Your Questions, Answered

  • Sunday mornings start with Coffee & Conversation around 11am, with worship beginning at 11:30am. Services typically run about an hour.

    We're at 1800 Redrock Drive in Gallup, between Rehoboth Hospital and GIMC. Parking is on the east side of the building.

  • You'll be greeted warmly the moment you walk in, no matter who you are or how you're dressed. Folks will be excited to see you. We'll try not to be too embarrassing about it.

    Worship lasts about an hour. We sing hymns, but the pastor wears jeans and tells the worst jokes. We're traditionally untraditional that way. Communion is served on the first Sunday of every month and is open to all who wish to receive.

    Park on the east side of the building and walk on in. That's the whole process.

  • We have Children's Sunday School from 10:45am until worship begins at 11:30am, and we share a Children's Moment together during the service itself.

    Beyond that, we don't currently have dedicated programming for kids or youth. But we have folks who are ready and willing to build those programs when the need arises. If you've got kids and you'd like to see something happen, let us know. That's often how things get started around here.

  • We are a United Methodist congregation, and we stand by the doctrine, mission, and Social Principles of our denomination. To learn more about what United Methodists believe, we invite you to explore:

    Our Christian Beliefs
    Our Wesleyan Heritage
    Our Social Principles

    The UMC is what's often called a "big tent" denomination, which is a way of saying we hold space for a wide range of theological perspectives under one shared roof. From progressive to traditional, contemplative to charismatic, lifelong Methodists to folks who just walked in for the first time, United Methodists have long believed that the body of Christ is bigger than any one of us, and that we are made stronger by the company of those who see God a little differently than we do. We don't all agree on everything. We don't have to. What we share is a common table, a common mission, and a common conviction that God's grace is wide enough to hold us all.

  • Yes. Fully.

    We are a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive congregation. We believe that all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, ability, immigration status, or any other dimension of who they are, are beloved by God and worthy of full participation in the life of this church.

    We stand firmly behind the United Methodist Social Principles and the work of Reconciling Ministries, and we believe the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to a love that does not require anyone to be smaller, quieter, or less than who they were made to be. You are welcome here. All of you.

  • We help where we can, when we can, however we can. We're a small congregation with limited resources, so we work on a case-by-case basis.

    If you're going through something hard and you think we might be able to help, please reach out. Email, call, or stop by the office when we're open and let's talk. We'd rather hear from you than have you wonder whether to ask.

  • Our building is fully accessible for folks with mobility needs.

    We don't currently have hearing assistance technology in place, but it's on our list of things we'd like to add. Bulletins are available in large print on request, and we're committed to working with you on whatever accommodations would help you participate fully. If there's something you need, please ask. We'd rather know than guess.

  • The first step is showing up. After that, the second step is showing up again. And again.

    You're welcome here whenever the doors are unlocked, and you don't need to be a member to be part of what we do. If you feel called to help meet a need, or you've got an idea for a ministry that doesn't exist yet, come talk to us. We want people who are willing to imagine what this church could be and roll up their sleeves to help build it.

    If you'd like to talk about baptism, confirmation, or formal membership, the pastor would love to have that conversation with you. Just reach out.

  • Yes to all three, plus facility rentals.

    Membership isn't required, but there are some stipulations depending on the circumstances. Contact our office and we can walk you through what's involved for your specific situation.

  • There's a "Donate" tab right here on our website where you can make a one-time gift or set up recurring giving.

    Here's how we think about it: giving is one of the ways we invest in the mission and ministry of this church, in this community. It's not required, and it doesn't earn anyone special treatment or special access. We'd much rather you keep food on the table, the lights on, and your kids taken care of than give beyond your means to us. If you're able to give, we're grateful. If you're not, you're still fully part of this church.

  • Our pastor is Ryan Remington. He and his wife were moved here by the New Mexico Annual Conference, and he began serving First UMC Gallup on July 1, 2025. We share Ryan with First UMC Grants, which means he splits his time between our two congregations.

    You can reach Ryan by email at pastor@fumcgallup.org. He's not always in the office during the week, but he's quick to respond and happy to set up a time to talk, meet for coffee, or schedule a pastoral visit.

  • Our office is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm, with about an hour closed around lunch. The pastor isn't always in during office hours, but our office staff is.

    You're welcome to come by to look around, sit and pray in the Chapel or Sanctuary, or talk through whatever you need to talk through. If you'd like to meet with the pastor specifically, the best way to set that up is by emailing pastor@fumcgallup.org.