I haven't been to church in years. What should I expect?
Expect to be welcome, not just at LifeSign, but at any of Burke UMC's worship services. If you're curious about what the next LifeSign worship service will hold, please visit our Worship page. Keep in mind, you don't have to do anything you don't want to-- clapping, singing, taking communion (note: in Methodist churches, all are certainly welcome to the Lord's table for communion). Everyone is on his or her own journey. If you've been away from the church, God doesn't stop loving you. Our LifeSign and Sunday morning services can help remind you just how much God does.

What's the United Methodist Church all about?
You can visit the official website for the United Methodist Church by clicking here.

What is a "worship leader?"
As the title implies, a worship leader is simply responsible for leading the congregation together in worship. Worship leaders have searched through prayer, and are prepared to do what God is asking him or her to do, in order to bring a spirit of worship to the service. Ultimately a worship leader asks that God's word be heard through them. Rev. Bryson Smith and Mary Leaphart are LifeSign's regular worship leaders at Burke. Together with the Praise Band and others' musical gifts (see our Music and Worship pages!), LifeSign leads the congregation in celebration of the abundant life Jesus offers.

Can I get baptized or become a member, during a LifeSign service?
Yes. LifeSign has baptisms for young and old, and new member confirmations just like Sunday services.

Do you have communion at LifeSign?
Yes. LifeSign typically follows the same schedule as Sunday communions-the first Sunday of each month. Because the congregation at LifeSign services is, right now, more intimately sized than the Sunday services, we are able to have communion more often than once a month, when called to do so.

Why is there a band at LifeSign?
LifeSign services are driven by music, and the more contemporary music we use benefits from the high energy that resonates with a band. LifeSign typically has more music than the Sunday services, so the band has a very integral role in the LifeSign service.

Can I request a song during LifeSign?
Well, during a LifeSign service, the order of worship has already been set. But you can certainly request a song on this website (visit our Music page), or by writing your request on the CLIPBOARD at a LifeSign service (see next question).

What's the Clipboard for?
LifeSign uses the Clipboard sheets to take attendance, so we can best serve our congregation-- visitors and regulars alike. Everyone is encouraged to sign in. On the clipboard sheet you will also find a place for comments, concerns, prayer requests, or even song requests for future LifeSign services. The clipboard also offers you a chance to communicate directly to the pastor.

How can I learn the songs you play at LifeSign?
"Keep on comin' to church, 'cause we'll keep playing them." - Bryson
We play a lot of the same songs in LifeSign services. The more you come, the more you'll hear them. We also project the words for each song on the wall in the sanctuary. Some lyrics and sound files are available on our Music page. We also list contemporary Christian music CDs and artists whose songs we use-including the LifeSign Band's new CD Upward. It's a must have! See our Music page for more info.

Is there Sunday School or childcare during LifeSign?
"Bring your babies!" - Bryson
There is childcare available for babies through age four during LifeSign services. We also offer children's Church School ("Sunday" School) that meets after the service (unless it's a potluck dinner night!). There is a concurrent Adult and Youth Bible Study as well. Please see our Study page for more details.

Is there an Adult Bible study for LifeSign?
Yes. LifeSign offers an Adult and Youth Bible study that meets during the week. Burke UMC offers a wide variety of study opportunities for all to gather and be involved. We offer a concurrent children's Church School as well. Please see our Study page for more details.

Does LifeSign have any fellowship activities? How about community or mission activities?
LifeSign fellowship has a unique history of impromptu events ("mostly involving food" - Bryson) where groups will go out for coffee or even dinner after a service. LifeSign is actively sponsoring monthly potluck dinners. In addition, LifeSign is connected to the rest of Burke UMC's fellowship activities and opportunities. The bulletin we use on Saturday night is the same bulletin used on Sunday morning. It's full of churchwide activities to fill your social calendar. Visit our Fellowship page for more information.

Why does Burke UMC offer a LifeSign service?
Burke UMC recognizes the community's need for different types of worship services, and LifeSign is offered to meet that need. We're thinking of a forward-generation evangelism tool, offering a different way to bring people to Jesus by recognizing the needs of our community, and meeting that need. Some people prefer the contemporary music of the LifeSign Band to the (albeit lovely) organ hymns and large choirs of Sunday morning. Other people just enjoy something different from week to week. Still others like their Sunday mornings free. Burke UMC fully supports all of its worship services, and each one reaches different people, at different times, in unique ways.

Who goes to LifeSign?
If you look at demographic studies of contemporary worship services, the typical range is 18-37 year olds. If you look at Burke's LifeSign service, the answer is: EVERYONE. We have young families, older families, singles, couples, teens, and retirees. Plus, when you attend LifeSign, you still enjoy the connection to the rest of Burke's congregation. There are many volunteer, mission, and fellowship opportunities available. Everyone is welcome.

…but I like the traditional services. What about them?
"I like traditional services too." -Bryson
We're all Burke Church! LifeSign is offered for people who may prefer a contemporary service over the traditional service, and for people who like traditional worship but enjoy a different experience. It's the Spirit that leads us. When you hear an acoustic version of Amazing Grace at LifeSign, it may move you just as much as a beautiful organ or choir rendition; it might move you in a new way too.