for visitors

I am planning a visit. What should I expect Sunday morning?

How do I get there? We are north on Hamilton Blvd to 46^th St. You can see the church from this corner.  MapQuest link to help you to 4600 Hamilton.

Where do I park? The lower/west level of the building is the sanctuary side. The driveway circles close to the building, and the main entrance is accessible through either a long, gentle ramp or a short set of steps.

What do I bring? Bring yourself and maybe a Bible if you wish to follow along with the readings from your own. There are also Bibles and songbooks in the pews.

When do I need to arrive? Church services begin at 10:30am. Come a few minutes early to park, hang up coats, etc. The sanctuary is to your left as you come into the building.

What do adults wear? There is no dress code. You are welcome to wear whatever you are comfortable in. Members often describe the dress as “business casual,” but some people wear their “Sunday Best,” while others wear jeans.

What do children wear? Children should wear comfortable clothes. During Sunday School they may spend time playing on the carpeted floor, or work with art supplies. Sometimes they may go outside.

What are the services like? Sunday morning service is more of a traditional service with readings, special music, traditional songs, prayers and a talk related to the readings. At 6:30pm on Wednesdays, we offer the “oasis” service, a more relaxed, informal time of worship.

Where should I sit? You may sit wherever you like; many visitors find themselves more comfortable in the middle to back of the sanctuary so they can more easily see what others in the congregation are doing. Times to sit or stand are noted in the bulletin.

How do I know what readings and songs are being used? All readings, songs or prayers that the congregation may recite are printed in either the bulletin that is handed out at the service or in the hymnals located in the pews. Page numbers are given. 

What about communion? On the first Sunday of the month we serve communion. Communion is the time when we remember and celebrate the life of Jesus. We do so by sharing in a simple meal of bread and grape juice. Anyone may participate. You do not need to be a member of the church to participate nor do you need to feel obligated to participate. Generally communion is served to the congregation in the pews. More specific directions are given at the time.

What's expected of me when the offering plates are passed? We do not ask visitors to give to the offering. Also know that you will not be the only one not placing anything in the offering plate since many of our members give monthly or some other schedule and do not place an offering in the plate each week.

May our child stay with us during the service? Certainly. The choice is yours. Being in worship is an important part of a child’s spiritual life. Activity bags are on a table in the center back of the sanctuary with activities to help the children sit quietly. Often families choose to sit so their children can see more of the service. Parents of active toddlers may choose to sit more towards the back. Wiggling often bothers parents more than it disturbs others around them. 
That being said, between the nursery and the sanctuary, we do have a cry room. Windows here allow parents to view into the sanctuary, and the speaker system allows them to hear the service. Comfortable chairs let families sit quietly, rock, or just move around more freely.  The adults can still feel part of the worship service. Children under the age of 7 or so can be very active, and they are welcome to be in the nursery for all or part of the service. Child care is provided by a trained staff person in the nursery, just outside the sanctuary. 
This decision is the parent’s decision. We know that the decision may be different from week to week.

What should I do at the end of the service? Just before the last musical selection, we have our time of announcements.  Different members of the congregation make them; the number varies from week to week.  This is one way to learn what activities we have from Monday - Saturday.  Then there is a musical selection to conclude worship. You’re invited to join us in the church parlor for beverages and light refreshments, and more importantly, conversation. This can be a time to get acquainted.

What about Church School? Sunday School is available for all ages from 9:15 – 10:15am. There are several adult classes on various topics  that meet year-round. Children’s classes for PreK – middle school meet during the school year. You can get more information here on the website, or call the church office, 239-3385.

Is your church accessible to people in wheelchairs? Yes. We have handicapped parking spaces, handicap restrooms and the aisles of the sanctuary are wide enough to easily accommodate a wheelchair alongside others in a pew without feeling in the way or on display. Several wheel chairs and walkers are available at the church, just inside the door. 

Do you have services for the hearing impaired? Hearing assistance devices are available as you come in the building. Just ask the greeter or the usher and they will get a set for you.

We look forward to meeting you. Please email alairew@msn.com or call 239-3385 if you have any other questions.