What to Expect
Attending worship at a new church for the first time can be intimidating! We hope this information will better prepare you.
Arriving
Our parking lot is large and you shouldn’t have a problem finding a spot. If you have someone needing mobility assistance the spaces directly in front of the door are blocked off so that you can drop them off right in front of the building.
You will be met at the door by a greeter. They are there to welcome you and point you in the direction of coat closets, restrooms, or anything else you might be looking for. We invite you to find the welcome table and fill out a name tag for the morning. Our building is fully accessible and includes two sets of gender-inclusive restrooms.
Ushers are on hand to give you a bulletin and help you find a seat in the sanctuary. Before worship people are lively and full of joy catching up with old friends and greeting new ones. If you are early enough you might even catch the choir or other special musicians rehearsing before worship begins.
The Service
Worship usually lasts about one hour and includes silent meditation, prayers, responsive readings, and a wide variety of music ranging from traditional hymns, contemporary anthems, and global songs. Our pastor provides a 10-15 minute message connecting the scripture to modern life and challenging listeners to grow in their faith and service.
It’s easy to follow along. There are two screens in our sanctuary where you can see prayers, song lyrics and announcements. We also regularly use them for videos and other creative media.
Our church is filled with and fueled by music! We have a talented choir that sings multiple times a month through the fall, winter, and spring. When the choir is not singing one of our many talented members provides special music - playing an instrument, singing a solo or forming a small ensemble.
Children in Worship
Children are welcomed and valued in worship! To help our youngest members engage at an age appropriate level, we have a “Prayer Ground” in one corner of the sanctuary. This includes small tables and chairs, coloring supplies, and quiet toys. About 15 minutes into the service is a special Moment With Children, most often led by our Faith Formation Director. This is an opportunity for kids to hear a special message related to that day’s scripture. If there is Sunday School that day, the children are then released to go to the education wing.
Nursery Care
We have a staffed nursery available for children aged 3 and under open from 9:15 to 10:45 every Sunday. You can drop your little one off or stay there for the service. There are rocking chairs, a children's restroom, and a changing station available within the nursery. The worship service is also live-streamed on a TV into the room - so you won’t miss anything!
Fellowship
After the worship service ends, fellowship is a hallmark of our congregational life. This always includes coffee and often includes a wide variety of snacks. This is a chance for our members, friends, and visitors to join in conversation, check in with one another, and meet new people.
Holy Communion
Ours is an “open table” meaning that anyone who wishes to participate is welcome to partake of the elements, regardless of age, creed, or membership. We observe the sacrament of Holy Communion on a regular basis, most often on the first Sunday of the month. To make the sacrament as inclusive as we can our bread is always gluten free and our cups contain grape juice.
