Visiting – What to Expect

DeBows is conducting indoor worship services on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM. All CDC best practices and state guidelines are being observed.

You can also continue to attend online worship at debows.online.church on Sunday morning at 10:00 AM. You will have the ability to replay the worship service after the first 10:00 AM presentation.

Recent (8/4/2021) updated COVID-19 guidelines per the CDC & State of NJ strongly recommend the wearing of face masks for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals in indoor settings. While not a mandated requirement at this time, we ask that you use your best judgement. Our goal is to remain a healthy congregation so we can continue to worship together.

From GNJUMC Newsletter (8/11/2021) --- COVID-19 Update: GNJ expects all pastors and congregations to follow the directives of the CDC and the governors of the states we serve. In NJ, the governor has offered new guidelines about places where vulnerable people congregate, which includes our congregations, that people are to wear masks indoors and that staff are to be vaccinated or to be tested twice a week. While at this moment the governor has indicated that it is a guideline, if we do not work together it will be a directive in September. We encourage congregations and clergy to work together and do our part in bringing an end to the pandemic. Our goal of zero infection spread of COVID by United Methodist ministries is still in place and we encourage all congregations to be abundantly careful in all of its ministries and activities. The MRC will remain closed and staff will be working remote until October. Vaccine resources can be found here, which includes a new article from USA Today.

If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as running a fever or coughing, or just have what you think might be a common cold, we ask that you please stay home and take care of yourself.

Unvaccinated people should wear a mask and observe the 6 foot social distancing guidelines.

Click HERE for current official CDC Information & Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People.

The Food Pantry Ministry is continuing every 2nd & 4th Monday of each month, but it is by appointment only.  Call 848-373-8844 to make an appointment.

DeBows UMC is located at the intersection of route 571 and route 537 (509 Monmouth Road) in Jackson, NJ 08527 (732-928-4475).  You enter the church driveway from Route 537.

We are about a mile east of the Great Adventure Amusement Park on Route 537 and diagonally across the street from the Jackson Premium Outlets entrance on Route 571.

From the NJ Turnpike, take exit 7A and go east on interstate 195 to exit 16B.  Go east on route 537 and DeBows UMC is about 1/4 of a mile on the right, just past the light at the intersection of route 571 & 537.

You can see a map and get detailed driving directions from your location by using the “Contact Us/Map & Directions” item found on the website menu.

Driving to DeBows UMC?
The GPS coordinates are:
Latitude:         40.1657445
Longitude:      -74.4159201

There is parking on three sides of the church.  Handicap parking is located in front of the church, near the ramp leading to the red front doors.

You may enter the church using any of the following three doors.

1. The red doors in the front of the church (top of ramp) lead directly into the Sanctuary. NOTE: this is currently the preferred entrance due to COVID-19 considerations.
2. The red doors in the front of the church (end of sidewalk with glass top panels) lead into the hallway between the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. Turning left will lead to the Sanctuary and turning right will lead to Fellowship Hall.
3. The rear door (end of sidewalk past Pergola) will lead into the same hallway. You will pass the church office on the left.  Continuing on and turning right will lead to the Sanctuary and turning left will lead to Fellowship Hall.

Once you enter the Sanctuary you will be able to pick up a bulletin for the worship service.  You may also obtain a bulletin from an usher/greeter, who can also give you a large print hymnal if needed.

“Come As You Are” often refers to the way people are dressed and what the expected dress code is for attending a worship service.  Rest assured; we welcome a wide range of attire.  In any given service we see people in recreational clothes (ready to go to the Great Adventure Theme Park after the service), jeans, business casual or full suits.  We are way more interested in your presence than what you are wearing.

ALSO . . .

“Come As You Are” can also refer to where you are in your spiritual journey.  If you are a long time church goer or church is a new experience for you; if you have a strong faith or have unanswered doubts; or if you are just looking for something more, you will find worship at DeBows accommodating.

SO . .  .

It is in the loving spirit of Christ we say, “Come As You Are”!

Indoors at 9:00 AM - 45-50 minute service

Online at 10:00 AM - 45-60 minute service

Our worship services would be considered blended/traditional and feature Scripture based and Christ centered sermons, supported by music from the United Methodist, The Faith We Sing, and Worship & Song Hymnals. Multimedia is used during the services to display music lyrics and liturgy.

Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. We offer an open table; all who attend are invited to receive this sacrament.

On the last Sunday of each month we celebrate a Revival Service. This service is a little less formal, with music performed by our praise band.  Come join us for this uplifting service.

You will be welcomed and given an opportunity to fill out a visitor’s information card, but you will not be asked to do anything special during the worship service.  The congregation is warm and friendly, but you will be given the space you need to feel comfortable.

While established church members are expected to be faithful in their giving, there is no obligation or pressure for visitors to do so.  It is totally at your discretion.