Newcomers

NEWCOMERS WELCOME

What should I wear: About the only rule we have regarding what to wear is that clothes are required. We want you to come dressed in a way that is comfortable to you. We know that God cares more about what is on the inside (the heart) than He ever does about what is on the outside (the clothes you choose to wear). If you are comfortable wearing a suit...feel free to do so. If you prefer slacks and a shirt...wear that. You will find people dressed in everything from a suit and tie, to shorts and sandals. Most folks dress "business casual" (Slacks and a collared shirt for men and slacks and a blouse for the ladies).

Where should I park: We have reserved parking for you as our guest in the lot directly in front of the building. Most of our members park out back to save the room for you...so please park out front.

Are there services for my children: Certainly. We offer childcare services for preschoolers. Our Nursery is staffed with trained and certified volunteers who will care for your children. When you sign your child in, you will be given a card with a unique ID number. If your child needs you during the worship service, his or her number will appear in the corner of the main screens in the worship service. There is also a special children's worship service called "Kingdom Quest" for K-5th grade. It is a full worship service...only for kids. They sing songs, do activities, and have a message specifically for them which is shared by our Minister to Children.

Of course...leaving your children with someone else on your first visit makes some people uncomfortable. We understand. Your children are always welcome to attend the main worship service with you.

Where is the children's area: Great question. When you enter the main building, the hallway to the far left is the children's wing. There you will find the restroom facilities, the nursery, and the children's worship area. Don't worry if you forget...we have volunteers with our "Guest Services" who will assist you and even accompany you to the area you need to go if you prefer. You can identify them because they are wearing a lanyard with a blue nametag.

What about a Bible? I can't find mine: The pastor typically preaches from the New American Standard Bible (NASB,1995 Update). While we encourage you to have a copy of the Bible for yourself, we put all of the Scriptures that are referred to on the video screens in the Worship Center. If you need a Bible, let one of our guest services (blue nametags) people know and we will provide one to you as a gift.

What about music: Our worship team uses a blend of contemporary praise and worship music, along with some of the great hymns of the faith. We like to describe the music blended. However you would describe it, you will find it to be encouraging, upbeat, and relevant.

How long is the worship service: Usually about one hour and fifteen minutes. We begin at 10:30 with worship and prayer. Usually we finish up between 11:45 and 12:00. If you need to leave early, you are certainly welcome to do so. Again...you will find us to be pretty relaxed.

If I come as a guest...do you make me stand up: No. And we don't make you sit down while everyone else stands either. Our goal is not to bring any extra attention to you than you desire. You will find that before the service, someone may come by to introduce themselves. That's it. We like to give you some "space" so you can move at your own pace as you get to know the folks around you. We would like for you to fill out the Connection Card (right-hand tear off of your Worship Program) so we can get to know you. It is also a great way to share prayer concerns with us so we can pray for you.

What about an offering: Near the end of our worship service, the ushers will provide an opportunity for folks to worship through giving a financial offering. This isn't our idea...but it is a response to God's instruction in the Scriptures. We simply want to enable you to worship by providing the opportunity. Please use this as an opportunity to turn in the Connection Card we discussed earlier so we can get to know you. Some folks (like most of our staff) can’t even find a checkbook and prefer to use the online giving option. Either way, our goal is to provide you with an opportunity to worship.

Do you offer any other ministries...like Sunday School: We have LIFE Groups that meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM for all ages. We also have LIFE Groups that meet in the homes of our members throughout our community during the week. This is especially popular with those who like to sleep in a few extra minutes on Sunday. In addition, you will find that we have exciting ministries designed especially for men, women, students, and children. There is something for everyone.

What about an "invitation" or joining the church: After the pastor shares the message, there is a time to reflect and respond to God. Our altar is open for those who want to kneel and pray. There are also trained counselors and pastors there to assist you with any questions, concerns, or just to pray with you. Sometimes, people come forward during the invitation to formally join the church. A pastor or counselor is available to assist you with whatever God is leading you to do.

Our hope is that this will help you feel more comfortable as you visit with us as our guest. Certainly, not every question is answered here. If there is something specific you would like to discuss, please email or call the church office (944-6213) in order to speak with a staff member.