First-time visit
We’re so glad you’re here—and we’d love to meet you! Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time, returning after a break, or looking for a new church home, you are welcome at Mafair.
If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t worry—we won’t single you out or make you stand up. We know trying out a new church can be a little intimidating, so feel free to slip in, check things out, and stay as anonymous as you like. Come as you are, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and see if Mafair feels like home.
We also don’t expect visitors to give. Yes, we pass offering plates during the service, but that’s for folks who already call Mafair home. We’re just grateful you came—no pressure at all.
Service times and location
Our worship service is every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary and online.
Address:
1409 East Center Street, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664
Can I watch before attending?
Absolutely! You can join us live every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. on our YouTube channel, or check out previous worship services anytime. Pajamas and coffee totally allowed.
When should I arrive?
We suggest arriving about 10 minutes early. That gives you time to park, check out our children’s area if needed, and find a seat.
Running late? Come anyway. We all have “those mornings,” and sometimes that’s when we need church the most.
Parking and entrances
If you’re dropping someone off, pull under the portico on Center Street—that’s the entrance closest to the sanctuary.
Our main parking lot is behind the church. Enter through the double doors at the bottom of the ramp. Inside, you’ll find stairs to your left and an elevator in the Fellowship Hall to take you up to the sanctuary level. Look for signs along the way.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Some folks dress up, others come in jeans and sneakers. There’s no dress code here and no expectations. We care that you’re here, not what you’re wearing. However you show up, you are truly welcome.
Our service
Our Sunday service lasts about an hour. We pray, sing, read Scripture, and hear a message from our pastor or a guest speaker. On some Sundays, we’ll celebrate the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion) or rejoice as new followers of Jesus are baptized. Simple instructions are provided along the way, and you’ll always know when to stand or sit. Words to prayers, hymns, and songs are projected on screens, and hymnals are also in the pews if you’d like to follow along that way.
Learn more about why we do what we do.
Sermon style
Our sermons are practical and Bible-based—focused on how God’s Word speaks into real life. We hope you leave feeling encouraged, challenged, and maybe even smiling.
Mafair music
Music is a big part of worship here! We sing as a way of celebrating and responding to God’s love.
Each week, our worship team selects music that flows from Scripture and supports the message of the day. You’ll hear a mix of congregational hymns, choir anthems, solos, and instrumental pieces. Our music comes primarily from three hymnals: The United Methodist Hymnal, The Faith We Sing, and Worship & Song. We believe music helps us rejoice in, affirm, and unite around God’s Word.
Want to get involved? Music activities take place on Wednesday evenings during the school year:
Youth Ensemble: 5:00–5:30 p.m.
Children’s Music: 6:00–6:45 p.m.
Chancel Choir: 7:30–8:30 p.m.
During the summer, we have a more relaxed Summer Choir that rehearses easier music from 6:30-7:00 and then does various group activities either at the church or around town.
For more info, contact our music director, Kristen Marian at kmarian@mafairumc.org.
What do you believe?
Mafair is a church in the Appalachian District of the Holston Conference of The United Methodist Church. You can visit https://www.umc.org/en/who-we-are/what-we-believe to learn more about our denomination’s beliefs.
What Bible translation do you use?
We primarily use the Common English Bible (CEB), but other versions are used as well.
Is the building accessible?
Yes. Our building has an elevator, accessible restrooms, and designated parking. If you have specific accessibility needs, let us know how we can support you.
Safe Sanctuaries
God has called us to make our ministries safe and to protect our children, youth, and other vulnerable people from abuse and exploitation. God has also called us to create communities of faith where children, youth, and other vulnerable people can be safe and grow strong. Read our Safe Sanctuaries policy for more information.
Infants to preschool
Our nursery (Room B03, downstairs) is open Sundays from 9:30–12:00 and Wednesdays during the school year from 5:30–7:30. Staff and volunteers are background-checked and trained. It’s a cozy, safe space with age-appropriate toys, books, and activities.
A Mother’s Room is located inside the nursery with a rocking chair, crib, changing station, and sound machine for quiet time with your baby.
Kindergarten to 5th grade
Mafair Kids SPLASH (Simply Praising, Loving, And Serving Him) provides a fun, safe place for kids to grow in faith and experience Bible truth in hands-on, age-appropriate ways. Volunteers are background-checked and trained annually.
Kids in worship
God made kids active and conversational, and we love it when they are active and conversational in our church. There is nothing wrong with wiggle in worship!
Relax! It’s okay to let kids be kids here.
Sit close! Consider sitting toward the front where it’s easier for kids to see what’s going on in the service.
Join in! Kids learn by copying what they see. If you sing, respond, pray, and engage in the service, your kids will too.
Need to step out? Sometimes kids just need a break. Feel free to step out if you need to, but please come back!
If your kids like to doodle, grab some of the creative items located at the entrance to the sanctuary.
Each Sunday, kids are invited to the front for Kids’ Moments. On Sundays when Kids’ Church is offered, children ages 3–7 may head out afterward for Bible lessons (Room B07, downstairs). You can pick them up at the end of worship.
For more information about our Kids’ Ministries, visit our Kids SPLASH page.
6th to 12th Grade
Our Teen Ministry is a safe place for students to build relationships, gain skills, partake in many opportunities, and grow spiritually. Age-specific teaching, worship through song, and involvement in small groups are key components in impacting our students’ lives.
Join us weekly on Sunday mornings at 9:45am for Sunday School and Wednesdays at 6:15pm throughout the school year. In addition to weekly programming and small groups, students also have opportunities to participate in retreats, outings, mission trips, and service projects to impact the local community.
Our youth leaders and volunteers undergo background checks and complete yearly training to assure your teens are safe and well cared for at Mafair.
For more information about our Youth Ministry, visit our Youth Ministry page.
Adult discipleship groups
One of the best ways to get connected is through our small groups and discipleship classes. They offer a chance to grow spiritually and build real friendships.
Interested in finding a group? Talk to the Pastor or contact the church office.
Will I be able to meet anyone?
Yes! Mafair folks are friendly, and we’re always glad to welcome new faces. After worship, many people stick around to chat—feel free to say hi or ask questions. If you’d rather ease in more gradually, that’s okay too. You’re welcome at your own pace.
I’m not sure what I believe. Am I still welcome?
Absolutely. Mafair is a safe place to ask questions, wrestle with doubt, and explore faith at your own pace. You don’t have to have it all figured out to be here. In fact, most of us don’t!
Still wondering about something?
We’d love to help! Send us an email (info@mafairumc.org) or call the church office at (423) 378-9620. We’re happy to chat, answer questions, or just say hello.