Visitor's Center

Welcome! We invite you to come and get connected at Lenexa United Methodist Church! There are many opportunities to do this — through worship, Sunday School, Wednesday Night Oasis (during the school year), music, ChristCare small groups, Preschool and Children's Day Out, and so much more! Below are questions newcomers often have — we hope that providing answers you will quickly feel comfortable and welcome with us!

Where is Lenexa United Methodist Church located?

We are in Old Town Lenexa at
9138 Caenen Lake Road
Lenexa, KS 66215

How can I contact the church?

Main Phone: 913-888-5600
Preschool: 913-888-6300
Office e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Fax: 913-888-5609

The church's main office hours are 9am–3pm, Monday–Friday.
The Preschool hours are 9am–3pm, Monday–Friday, following the Shawnee Mission School System's calendar. During summer, messages are picked up periodically throughout the week. If you have an urgent message during school breaks, you can contact the church office.

What is unique about Lenexa United Methodist Church?

The families who founded Lenexa in the late 1800s also founded this congregation. From the beginning there has been a close-knit, family atmosphere, which has persisted, even as the community and our church have continued to grow. It's something visitors and new members often mention. Comments like: "I just felt at home immediately." "People are so friendly and caring." "It doesn't feel like a big church, but all the programs are here." "We were looking for a church that emphasized children and youth ministry and that's why we decided this is our church."

At Lenexa United Methodist Church, we believe that our love of Jesus Christ must extend beyond our four walls and our members. We are engaged in ministry in our community. We helped to start and continue to support and stock the Community Food Pantry at the Johnson County Service Center. There are mission work groups of middle school, high school, young adult and adults that do hands on work. Everything from home repair locally, to assisting in the rebuilding in Greensburg, KS, to cleanup and reconstruction on the Gulf Coast. A group of our members assist at a Lenexa elementary school, tutoring in reading, and every fall our youth rake leaves for elderly church members. We have also embraced a few families in crisis that we have helped extensively and who have become accepted members of our church family. We believe that, while money is important, being in mission means more than just sending our cash. It means getting involved and getting our hands dirty.

Our congregation began as a small Bible study, and Christian education and discipleship continue to be central to our purpose and mission "to create an enthusiastic Christian community, formed in the faith and transformed into dynamic servants of Jesus." We create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can transform us by God's love into disciples of Jesus Christ. It is not just about what we believe, but how our faith translates into service to others.

What does Lenexa United Methodist Church believe?

We are part of the United Methodist Church. We share a common heritage with all Christians, confessing belief in the triune God — a God we describe in a 3-fold nature as Father (Creator), Son (Redeemer), and Holy Spirit (Counselor). Our congregation has an "Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors" policy, welcoming everyone. For a more detailed description of what United Methodist believe, please visit the denomination's website United Methodist Beliefs.

What times are the worship services?

Sundays at 9 and 10:30am.
During the summer (usually mid-June through the end of August) we have an 8am service at the Gazebo at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (87th Street Parkway and Lackman Road in Lenexa).

What are the worship services like?

The 9am worship service has a contemporary flair to it, with music led by "The Spirit Singers". Many of the songs are contemporary and the service is multi-media, with song lyrics, words to the prayers, etc. on an overhead screen. This is the service our youth attend before heading to their own Sunday School at 10:30. Communion is typically offered the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month.

The 10:30am worship service is more traditional. We usually sing hymns from the United Methodist Hymnal and use printed bulletins that have the order of worship in them. This is a family-oriented service, with a special "Children's Moment" early enough in the service so children can go to 10:30 Sunday School if they want, or to the Nursery. Communion is typically offered the 1st Sunday of each month.

The summer Park service is very informal. Bring a lawn chair, dress casually, and enjoy live music by the Park Singers in this nature-filled service. You are invited to head to church after this to enjoy Sunday School at 9 or 10:30am.

What do the Colors mean in the Church?

We change the colors of the cloths at the front of the sanctuary (on the altar, etc.) throughout the year to represent the different Christian days and seasons, also called the "Liturgical Year." The year begins with Advent, four Sundays before Christmas. The main colors for Advent are blue and purple, symbolizing royalty. At Christmas the color white symbolizes the purity of Christ. There really are 12 days of Christmas in the church year, followed by the season of Epiphany which begins in early January. During this season we focus on Jesus' life among us and how we are called to follow and grow in Christ. We symbolize that growth with the color green.

The season of Epiphany is followed by Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday and leads us to Easter. During Lent, the color purple signifies humility, as we are called to reflect inwardly and prepare our hearts for resurrection life. On Easter Sunday we turn to white, once again symbolizing Christ's purity. We continue this color until Pentecost (50 days after Easter), when red symbolizes the fire of God's Holy Spirit at work in our lives. After Pentecost, we turn once again to green and focus on our work as Christ's servants in the world. The colors change to white for All Saints Day (typically celebrated on the first Sunday in November), and for other special services throughout the year. You will also notice special banners and other visuals around the church and Sanctuary used to celebrate the seasons. These are all rich with symbols and meaning, helping to reinforce and deepen the message of the season and that of Christ's love for us in general.

Are you going to ask for an offering from me?

We do pass an offering plate during worship, bringing our gifts to serve God. No one is ever expected or dictated to give, as this is a very personal decision. God's Word teaches that our offerings should reflect our belief that all we have is God's gift to us — it teaches us that with our offerings we worship and honor God. These offerings give us the opportunity to not only show love to Christ, but also to support the work of our congregation as we bring the Good News of Christ's love to more people. If you have questions about this, you are welcome to talk with one of the pastors or our business administrator.

How do I dress for worship and other events?

There is no dress code in the Bible — or at Lenexa UMC. People dress for comfort, individual style, weather, and to set a personal tone for their time of worship and fellowship. On any Sunday at our church you will most likely see people dressed in heels, suits, ties, khakis, jeans, running shoes, open collars, etc. God accepts us all, no matter what we wear!

I don't know that much about the Bible, is that a problem?

 Absolutely not! We all are growing daily in our knowledge and understanding of God's Word as we develop and practice our faith. Worship and Bible studies are opportunities to do this. There are Bibles provided in the pews, Church Library and Sunday School rooms for you to use. If you are wondering what version of the Bible might work best for you, our pastors can guide you with this decision.

Is the church accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes! Our accessible entry is on the west side of the building. We have an elevator to allow access to all floor levels. If you need special seating or need any other accommodations, please let someone in the church office know (or talk with an usher Sunday morning). We can also accommodate your children's special needs for Sunday School, etc. — just let us know how we can provide the best learning and most nurturing environment.

Is childcare available?

Yes! On Sunday mornings, the Nursery (Room 206, upstairs just down the hall from the Sanctuary) is available for children aged birth–age 5, from 9am–noon. (Note: children are always welcome during worship services). Childcare is also available Wednesday evenings during the school year, for small groups, committee meetings, and for a variety of other gatherings. Childcare is free and always staffed by people who have successfully completed the United Methodist's Protection Policy Training.