Our Vision for the Church
“All people connected to God, one another and the world.”
Our Mission for the Church
“To grow passionate followers of Jesus Christ who serve the community”
From the Pastor
Why do people join a church? Here’s a thought: Because they want to connect with God and grow in faith. And then live it out in their daily life in practical ways. Cargill Church seeks to be a place for you to learn, explore, connect and grow. We believe there’s a place for you. No church experience necessary!
— Pastor Steve Scott
Welcome To Cargill United Methodist Church
You are welcome whether you’ve never been part of a church before, or you’re a longtime church member. We are here to help you on your faith journey. We pray that here at Cargill you can find ways to connect with God and others , grow spiritually and learn to serve as Jesus invites us to care for our community.
We are an 800-member congregation located in the south-central Wisconsin city of Janesville, Wisconsin.
As a congregation of The United Methodist Church, we are locally focused and globally connected. We are committed to the city of Janesville and surrounding areas of Rock County.
Pastor Steve Scott has served as lead pastor of Cargill UMC since July 2020. Our discipleship pastor is Amy Powell. Meet other members of our valued leadership team.
Buildings and Grounds
The Cargill Church campus is home to 40 indoor spaces, each dedicated to people of all ages growing in faith. This space includes a main worship center (Sanctuary), the Riggs Chapel, a large gathering space (Fellowship Hall), a licensed kitchen, the lounge, classrooms and meeting spaces. In the center of the building is an enclosed English garden called the Garth.
The building is also home to Cargill Christian Learning Center, which services more than 100 families.
With such a large space, we need all eyes on any maintenance needing attention in the building. If you see something, download the below form, fill it out, and submit it to [email protected].
Who We Are
Cargill UMC represents a cross-section of people of various ages and backgrounds. Some of us are new and questioning. Others are spiritually mature. There’s not a mold you have to fit into here.
Be Our Guest
If this is your first time here, we hope you feel like a guest, not just a visitor. We remember what it’s like to visit a church for the first time! We won’t single you out but hope you feel welcomed.
Cargill and COVID-19
We commit to being a grace-filled, compassionate community dedicated to showing respect for the health of others and our own well-being.
Wearing a facemask is discretionary inside Cargill UMC. We encourage anyone to wear a mask if they prefer, and ask that everyone respects that decision.
Please respect appropriate distancing from others outside your house hold. If you do not feel well, we encourage you to remain safer-at-home. Health officials strongly recommend, and Cargill UMC encourages, that those who gather in public gatherings have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
What Are Your Services Like?
We worship through music, spoken word, prayer, and learning from Scripture. Some of our services follow a set order of worship, while others are more informal.
When Do You Worship?
Worshiping together is the heart of what we do as the church. It’s how we “get on the same page” as Cargill people and connect with one another. All worship services are held in the main sanctuary. You may worship at one of several times each week. Past services are available on YouTube and live-streamed at 9 a.m. Sundays.
This is a chance to worship if your Sunday schedule doesn’t allow. It’s a relaxed gathering with a smaller group of worshipers.
Experience the heart of the Christian tradition with spoken word, music and prayer that reflects the fullness and beauty of Christian worship.
A fresh expression of worship: Church for a changing culture. Focused on listening as well as speaking, connecting worship & service, and growing as followers of Jesus.
What is Typical Attire
You may dress comfortably for worship. You will find many wear casual clothes (including shorts in summer), while others are attired more formally. Either way, we welcome you!
Where Can I Park?
The West Lot is our largest, and allows easy access to the West Entrance, as well as a walkway to the North Entrance. There is handicapped parking availbale and a covered area for drop offs.
The North entrance does not have a dedicated parking area except for several handicapped parking spots and street parking along Wesley Avenue.
There is also a South entrance but it used mainly for our Learning Center for security purposes.
Children’s Sunday School
Everyone begins in worship together. Children may sit with their families or enjoy the children tables at the front of the Sanctuary. At the beginning of service, children ages five through fifth grade will be invited to follow a shepherd to age-level Sunday school.
Note: On the first Sunday of each month (Communion Sunday), children are invited to stay in worship with their families for the entire service.
Children can be picked up in the Fellowship Hall following the worship service.
Youth Classes
We have groups specifically for youth 6th through 8th grade and from 9th through 12th grade. They are designed to help young people understand their faith through the lens of real-life experience.
We also offer a youth faith-formation class called Confirmation. Adults are also welcome. The new class will begin in November of 2023. For more information about Confirmation Class, contact Pastor Amy Powell.
Free Child Care in Our Nursery
We offer free child care in a supervised nursery during both the 9 am and 10:30 am Sunday worship services. For children up through age 4. You may bring your child before the service begins or at any time during worship. Pagers are available to rest your mind at ease and our staff is happy to answer any of your questions.
We also do our best to offer childcare during special events and services.
About Baptism
As United Methodists, we believe that baptism unites us with Christ’s church. Baptism brings new members into the fellowship of the church and marks the beginning of a process of growth toward God. It’s a symbol of new life and a promise of God’s saving love, and a sign of God’s forgiveness for our sins. Water is the special symbol of baptism.
About Holy Communion
In the United Methodist Church, we practice open Communion. That is, all who are baptized in any Christian tradition are welcome to receive the bread and cup as Jesus gave them to the disciples.
You are welcome to come forward as the pastor extends Jesus’ invitation to “all who love God, seek to follow him, and pray to live in peace with one another.”
All bread served is gluten-free. Grape juice, not wine, is offered.
Communion is typically celebrated on the first Sunday of the month.
About the Offering
You will find offering plates at the back of the sanctuary at the end of each service. You also may give online – regularly or a one-time contribution.