What a first time visitor should expect . . .

Many folks are a little nervous about going to a church for the first time.  We want to put you at ease by describing what to expect when you visit us.

Our Sunday morning worship service is at 10:00 a.m.  We have child care and Children's Ministries for kids through 5th grade throughout the service.  Our 6-8th graders join the adults upstairs for our worship time, then head downstairs for some study geared toward their own age.

Where do I go?

Most people come in the lower door, which opens into our children's area - downstairs you will find restrooms and nursery care, and the Children's Ministries.  

We have a handicap ramp in the back of the church, off the alley - if you want an entrance with no stairs, that's the place to park.  You'll come in through the office area - and you'll be welcomed!

Where do my kids go?

Babies and preschoolers through kindergarten are lovingly cared for downstairs from 15 minutes before the worship begins, and through the worship service.  Children's Church is provided downstairs for the same time, for kids in grades 1-5.

We ask parents to sign their kids in to the various Children Ministry activities and caregiving rooms.  We want to know if your child has any allergies, or is teething, or in a grumpy mood!  (We like to wiggle those moods out of them, and send them home a happier kid!)  We also ask that if your child is not feeling well, that you keep them with you, whether at home or at church, so other kiddos don't get sick.  Thanks!  

We have an exciting worship time for our school age kids!  Kids in grades 1 through 5 meet downstairs for "kid-friendly" worship in song (and movement!), and some special time of learning about what it means to be a follower of Jesus.  We understand some kids prefer to stay with their parents - and some parents prefer their kids to be with them.  We just want you to know what fun things are available for the children.

And, as mentioned above, our 6th-8th graders join the adults upstairs for our worship time, then head downstairs for some study geared toward their own age.  It's a good time for them to get involved in the adult side of church, while still recognizing that their learning needs are unique.

Where - and how - do we worship?

Our weekly worship services are upstairs in the sanctuary - the main room.   Coffee (good coffee!) is available in the "bell tower room", just off the sanctuary.  Come on in to have a cup and visit with people! 

(By the way, the word "sanctuary" means a safe place, a refuge, a shelter.  Sounds good, huh?)

When you come into the sanctuary, someone will greet you and hand you a bulletin, which lists our basic order of service, and has weekly announcements and prayer requests.  You may sit wherever you like, and hopefully it won't be long before someone else greets you and introduces themselves.  You will not be singled out as a visitor, but allowed to observe and participate as you desire.  If you would, fill out the registration form in the bulletin, and put that in the offering plates at the end of the service.  It helps with our future planning - and we don't share your information with anyone.

Clothing styles of folks who attend our church vary from very casual - jeans and T-shirts - to coat and tie.  Please dress in a way that is comfortable for you. 

The worship service begins with a welcome, then the Praise Team leads us in a time of worship in song.  We use mostly contemporary Christian music as we praise and worship God, but sing older songs and hymns sometimes, too. Song lyrics will be displayed on the screen up front.  We invite you to participate in whatever way helps you express worship to God - standing or sitting, raising hands or folding them, singing out loud or just listening. 

After worship in song, Pastor Bill says the morning prayer.  Sometimes he'll talk about some of the prayer requests that come in during the week.  We spend a few minutes greeting each other - if you're new to the church, usually people will come to you to greet you, but if you're comfortable, head toward the aisle with the rest of us to greet others.  Then Pastor Bill goes right into the morning message, sometimes called the sermon.  His notes (including Bible readings) are on the screen in front, and Bibles are in the chairs if you want to look something up. 

People sometimes ask what version of the Bible we use - our chair Bibles are New International Version (NIV), and Pastor Bill uses several translations in his message - he usually notes which version he's quoting.

What about the offering?

After the sermon, we receive our tithes and offerings - that's when you put your registration form in the offering plate!  If you didn't bring an offering, don't worry - not everyone does every single week, and you just pass the plate on.

We receive two offerings each week - the first, in the gold plates, is for "tithes" - that portion of our income that we feel God is calling us to give - this money pays the bills for the church, and supports various ministries.  The second, in the silver plates, is for "offerings" - gifts above and beyond what we feel called to give - each week, this offering goes to a special ministry.  One week, we use that money for those in need in our church and community.  Another week, for our new building fund; another, for our missionaries, Jackie and Wendy; other weeks - for various ministries God has led us to.  We always let you know what ministry that second, silver plate's offering will bless.

You know, if you feel uncomfortable with the offerings, please talk to Pastor Bill - or to God - and work out that uncomfortable feeling.  "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7  We certainly don't want you to feel uncomfortable at church!

When do we leave?!?

After the offering, we sing one more song, then we're outta here!  (Well, we usually kind of hang around to talk with each other some more!)  Hopefully, we are refreshed and encouraged to take on a new week, and to take the message of Jesus' love to our corner of the world.  Picking up kids quickly is greatly appreciated, but you can sure come back upstairs to talk some more.

Do we have communion?

The first Sunday of each month is Communion Sunday - it is a time when we remember Jesus' last supper with his friends here on earth.  We welcome all who know Jesus as their Savior to participate with us.  Every month, Pastor Bill explains our perspective about that, and tells us what we can do to feel at ease, whether we participate or not.

On the first Sunday of each month, we also have a special tradition - "Sermons from the Other Side of the Pulpit".  It's a chance for anyone and everyone to share what God is showing them - what is happening in their own spiritual life.  It's become a special time to hear from each other on the neat things that God is doing in our lives!