FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Calvary United Methodist Church is located in the North Side at the corner of Allegheny Avenue and Beech Avenue, just a short walk from Heinz Field and the campus of Allegheny Community College.

Every Sunday morning in the Sanctuary at 11:00am.

If you are visiting for the first time, you will not be asked to stand up or to wear a red ribbon, but you may be greeted and welcomed by any number of our church family during the Community Greeting part of our service. Upon entering the sanctuary you will be greeted and handed a bulletin that will give you all the information you will need to participate in the worship service. It will also include our weekly announcements and upcoming events. You may also request a large print hymnal from a greeter at this time. There are Visitor Cards in the backs of the pews that we ask you to fill out if like so that we can get to know you better and help you get the most out of your experience with Calvary. We have a worship service mixed with both contemporary and traditional elements. A fellowship luncheon follows worship. Everyone is invited to a time of fellowship and a light lunch in our Fellowship Hall which is accessible by elevator or stairs. Our Feed the Sheep program invites congregants to sponsor and serve the refreshments during this favorite time at Calvary.

No worries - you're NOT expected to "know what to do". At every point in the service, guides are available either in the bulletin or on the media screen to help you. And no, we WON'T embarrass you by pointing you out as a "Visitor" or ask you to introduce yourself in front of the church. We want you to have a positive spiritual experience in our church! We've been told that coming to our church feels like "coming home" - we want you to feel like a part of the family.

Single? Married? Divorced? Old? Young? Gay? Straight? Rich? Poor? Black/White/Hispanic/Asian/etc...?

So are we! You’ll fit right in.

Parking is free and plentiful!

Special Needs Parking

• Lot behind the church for easy access to the handicap ramp
• On street directly in front of the church (Allegheny Avenue) for easy access to front doors

Regular Sunday Parking

• "Presby" lot between Dounton Way and Western Avenue
• "Off The Floor" lot directly across from the front of the church
• Vacant lot behind the row houses next to the "Off The Floor" lot (Caution: gravel and tripping hazards)

Steelers Sunday 1:00pm Games

• NO "Presby," "Off the Floor," or vacant lot parking
• Use lot on Behan Street
• Please respect special needs parking spaces
• Pleae note that you may get a parking ticket if you park on any street on Steeler Sundays
• Please do not pay to park in any of the lots charging money!

There are several entrances to the church, some are used regularly, some only during special events, and some are closed permanently. Which entrance to use depends on the day and also on the weather.

Sundays for Morning Worship, Warm Weather

• One entrance in the front of the building along Allegheny Avenue
• Two entrances on the left hand side of the building on Beech Avenue
• One entrance on the right hand side on Dounton Way
• One handicapped entrance in the rear of the building which you can gain access to via Dounton Way

Sundays for Morning Worship, Cold Weather

• One entrance in the front of the building along Allegheny Avenue
• One entrance on Beech Avenue (the one toward the rear of the church)
• One handicapped entrance in the rear of the building which you can gain access to via Dounton Way

During the Week During Office Hours

• The only entrance is the one in the rear of the building. If the door is locked, push the call button on the left hand side and a church staff member will let you into the church.

Special Events (Subject to Change Depending on the Event)

• One entrance in the front of the building along Allegheny Avenue
• One entrance on Beech Avenue (the one toward the rear of the church)
• One handicapped entrance in the rear of the building which you can gain access to via Dounton Way

Our historic church building (including the sanctuary, fellowship hall, and the restrooms) is accessible to those with wheelchairs or walkers. There is an elevator to take you to the basement level. The handicapped accessible restroom is located on the main floor near the kitchen.

At Calvary we understand that at a very early age children need to be a part of God's family! Every Sunday our children are provided time during the worship service to interact with the pastor and hear first hand one of the faith lessons of the day. Following this experience, all children ages 3 thru sixth grade are invited to Sunday School in the Chapel where crafts and other experiences reinforce the attributes of the Christian journey and Calvary's family of faith.

We have no dress code! Suits or jeans, wear whatever you feel comfortable in as you worship God.

We practice open communion. You do not need to be a member of Calvary to participate. Communion is served on the first Sunday of the month. We usually use the form of intinction in which you choose a piece of bread and dip it in the juice and consume the body and blood. Certain times of the year this format changes, but directions are given at the individual services. If you need to be served in the pew, we are glad to come to you. We have gluten-free alternatives to the bread we offer. Just ask the ushers or mention it to those serving communion.

Every month or two, Rev. Larry Homitsky holds a "New Members Orientation Dinner". There dinners are usually scheduled on two different nights so that you can choose which one best works with your schedule. This informal gathering is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and share more about our United Methodist heritage and Calvary’s ministries today. A light meal is provided. These dinners are announced in the Sunday Bulletin, Monthly Newsletter, and in the News & Announcements page of our website. Should you decide to join Calvary, new members are received during Sunday morning worship about 2-3 weeks following the orientation dinner.

There are many ways you can become involved at Calvary United Methodist Church. Click on the below link to see the list of the many programs and ministries available. If you are ready to serve or just want to connect and grow, there are plenty of opportunities for you to use your gifts and talents.

Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday from 9:00am to 3:00pm

Come see us! You’ll be welcomed. If there are any questions we forgot, please let us know. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!