Newburg United Methodist Church has called the Livonia area home since 1834, and the corner of Ann Arbor Trail where it sits still draws people looking for a community of faith that takes both worship and neighbor-care seriously. Now nearly two centuries on, the congregation describes itself as Spirit-filled, justice-oriented, and rooted in the Wesleyan tradition, with a mission summed up in three lines: Serving Christ, Building Community, Loving All.
The church's identity is shaped by John Wesley's conviction that faith without works isn't faith at all. That theology shows up in everything from Sunday morning to the pantry shelves, and it shows up in who is welcome. The congregation's statement is plain: its doors are open to all persons without prejudice relating to age, race, ethnicity, culture, citizenship, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, economic condition, physical or mental ability, or any other status or condition. Grace, the church teaches, is God's to give and theirs to share with anyone who comes seeking it.
Sunday Worship at Ten
Worship happens at 10 AM every Sunday morning at 36500 Ann Arbor Trail in Livonia. For those joining from home, the livestream opens at 9:45 AM on YouTube and Facebook so people can settle in before the service begins, and the recordings stay archived for anyone who wants to watch later. The bulletin is posted in advance so worshipers can follow along, and a Connect Card lets newcomers share their name and a way to be reached.
The service is intentionally blended, which means congregants can expect both contemporary songs and the organ leading more traditional hymns within the same hour. Worship Leader Jen Noricks, Organist Beverly Ratcliffe, and Director of Choirs and Bells Richard Lenz shape the musical life of the church together. Giving happens during the service through the offering plate, online, or by Venmo, with a 3% processing fee noted on digital gifts. Checks can also be mailed to the church office.
Coming Through the Door
Newburg treats the first-visit experience as something worth preparing for. Greeters and ushers are at the doors to help newcomers get oriented, answer questions, and offer a welcome without pressure. Parking is straightforward, with two lots, one on the east side of the building and one on the west, and accessible entrances on both sides of the church.
Dress is whatever is comfortable, and the church is explicit that there is no dress code. Worshipers are invited to come as they are, whether that means jeans or a suit.
For families with young children, three options are available. Nursery care for children from birth through age three is open every Sunday beginning at 9:30 AM, with check-in at the Children's Ministry Wing at the top of the steps just off the East entrance. Grace Space, a corner of the sanctuary across from the tech booth, is stocked with toys and seating so parents can stay engaged in worship while little ones play nearby. Most Sundays (except the first of the month) include a Children's Time early in the service. Kids check in at the Children's area first, sit with their families until called forward, and are then escorted by the Children's Ministry team to Sunday School. Parents pick them up where they dropped them off.
Kids at Newburg
The children's ministry is led by Jamie Baxter, Coordinator of Children's and Family Ministry, and its stated purpose is to proclaim the power of the Gospel to kids as they grow, serve, and go. Sunday School begins at 10 AM with check-in at 9:30 AM. The curriculum is designed to speak to specific ages and developmental stages and is built on the idea that spiritual growth is relationally driven. Family Game Nights and other intergenerational events round out the calendar. The nursery is staffed by Ragan Chick, who cares for the youngest children every Sunday morning. Together, the team wants Newburg to feel like a place where the whole family can belong.
Students in the Lower Education Wing
Ali Belsky, Director of Student Ministries, Young Adults and Communications, oversees Newburg Students for 6th through 12th graders. The purpose of the ministry is straightforward: a fun, welcoming community where students 6th through 12th can worship, serve, and grow in faith together toward becoming deeply committed Christians.
Two weekly gatherings anchor the program. On Sunday evenings from 6 to 8 PM, students meet in the Lower Education Wing for youth group. On Wednesdays from 4 to 7 PM, the group gathers for The Hangout, a longer block that gives kids a place to land midweek. The leadership encourages teenagers to worship alongside the adults in their lives on Sunday mornings as well, calling shared intergenerational worship part of how the congregation grows together in faith.
The student ministry partners with several organizations for service and mission work, including Motown Mission Experience, Appalachia Service Project, the N.O.A.H. Project, and United Methodist Children's Home Society. Students can stay connected through the Newburg Students email list, a private Facebook group, and an Instagram account.
Music and Worship Arts
Music is central to the worship life at Newburg, and the team behind it has a clear philosophy: Music is great. Jesus is greater. The Music and Worship Arts Ministry helps lead the church in magnifying the greatness of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ through music and other acts of worship.
Several ensembles and groups make that happen. The Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7:10 to 8:00 PM and regularly provides special anthems for Sunday morning worship, plus concerts and seasonal events throughout the year. Sweet Spirit, a smaller vocal group that rehearses Sundays at 11:20 AM, prepares pieces featured during Sunday services and joins the Chancel Choir for special occasions. Cantabile Bells, the handbell choir, rehearses Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:00 PM and provides special music about once a month.
Worship Leaders rehearse Wednesdays from 8:00 to 9:00 PM and Sundays at 9:00 AM. The vocalists, instrumentalists, and Scripture readers in this group are open to anyone interested in leading music, playing prelude or postlude, or lending their skills in other ways. The Tech Team, which serves Sunday mornings beginning at 9:30 AM, runs sound, video, and livestreaming for worship.
Walking with Neighbors: Mission and Outreach
The Mission and Outreach ministry is led by Deacon Rev. Rodney Gasaway and reflects the church's commitment to the work side of faith without works. The list of ongoing partnerships and programs is long: Alaska mission trips, Forgotten Harvest, a non-food pantry, coat drives, Children's Christmas, God's Country Community Ministries in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Lighthouse, Noah at Central, the Redford Brightmoor Initiative meal, a Guatemala supply drive with Salud Y Paz, and a Thanksgiving dinner with volunteer and RSVP roles. A twice-yearly rummage sale, drop-offs in the weeks beforehand, and a regular blood drive round out the rhythm.
The God's Country trip in particular has become a hallmark of the church's summer outreach. Newburg partners with God's Country Community Ministries to send a team north for home repair work and other vital ministries in Upper Peninsula communities. No construction experience is required - there is a project for anyone willing to show up, and scholarships help with the cost.
Congregational Life and Spiritual Formation
Dr. Frank Dunbar, Minister of Congregational Life, oversees the congregation's spiritual formation and pastoral care. The Prayer Team sends out weekly prayer chain emails with prayer needs and praises from the congregation, and anyone can subscribe to join in praying over those requests. The Caring Connections Team writes cards, sends emails, makes phone calls, and visits shut-ins and others who need support, with the goal of keeping those who cannot easily leave their homes connected to the life of the church.
Several ongoing discussion and study groups meet throughout the week. On Sundays after worship, UNPACKED gathers in the Asbury Lounge, and Deeper Faith meets at noon by Skype. On Tuesdays at 1 PM, Lectio meets in the Asbury Lounge. On Wednesday evenings every other week, a Men's Bible Study gathers by Skype at 7:30 PM. On Thursdays at 7 PM, with time to connect at 6:30 PM, Women Connecting Through Christ meets weekly.
Supporting the Mission
The giving page makes the theology of generosity plain: gifts sustain worship, care, connection, and service in the church and beyond. Giving can happen through the offering plate, online through the church's giving platform, by Venmo (with the noted 3% processing fee), or by mail. Recurring gifts can be set up through electronic funds transfer by downloading and returning a form to the church office. Thanks to memorial funds and endowment support, the church also offers continuing education scholarships for members and regular participants, as well as camperships for children and youth who want to attend United Methodist summer camps.
Getting Here
Newburg United Methodist Church sits at 36500 Ann Arbor Trail in Livonia, Michigan 48150. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 12 PM and 12:30 PM to 4 PM, and is closed on Fridays. The phone number is 734-422-0149, and the general email is info@newburgumc.org. Lead Pastor Chad Parmalee leads the congregation alongside Deacon Rodney Gasaway, Minister of Congregational Life Frank Dunbar, Director of Student Ministries and Young Adults Ali Belsky, Coordinator of Children's and Family Ministry Jamie Baxter, Worship Leader Jen Noricks, Organist Beverly Ratcliffe, and Director of Choirs and Bells Richard Lenz. Whether someone walks through the doors on a Sunday morning, joins the livestream from the kitchen table, or shows up with a hammer in the Upper Peninsula, the welcome at Newburg is the same: grace for everyone, full stop.