Worship | What to Expect

At Gator Wesley, we value each and every person. Because each one of you matter so much, we have created a weekly opportunity that allows for all levels of comfort with the current COVID-19 situation. Our hope is to be fully back in the worship space as soon as it is safe for all. In the meantime, we've switched some things up and have created a night that we feel will allow for all to be safe and will accommodate all comfort levels. We are thankful for your understanding and flexibility as we navigate this fall semester together!

• We gather @ Wesley at 7pm on the Gator Wesley patio to see each other, share a meal outdoors and connect.
• At around 7:30 (weather permitting) we will have live worship set on the patio with a small band.
• Following the worship set, we'll move upstairs to hear a message, a few announcements and have desserts and coffee.

*In the event of rain, we will go upstairs first and come back down to the patio to close with a worship set and desserts.

 **As of 08/2021, Gator Wesley requires masks at all indoor events at our building.

We know that meeting new people for the first time can be intimidating, and checking out a campus ministry can be intense. We want you to know that there is a place for you at Gator Wesley.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT A GATOR WESLEY WORSHIP EXPERIENCE:

Worship happens on Sunday nights in the 2nd floor worship space at Gator Wesley. We eat a free dinner prepared by our students and staff beginning at 7:00pm and then move to a time of live music and worship around 7:30. After, we move upstairs. Below is what a typical worship experience at Gator Wesley is like.

WORSHIP SET

During a typical night we will sing three or four songs. Some will be fast-paced energetic songs, and others will be slower, more reflective songs. Everything we do during worship is to create an opportunity for students to connect with God in meaningful ways and to create an atmosphere where you are able to express yourself in ways that offer thanks and gratitude for the work that God is doing in each of us and in our community.

WELCOME AND GREETING

We gather in the worship space and one of our directors will welcome everyone to worship. This is a time to be reminded that we are called to do this life together and that we gather as the Body of Christ.

MESSAGE

Our typical teaching time is about thirty minutes, and our main teachers are our co-directors, Heather and Joel Pancoast. We usually teach by using a series of messages centered around a specific topic. You can find all of our past messages on our main Facebook page. Our goal is to share a relevant message

that points us toward the work that God desires to do in us and through us as we grow and learn to reflect the character of Jesus.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

These are meant to inform everyone about the key happenings in and around Gator Wesley. You can always find more info through our website, Instagram, and Facebook.

COMMUNION

Communion is an important part of the life of the church. It is a reminder that Jesus invites us into a story of grace and love. It is an opportunity to

remember the special meal Jesus ate with his disciples the night before his death. This ancient tradition is one that we regularly participate in at Gator

Wesley. The communion table at Gator Wesley, and in the United Methodist Church, is an open one. There are no prerequisites involved. All are invited

and all are welcome. During communion, you will be invited to participate. We use a method called intinction. A piece of bread will be torn and given to you.

You then dip the bread in a cup of grape juice and eat it. Communion is not a requirement during our worship. You are free to participate as you feel led.

Our directors and staff are always open to questions and conversations about communion.

AFTER WORSHIP

After the message and response time, we have an extended time for gathering in community and getting to know each other. There are usually

desserts and music playing during this time. At this point, you are welcomed to stay, connect with a staff person, or exit the worship space. Most Sundays,

you’ll be greeted by someone at the door as you leave with a small gift (usually chocolate!) as a reminder that you are loved and that we hope you have a great

week!

LOCATION & DIRECTIONS

Gator Wesley is located right across from the University of Florida on the corner of W University Ave and NW 14th St. right next door to The Standard.

What's the culture like at Gator Wesley?

We are a diverse mix of backgrounds, personalities, talents, and gifts. Our hope at Gator Wesley is to encourage and develop lives that reflect the love of Christ. That means a lot of things, and we want you to know that regardless of your past, present, or future, you are welcome and loved by the people of Gator Wesley. The atmosphere is pretty laid-back, and we are intentionally focused on moving forward, growing, and leaning into community as we learn from and grow with each other.

Want more info before you come to Gator Wesley?

If you're not quite ready to check us out in person, we would love to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Please feel free to check out the rest of our website! GatorWesley.life is about connecting you to the next steps of finding community here at Gator Wesley. You can find a calendar of events, ways to serve and lead, mission opportunities, and all the details of our events and trips! Follow the links to our Facebook page and Instagram for more pictures and updates on our past and upcoming events!