First-time visit
New to Mafair? We would love to meet you and worship with you this Sunday.
If you are visiting for the first time, we will not embarrass you or have you stand up. We know that many people want to check out the church and “be anonymous” for a while, and that’s fine with us! Come in, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and see if this is the church for you.
We also won’t ask you to give money. We do pass offering plates during the service, but this is for our members and regular attenders. If you are a visitor or guest, please do not feel obligated to give.
Can I watch before attending?
Yes! We have a livestream each Sunday beginning at 11:00am. You can also view past worship services.
Parking and entrances
Dropping off your family? Pull up under the portico on Center Street. This entrance is the closest to the sanctuary.
Our main parking lot is behind the church. The building entrance is through the double doors at the bottom of the ramp. You can take the stairs to your immediate left or the elevator just inside the Fellowship Hall to go up to the first floor and follow the signs to the sanctuary.
Service times and location
Our weekly worship services are on Sundays at 11:00am in the sanctuary and on our YouTube channel. We have Sunday School classes for all ages at 9:45am.
The church’s address is 1409 East Center Street in Kingsport, Tennessee.
When should I arrive?
We suggest you arrive about ten minutes before the worship service (or Sunday school class) begins. This will give you plenty of time to find a convenient parking place, check out our children’s ministry area, and find the right seat in the sanctuary.
If it’s a crazy morning and you’re running late, don’t let that keep you from joining us! We understand that sometimes it’s just “one of those days,” and perhaps those are the most important ones for getting together with friendly people to worship and be rejuvenated.
What should I wear?
Come as you are! We encourage all visitors and members to wear what you desire, whether that be dressed up or dressed down. In other words, expect to see everything from suits and ties, to shirts and jeans. You won’t have to change your wardrobe to worship here.
Our service
Our typical service is about 60 minutes. During the service we’ll spend our time praying, singing, reading Scripture, and hearing a message from Pastor Adam, Pastor Steven, or a guest speaker. 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 to help you know when to do things like stand or sit. All of the responses as well as lyrics to the hymns and songs are put up on the screens to aid in singing. There are also hymnals in the pews for those who want to read the music as well.
Sermon style
The sermons at Mafair are focused on helping us understand God’s Word.
Mafair music
At Mafair, music and singing are a big part of worship! We sing as a way of celebrating the person and work of God.
All worship music, from congregational hymns and praise songs to choir anthems and instrumental solos, is chosen by first examining God’s Word. The worship team discusses each week’s scripture reading and chooses music to surround and point to the lessons we will learn in each service. Our congregational hymns are taken primarily from three sources: The United Methodist Hymnal, The Faith We Sing, and Worship & Song. We believe God has given music to the church so that together its people can own, affirm, rejoice in, and unite around God’s Word.
Music activities are offered on Wednesday nights for disciples of all ages. Youth Ensemble meets from 5:30-6:00, Children from 6:00-6:45, and the Chancel Choir rehearses from 7:30-8:30. We would love to have you join us! You can learn more by contacting 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.
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
We have a nursery downstairs (Room B03). Our nursery staff and volunteers undergo regular background checks as well as training to ensure your littles are well cared for while you worship. Our nursery is safely equipped with appropriate toys, books and activities to suit your child’s growing needs.
Our Mother’s Room is located within the nursery. You will find a quiet room with a rocking chair, sound machine, crib, and changing station for when your baby needs alone time with you.
Our nursery is staffed from 9:30-12:00 on Sunday mornings and 5:30-7:30 on Wednesday evenings.
Kindergarten to 5th grade
Mafair Kids SPLASH (Simply Praising, Loving, And Serving Him) provides a safe and nurturing environment for your children. We do extensive background checks on our volunteers and provide yearly training to ensure that your children are safe and cared for. While they are with us, they will experience the truth of the Bible in a fun, exciting, and practical way. Join us weekly on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am for Sunday School and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm throughout the school year.
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.
During Kids’ Moments, all children are invited to the front of the sanctuary for a special message. After Kids’ Moments on Sundays when Kids’ Church is offered, kids ages 3-7 years may go with our leaders to Kids’ Church (Lower Elementary classroom B07 downstairs) for Bible lessons. Parents may pick up their children at the end of the service.
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.
Young adult ministry
Our Young Adult Ministry focuses on the importance of “in home church.” By meeting regularly in a host home, our young adults grow closer to Christ and one another. In small group, members share a meal, study the word of God, pray for one another and experience life together. Small Group provides a unique atmosphere where you are supported, encouraged and welcomed no matter where you stand in your walk with Christ. For more information contact our young adult leader, Annie Coleman at acoleman@mafairumc.org.
Adult classes
One of the best ways to meet others and develop friendships is to be involved in a Sunday School class. Our classes and groups give opportunities for Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.
Is there a way to meet church leaders or ask questions?
Our staff would love to meet you and answer any questions. Do you have a question that we didn’t answer? Send us an email!
