If you've never been to church before, don't worry. Just come 5-10 minutes before a on Sunday morning (about 8:55 for the 9:00 Contemporary service and about 11:55 or so for the 11:15 Traditional service) and walk into the building through the large wooden doors facing Eldredge and Vernon Streets, near our church playground (see map of building).

If you have children, feel free to bring them! They may sit with you throughout the service (we offer some children's books and doodling material if needed) or they might also want to participate in our children's programs.

Once you enter the building, you'll find yourself inside the Sanctuary full of pews facing a raised platform where the worship leaders sit. The large, beautiful sanctuary is lined with stained glass windows and you'll probably hear some music playing as either the Worship Band or the Choir usually leads the congregation into a spirit of worship. Other people will be arriving also, but since you're a bit early, the sanctuary won't be too full.

You'll be greeted by people called Ushers (they usually won't ask your name or anything about you—unless you want to introduce yourself and tell them it's your first time!). They'll hand you a piece of folded paper (a Bulletin) that will explain what's going to happen during the hour to come.

You'll walk down the center or side aisles and sit in one of the pews. It will help to read the bulletin once you are settled. You may want to silently ask God to help you participate in the worship as the service begins.

Take time to fill out the Rip Slip on the edge of your Bulletin. The Rip Slip lets us know that you came and allows us to extend a welcome to you. On the Rip Slip, you may also share a prayer request or express interest in faith or request information about ministries at our church. At some point in the service, baskets or offering plates will be passed along the pews where members and regular attendees place any donations (or offerings) and where visitors place their Rip Slips. Simply include yours with the offerings and pass it along!

Once a month we celebrate the Lord's Supper (or Communion Sunday) a brief ceremony where small pieces of bread and sips of grape juice are distributed (we do this to remember the last meal that Jesus shared with his friends before dying). If the bread and juice are passed down the pews, feel free to hand it to the person beside you without taking any. If the bread and juice are served at the front of the Sanctuary, you don't have to go forward. This ceremony is for people who have put their faith in Jesus, and if you haven't done this yet, feel free to relax and observe without eating the bread or drinking the grape juice. We hope that if you come on a Communion Sunday, or any Sunday, you will be encouraged in your own faith journey through your experience at church.

The rest of the service should be easy to follow from the Bulletin (we hope—if it's not, please tell us.)

We're glad you're interested and we hope to see you this Sunday!