Welcome to Garner UMC
Sharing the journey of faith together!
You Are the Reason
Welcome to Garner United Methodist Church!
We’re glad you’d like to learn more about our congregation. Located in the heart of Garner, Iowa, our church is a thriving community where faith meets heartfelt worship and community-focused missions.
We are deeply rooted in Methodist traditions and committed to a journey of spiritual growth and service.
You Are Welcome Here
Message from Pastor Kristin
Rev. Kristin Wolf Peters has been the minister of Garner United Methodist Church since July 1, 2022. Kristin was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia in 2017. She is married to Rev. Lou Peters (ELCA), and they have one daughter and one son. She loves animals, crocheting, singing, and being outdoors.
Before she began her ministry, Kristin studied and worked as an actor concentrating in music theatre and directing. Following studies at Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.), Kristin worked as a Global Mission Intern in Chiang Mai, Thailand. She served as the program facilitator at the Institute of Religion, Culture & Peace at Payap University, and alongside the Christian Communications Institute as they performed Christian Bible stories in Likay (Thai Traditional Folklore).
Kristin is a Board Eligible chaplain currently serving in Mason City, IA. Previously, she served as the pastor of United Trinity Parish in Humeston, IA; as the interim minister at Chariton Christian Church in Chariton, IA; and worked as the Interfaith and Member Organizer at the Fairbanks Climate Action Coalition in Fairbanks, AK.
Kristin honors her calling as a follower of Jesus beyond the congregational walls by serving ecumenically and secularly within the community. Her passions include social justice, assisting those affected by substance use and their families, and liturgy writing.
In Alaska, Kristin served on the board for The Poor People’s Campaign, 2020-2022; and on the Clergy Advocacy Board for Planned Parenthood, 2020-2022 (National). Most summers Kristin serves as a camp counselor at the Rustic Chi Rho session of the Christian Conference Center in the Upper Midwest Region in Newton, IA.
Kristin’s ministry is underlined by a combination of Liberation and Process Theologies. Kristin is a dynamic preacher and, while she may be informal in appearance (covered in many tattoos), she leads in a traditional style of worship.
Come meet our pastor on Sunday mornings during worship, or reach out by email to set aside time to connect during the week.
Kristin
Pastor Kristin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is worship like?
Worship takes place at 10:15 a.m. except from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, when it is at 9:30 a.m. Weekly worship contains liturgical elements, hymns, prayers, scripture, children’s time, and a message. A variety of sources/contributors are used for the liturgical parts, and we use both The United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing book. Communion is part of the service on the first Sunday of the month and is offered at the altar after the service on the remaining Sundays. We have an active adult choir that generally sings twice a month from September through May. Worship is streamed live on Facebook (search Garner Iowa United Methodist Church) and can be accessed there anytime. You can also find the service on our YouTube channel (Garner IA UMC-Media) or here on our website.
Adult and youth Sunday School are offered at 9 a.m. from September through May. Registration is held in August, or you can call the church office (641-923-2191) for help registering your children at other times.
I have children. How does worship work for us?
We have a nursery with a TV that livestreams our service. We will soon have that nursery staffed under our Safe Sanctuary policy; parents may then leave their children in the nursery and worship in the Sanctuary.
How should we dress for worship?
Come in what makes you comfortable. Wear shorts, wear jeans, dress up … it all works.
During Communion what should I do?
Communion is part of our worship service on the first Sunday of each month and is offered at the altar at the conclusion of the service on the remaining Sundays. We practice an open table; all are welcome to take communion. Our pastor will outline the logistics during the service.
Do we need to give an offering? How does that work?
All gifts are received with gratitude and humility here, and whether you choose to give an offering and the amount you give are up to you. We are a mission-minded congregation. Any offering you give will help support our missions, outreach, facilities, worship, and nurture. Children in attendance collect quarters during the singing of our second hymn; those support a specific ministry designated for the month (noted in the bulletin). Our ushers collect general offerings later in the service. We also offer direct deposit and a PayPal option.
How do people follow along with worship? Will I be able to keep up?
Our worship outline is printed in a bulletin our ushers hand out at worship. You may also choose to follow along on the large screen in the Sanctuary. Hymnals are in the pews if you’d like to use them.
Where should I park? How do I get to the worship area?
Parking is available on the north side of the church or in the parking lot accessible from the north and east sides of the church. Some street parking is available on the east, south, and west sides of our facility, and you may also park in the courthouse lot to the west of the church. We do have a drive-up on the west side if you want to let someone off at the door.
Our Sanctuary is located at the south end of our facility. You may enter the doors on the north side of the facility and follow the hallway or enter the south doors on the circle drive area.
I'm nervous in new social situations. Will I have to talk to people?
Someone will probably greet you, but you do not need to carry on conversations. Our passing of the peace at the end of the service is set up to allow any level of interaction–from none to a long visit.
I have a disability. Can I still participate in worship?
Definitely! Our entire facility is on one level, and the south entrance off the circle drive is handicap accessible. We offer a hearing loop and large-print bulletins; let our ushers know what you need.
People like me aren't welcome at every church. What about yours?
God’s welcome is our welcome, and ALL are welcome here.