Here are some of the most common questions we hear at Maple United Methodist Church today, along with easy-to-understand answers designed for
a general audience.
If you still can't find the answer to your question, please don't hesitate to call the church office at (269) 964-1252. Welcome to Maple!
Will I be welcome at Maple?
Absolutely! All people are welcome at Maple United Methodist Church. No matter what your background, personal preferences or religious affiliation, we have a place for you at Maple. You’ll find we’re a very friendly church with lots to offer and plenty of ways for you to get involved. To read a special welcome message, please click here now.
When are your Sunday worship services?
Sunday Worship and Education - Regular Schedule
9:30 a.m. -- Adult Sunday School & Developmentally Disabled Sunday School
(Sunday School does not meet June, July, and August)
11:00 a.m. -- Worship Service
11:30 a.m. -- Children dismissed for Junior Church program
Noon -- Coffee Hour immediately after service
(Holy Communion is served the first Sunday of each month.)
Where are you located?
Maple United Methodist is located on the northeast side of Battle Creek at 342 Capital Ave NE. (See map)
Directions: From downtown Battle Creek, drive north on Capital Avenue about one mile and look for the church on the right side (east side) of the street. The cross street is Merritt Street. You’ll see a large sign on our front lawn. For a photo of the church exterior, see the image at the top of this web page.
Free parking is available around the church building. The Battle Transit System offers bus service to our neighborhood. (Click here for bus routes and schedules) If you need additional assistance, please call the church office at (269) 964-1252.
Are you handicapped accessible?
Yes. Enter on the lower level through the Social Hall door for access to our elevator.
When is the church open?
The church office is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. On Sundays, the church opens at about 8 a.m. and remains open until all activities are concluded. Various meetings and special events are also held throughout the year at the church.
When is the Food Pantry at Maple United Methodist open?
The Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 – 11:45 a.m. (It is closed on recognized holidays.) The pantry dispenses much needed food to those in need and is the only pantry to supply baby items such as food, formula and diapers. (Volunteer)
Who is the Pastor of Maple United Methodist?
Our Pastor is the Rev. Linda Stoddard. Linda is a graduate of Albion College and Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. She's been an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church since 1970. Linda has more than 40 years of experience in the pastorate, having served three parishes prior to her part-time appointment to Maple in July 2008. (Read more about our Pastor)
Can I meet with your Pastor?
Yes. To arrange a personal meeting with Rev. Linda Stoddard, please call the church office at (269) 964-1252. Or speak with her following Sunday worship services. She’ll be delighted to talk with you!
Where can I find your calendar of upcoming events?
Upcoming events at Maple are listed on our Calendar page (click here now). If you have additional questions about church meetings and programs, please call the church office at (269) 964-1252.
What do Methodists believe?
Methodists are Christians. We believe that faith in God is the powerful, joyful force that guides our lives and relationships - a matter of both heart and soul. To explore our beliefs and theology in greater depth, please click here now.
What is a worship service like at Maple?
At Maple UMC, you'll find our services are both casual and reverent, with no dress code. Feel free to come as you are and bring along a friend. All people are welcome at Maple. To learn more, click here now.
What should I wear to worship services at Maple?
Wear whatever you want to our worship services – there is no dress code. Wear what makes you comfortable for the season. Our sanctuary is air-conditioned in the summer.
Where should I park if I’m coming to Maple?
Free parking is available along the side and at the rear of the church.
Do you to have to be Methodist to come to Maple?
No. All people are welcome at Maple, no matter what their background, history or affiliation.
How can I get involved at Maple?
We offer many ways to get involved in the life of the church, and in our greater community. (Volunteer)
To find out about our many programs, please click here now. To see a schedule of upcoming events, please visit our Calendar page. Additional opportunities are printed in our Sunday bulletin and in our monthly newsletter. For copies of those items, please visit the church or call us at (269) 964-1252. Or click here to use our online volunteer form.
Do I have to be a Maple UMC member to get involved at the church or in its outreach programs?
No. Volunteers are always needed at Maple! Even if you’re not a Maple member, you’re welcome to participate in our Food Pantry, neighborhood outreach programs, community events and many public events throughout the year. To learn more, visit our Programs page or call the church office at (269) 964-1252.
What do programs do you have for kids?
Maple has a special program called “Junior Church” on Sunday mornings.
The main worship service begins at 11:00 a.m. Beginning at about 11:30 a.m., children leave the main sanctuary for a child-focused meeting led by experienced Sunday School teachers.
Do you have Sunday School programs for Adults?
Yes. Our Adult Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. We also offer Sunday School for Developmentally Disabled people starting at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.
(We do take a break in the summer with no classes June-August)
What programs do you have for seniors?
Quite a few, actually. Many seniors participate in our faith support groups, breakfast club, Golden Maples potluck dinners, Women’s Support Group, and The Boys of Maple. To learn more, click here now or call the church office at (269) 964-1252.
What type of other meetings do you have?
To see a complete list of our programs, please click here now. To see a calendar of upcoming events, visit our Calendar page now. Additional opportunities are printed in our Sunday bulletin and in our monthly newsletter. For copies of those items, please visit the church or call us at (269) 964-1252.
Do you have a group for women?
Yes. We have two groups specifically designed for women. They are:
Maple Women’s Support Group: This women’s group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at noon for a light lunch and program. The group supports the church with service and financial aid for special mission needs. The group delivers home baked cookies to the church shut-ins quarterly. All women are invited to attend the meetings for fellowship and sharing.
Women Sharing Faith: This group meets monthly on the second Monday at 7:00 p.m. Women of all faiths are invited to attend to share in Bible study, faith based discussions, and book reviews.
For more information about the time and place for these meetings, please call the church office at (269) 964-1252.
What about a group for men?
A fledgling men's group--The Boys of Maple--hosts sporadic events for the church. Founded in 2013, they have served a dinner to the congregation, honored the women on Mother's Day, and are hosting a trip to a BC Bomber's baseball game in June.
What is the Food Pantry at Maple?
The Maple Food Pantry dispenses much needed food to those in need and is the only pantry in this area to supply baby items such as food, formula and diapers. The Food Pantry is open on Wednesdays from 9:00 – 11:45 a.m. Volunteers are always needed! To volunteer your time, use our online volunteer form, or call the church office at (269) 964-1252.
How can I make a contribution to Maple and/or its outreach programs?
You can make a tax-deductible contribution to Maple right on this website using a major credit card or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover or American Express). Click here now to use this secure system. If you prefer, you may mail your contribution to the church office at the following address:
Maple United Methodist Church
342 Capital Ave NE
Battle Creek, MI 49017
What is the history of Maple United Methodist Church?
You’ll find a complete history of Maple and the Methodist Church movement on our History page. Click here now to read more.
Who can I call for more information?
For more information about Maple and our many programs, please call the church office at (269) 964-1252. Or you may click here now to send an e-mail message. Welcome!
