When moving to a new place, it is crucial to find community. One good way to be proactive in seeking out community outside of Taylor is finding a church home for the years you call Upland home.
Finding a local church is something that God calls believers to do. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) says, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
It can be easy to compare the churches you visit here with your church from home, or if you don't have a home church it can take time to find one you feel connected to. Embrace the change, find a church that is biblically based and pushes you to grow in you in your faith and that teaches you more about God each week.
Taylor is blessed to have many churches in the surrounding area. Here is a list of six local churches to get you started!
Upland Community Church (UCC)
439 E 600 S, Upland, IN 46989
Distance from Taylor: 3 minutes
UCC offers services at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. In addition to the Sunday services, UCC organizes programs such as Basics, which invites children from the community to spend Wednesday nights together playing games and learning about Jesus.
“UCC’s sermons are always scripture-based, so I know each Sunday I’ll be hearing God’s Word. It also has an engaging college and career Sunday school class that helps me understand my faith better, Senior Rose White said. “Finally, I love that the church is filled with families from Upland, giving me the chance to break out of the college bubble and fellowship with diverse age groups.”
Pierce Upland United Methodist Church (Pierce)
201 N. 8th Street Upland Indiana 46989
Distance from Taylor: 5 minutes
Pierce is also located near Taylor’s Campus. Many students enjoy attending the 10:30 service, as well as the monthly college student luncheon offered after the service.
Senior Ali Clodgo has been going to Pierce regularly since Junior year.
“Now I attend [Pierce] senior year with my husband! We really do see it as our home church for now and have benefited greatly from the worship, teaching and friendships it has brought us! Finding a church in college can be really challenging, but settling on Pierce and making it a goal to be committed in attendance and seeking community there has been a great decision,” Clodgo said. “My husband and I both decided to get baptized through Pierce as well a few weeks ago and couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to grow in and share our faith with college and community friends!”
The Exit Church (Exit)
2015 E Main St, Gas City, IN 46989
Distance from Taylor: 10 minutes
Exit Church is currently offering in-person services on Sundays, both at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.. They also offer a live-stream for the 9 a.m. Sunday service. “I really like the worship and the pastor at Exit, said Senior Becca Aho. “The sermon is biblically based and I find that I have really grown in my appreciation for a community of believers of all different ages that lead me to Christ.”
Urban Light Community Church
1400 S Madison St. Muncie, IN 47302
Distance from Taylor: 36 minutes
Urban light, located in Muncie, is a short 30-minute drive from Taylor. They offer one 11 a.m. service on Sundays.
Junior Marissa Williams started attending Urban Light in the spring of last year. She has loved the community it has brought her.
“Urban light is a family of believers that welcomed me with open arms,'' said Williams. Their passion about Jesus and His Word is contagious in a way that encourages me to boldly accept where I fall short and confidently come before a Father who’s sovereign over all,” Williams said. “Urban light encourages joy in the Lord, celebration of freedom and an eagerness to know God better through the Bible. It's a church full of self-proclaimed sinners who confidently recognize a need for Christ and His redemptive love. Feels like home.”
Commonway Church
201 E Charles St, Muncie, IN 47305
Distance from Taylor: 34 minutes
With services at both 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Commonway reaches out to the community and desires to help college students find a church home.
“I have loved their desire to invest into the college students by providing us with the time and space to meet in small groups, the opportunities for mentors and connections and their general goal of supporting us as we prepare for adulthood,” sophomore Hannah Brachenbury said.
Oaks Church
4005 Wheeling Ave, Muncie, IN 47304
Distance from Taylor: 33 minutes
Oaks services are offered at both 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
“I love going to the Oaks because it is a humble church,” junior Jenna Kortenhoven said. “There are no bells or whistles to it, they simply preach the word of God. It reminds me to focus on what really matters and keep my mind set on truth. It is scripture and prayer based, encouraging me to keep both of those things as a priority in my life as well!”
Whether you visit one of these churches or find another one, may Sundays be a day of Sabbath rest for you and a day in which you learn more about the Savior who loves us.
