Location
Two Rivers United Methodist Church is located on the Southwest corner of 5th Avenue and 19th Street in downtown Rock Island. Parking is adjacent and in a lot directly behind the church. Entrance to the sanctuary is possible from 5th Avenue, 19th Street or through the adjacent parking lot entrance. The church office is in the education wing and accessed from the West parking lot entrance. If you’re coming from the Iowa Quad Cities, we are right in the middle between the Arsenal and Centennial Bridge.
Accessibility
There is a ramp-accessible entrance on the east side of the building along 19th Street. This ramp will lead you into the sanctuary. There is a chair lift that can bring people from the sanctuary floor to the raised chancel area and thus to the bathroom. If you enter in the West Entrance and main parking lot, there is a ramp down to our fellowship hall (Epworth Hall). This is our main dining area and where our weekly Community Meal is served.
To get to the sanctuary from the West Entrance, there are about nine steps up and another four steps down into the Sanctuary to worship. There is a chair lift that can take people (not wheel chairs) from the lower level Epworth Hall up to the sanctuary and again up to the Church Office. The Church Office is not chair accessible.
Where to Park?
There is a large parking lot just west of the building. There are two “Visitor Parking” spots near the door. There is a spill-over lot to the south of the building. There is some street parking. The fully accessible entrance, with a ramp directly to the same level of the sanctuary, is on the east side of the building. There is street parking along 19th Street.
Where to come in?
Most people enter from the “West Entrance.” This is the big glass doors that are adjacent to the west parking lot. This is where most people come in. For security reasons, these doors are locked about 15 minutes after the service starts. There is also a more traditional entrance along 5th Avenue. These are also doors and remain open throughout the service.
What do people wear?
There are no absolute rules for dress. There is a variety of clothing styles, and you won’t find a lot of ties or dresses. Pastor Robb is usually best described as “Business Casual.” Occasionally he wears a tie or a jacket, but seldom a suit. If you wear jeans and a t-shirt, you probably won’t be the only one.
How long is a church service?
The music begins promptly at 9:30 a.m., with a short greeting shortly thereafter. The service includes some prayers, hymns, readings, and a message. The service usually lasts about an hour, with Christian education starting at 10:45 a.m.
Services & Fellowship
Two Rivers has a traditional but casual Sunday worship experience beginning at 9:30 a.m. The music is mostly led by organ or piano. The choir sings every Sunday from September through May. There are also musical offerings by our bell choir, ukulele choir, kids and youth choirs, and African choir. Under normal circumstances after the service, coffee and refreshments are made available in the cafe-style seating at the back of the sanctuary. Adult and kids small groups usually start around 10:30 a.m. New members are always welcome in the Adult Sunday school class.
What about kids?
We love kids and youth at Two Rivers, and we love having them in worship with us. There is a small “Cry Room” in the sanctuary for a little extra privacy. This room has a rocker and some things that may be of interest to little ones. In the front of the sanctuary is our PRAYground. This section is devoted just to kids in elementary school. There is a table and chairs, some bean bag chairs, books, art supplies, and some toys.
Who is welcome?
Everyone. On an average Sunday, there will be about 50 people in worship. We are a congregation that values diversity of all kinds. We welcome people of all nations, races, ages, sexual orientation, abilities, and economic status. We will not try to change who you are created to be, but we will all strive to become more perfect in love together.
Who can participate in Communion?
Everyone.
