Visitor's FAQ
Here are some common questions that we're guessing might be on your mind. However, if you have a question that we have not covered here, please contact us!
1. What should I wear for Sunday service? Is there a dress code?
2. What can I expect in a typical Sunday service?
3. Do you sing only hymns, or more contemporary, upbeat songs, too?
4. Do you take an offering? Do I have to give anything?
5. Are you going to make me stand, introduce, or otherwise embarass myself?
6. Should I come to Sunday School even if I am a visitor?
7. Should I come to Sunday fellowship and refreshments at 10:30 am, even if I am a visitor?
8. What are Home Groups? Can I come even if I am a visitor?
9. I'm confused by the rotating Home Group/Sunday Evening service schedule. How can I know what's going on this week?
10. Is childcare provided?
11. I am dealing with (marriage, children, life, family, spiritual, etc.) problems, and I really need help. Can you help me?
Q: What should I wear for Sunday service? Is there a dress code?
A: Not at all! Wear anything you like, as long as it is decent, and modest. Our members wear anything from full suits to jeans and a t-shirt. Do remember, however, that you are coming to worship God, so it may be a good idea not to wear anything that would make you want to hide if, say, Jesus walked into the church. :)
Q: What can I expect in a typical Sunday service?
A:
You can expect a strong emphasis on the preaching of God’s Word. We preach through the Bible verse-by-verse, carefully presenting the teachings of Scripture in their context. (Past and recent sermons are available in our sermon archives.) Though this is of course the center of our worship service, we do many other things as well, including singing, praying, reading from the Scripture, and responsive reading from the Psalms. (See a more thorough description of what we do.) In general, the service will last approximately an hour and a half, give or take 15 minutes, so expect to be out by 12:45 pm.
Q: Do you sing only hymns, or more contemporary, upbeat songs, too?
A:
We sing both traditional hymns and more contemporary songs with our praise band. A more thorough explanation of our worship philosophy is available.
Q: Do you take an offering? Do I have to give anything?
A:
We do take an offering during the worship service, but the purpose of that is to give our members an opportunity to joyfully and gratefully give back to the Lord what we have received from Him, as a form of worship, not under compulsion (2 Cor. 9:7). God, of course, does not "need" anything from us! If you are a visitor, simply let the offering plate pass by. Better yet, we would appreciate if you would fill out a short welcome card and place that in the plate, so that we can get to know you better!
Q: Are you going to make me stand, introduce, or otherwise embarass myself?
A:
No, although we'd be overjoyed if you'd introduce yourself to us privately. It makes us sad when people run out right after the service without us having a chance to get to know them...
Q: Should I come to Sunday School even if I am a visitor?
A: We encourage you to come to Sunday School! Sunday School will be taught by a leader, on a topic of Christian interest (see what we are studying now in Adult Sunday School). Lively discussions and good questions are welcomed!
Q: Should I come to Sunday fellowship and refreshments at 10:30 am, even if I am a visitor?
A: Of course! We'd really like to meet you and get to know you, and to offer you pastries and coffee!
Q: What are Home Groups? Can I come even if I am a visitor?
A: Please do come to home groups! Here is where we can have time to get to know you in a more personal way, and in a more intimate setting. True fellowship is vitally important for the church, and in the life of every believer.
Q: I'm confused by the rotating Home Group/Sunday Evening service schedule. How can I know what's going on this week?
A: In general, on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of the month, we have Home Groups in our members' homes. Otherwise, we have Evening service at the church. This does get changed once in awhile for special months (notably May, June, and November), so its best to just check the calendar.
Q: Is childcare provided?
A: Yes, childcare is provided for infants and toddlers (ages 3 and under) at all regular meeting times on Sunday and Wednesday. However, there is no separate "children's church." Except under extraordinary circumstances, we encourage parents to be training even very young children to join us in the regular service. It's good for them and for us! We do have separate Sunday schools (at 9:30 am) separated by age groups, from ages 3 to adult.
Q: I am dealing with (marriage, children, life, family, spiritual, etc.) problems, and I really need help. Can you help me?
A: Absolutely. An elder or counselor would be overjoyed to meet with you. Contact us anyway you'd like, and we will get you the help you need, or at the very least, pray for you as a church.
