What is Sunday Service Like?

The stories of the Bible, depicted in jewel-like color on our many stained glass windows, will surround you in the sanctuary as you worship with us on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Our robed choir leads the congregation as we sing God's praises from hymnals, accompanied by piano and organ. All of these serve as reminders of the great stories of God’s saving work in the world, which we step into through worship.

What should I wear?

Whatever you'd like, comfortable, formal--whatever mood you're in. Jeans are fine!

What if I have children?

Hurray! You and your children are welcome here and in worship service. Crying children are welcome in the sanctuary: please feel no pressure to take them outside. If you prefer, we have a family corner with couches and toys in the fellowship hall right behind the sanctuary: you’ll be able to see and hear the service while the kids play.

What about parking?

We have plenty of parking available, with ample ADA parking places on both sides of the building. There are even spots marked for visitors.

How Do I Know What To Do During Worship Service?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone: it can feel a bit unusual to begin participating in a style of worship you haven’t tried before.

Fortunately, participating in worship is low pressure.

You’ll want to grab a paper bulletin on your way into the sanctuary. An usher will probably hand one to you, and you can also find them in a stack on the table outside the sanctuary. With bulletin in hand, feel free to be seated anywhere you’d like in the sanctuary pews. From there, follow along with the bulletin as much as you’d like, and feel free to just observe as you learn the flow of the service. Most of all, we’d suggest a certain mindset.

Rather than seeing the service as a series of different things, and hoping you can figure out how to do each one “right,” think of the service as expressive of different significant dimensions of our holistic relationship to God. Through scripture, song, sermon, offering, and many prayers, worship service is a series of invitations into the life-giving drama of God’s saving work in the world.

Most basically, the different parts of worship service are ways you might choose to respond, and so participate in what God is doing. 

What Should I Do When They Pass The Basket For Donations?

If you’re a new visitor, the most natural thing to do is probably to just pass the plate along. 😊 We’re grateful that you’ve taken time to worship with us, and your presence is itself a wonderful offering to God.

Am I Allowed To Take Communion?

Yes. We serve holy communion to all who come forward desiring to receive it. Regular reception of holy communion ordinarily presupposes baptism. If you feel God calling to you through the sacrament of holy communion and you are not yet baptized, we invite you to contact Pastor Clifton and inquire about baptism. 

Can I Participate In Church Ministries Without Becoming A Member?

Yes. Some leadership offices require membership, but the vast majority of ways we serve God and neighbor together are open to you before you become a member.

How Do I Become A Member Of This Church?

Talk to the pastor after the service, or email him during the week. Pastor Clifton will follow up by finding a time to meet with you and the conversation will go forward from there. 

What Is The Difference Between Visiting Or Attending Church And Being A Member Of The Church?

Nonmembers can fully participate in most of what we’re up to: worship, Sunday   school, bible studies, volunteering opportunities, children's and youth group activities, etc.

The difference membership makes is primarily that one is making an explicit profession of Christian faith in a way that involves promises to God and to serve God through this congregation. When folks join, the assembled congregation also makes promises to those joining. All these membership promises, and the baptismal/confirmation promises they presuppose, can be seen on pages 33-39 of any United Methodist Hymnal. Feel free to grab and study one of the hymnals in our sanctuary pews.

Membership in the local church also connects one in a different way to the administrative apparatus of the local church as well as the global United Methodist Church. Some congregational decisions require membership in order to vote in them.