years.  It is open 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays.  To learn more, call Cheryl Townsend at (913) 898-2677.

Foster Grandparents

The Foster Grandparent Program puts senior citizens into schools, day care centers and other situations where they can interact with children and assist teachers.

The program has been a vital part of Miami County life since 1977.  Its parent agency is PACA, the Paola Association for Church Action.  Paola United Methodist Church is home to the project and has supported it as an outreach ministry for more than 30 years.

Over the years, hundreds of low-income seniors have found meaningful engagement as mentors and teacher aides for thousands of children and youth.  Foster Grandparents receive a small stipend for their work.  They attend training sessions and do in-service continuing education throughout the year.

The program is supported by the Corporation for National and Community Service, PACA, Paola United Methodist Church, United Funds, several school districts, businesses and individuals.

Jennifer Haley is director.  The phone number is (913) 294-3880.

Green Team

Our Green Team has a simple mission – raising consciousness about being good stewards of God’s good creation.

Team members work to promote energy efficiency and conservation at home and in the church building.  The team made its debut in the 2009 Miami County Fair Parade, picking up trash and litter.

Members of the Green Team wear a distinctive green T-shirt with the logo “Making a difference”.

Safe Gatherings

We want to protect all children from harm. Safe Gatherings is a safety program of United Methodist Churches in Kansas. It is designed to protect children, youth and vulnerable adults from exploitation and abuse. Before they can work with such persons in a ministry setting, all lay and clergy, volunteer and paid workers, are required to receive training and pass background checks. You can be assured that everything is being done to protect your children.

Reading Warriors

Several members have committed to one morning a week at Cottonwood Elementary School listening to first graders read.  The “warriors” spend approximately 30 minutes with the children so that two children can take turns reading to them.  The warriors help with learning sounds and words and give encouragement to children who don’t get that opportunity due to family work schedules and commitments.  Participants report getting a great deal of satisfaction from their time with the children and knowing that they are helping to build foundations for the future of those children.  The only requirement is to become “Safe Gatherings” certified.  Get involved, make a difference–become a Reading Warrior!!

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Where To Find Us

We are located in historic downtown Paola, Kansas, just south of the county court house. Parking is available by the court house or on the southeast corner of Silver and Shawnee. Parking is available in the County Administration Building parking lot. We also offer valet parking starting at 9:00 on Sunday mornings. Just pull up under the portico on the north side--valets will park your car then return it to the same place when you're ready to leave.

Sunday Morning Worship Times

8:15: Informal Worship
9:15: Sunday School for all ages
10:30: Traditional Worship

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