How do people normally dress for your worship services?

You will find a wide variety of clothing styles in our worship services, from blue jeans to ties. Dress in a way that makes you comfortable because we believe God is more concerned with our hearts than with our outer appearance.

Why do you pass around a "friendship pad" for people to sign near the beginning of a worship service?

During the service you may see someone in your row passing along a "friendship pad" with a pen. Of course you are not required to sign this pad. We offer it as a communication tool--an opportunity to be known (you and others are able to see the names of people sitting in their row as the pad gets signed and passed along), and to express any desires you might have for a pastor to contact you. There's no pressure here. If you aren't comfortable signing the pad just pass it along to the next person in your row.

What if I don't know the songs?

That's okay. We certainly invite everyone to sing along as they are able, and most of our songs are easy to learn, but we believe people can worship by listening to and contemplating music, not just by singing it. We project the words to all of the music on a large screen, so even if you don't know the tune you can follow the lyrics and consider their meaning. Then, as you become familiar with the music, you can discover the joy of praising God with others through your voice, in addition to your mind.

Why do you ask if people want to verbalize their prayer requests and/or praises?

We believe the Bible teaches us to carry one another's burdens, and praying for each other is one way to do that. But this is always a voluntary action. Those who verbalize their requests and gratitude often find it grows their sense of connectedness with the church, and their trust in God. For those who would prefer not to verbalize what's on their heart, we also have prayer cards located just inside the sanctuary doors. You can write out prayer requests on these and place them in baskets located next to the cards prior to the beginning of the service. A pastor will gather these when the service begins, and will include them when we pray during worship.

Should I participate in communion?

We remember and proclaim Jesus' death and resurrection by taking symbolic elements of a small piece of bread/wafer and small, individual cups of grape juice. These remind us of the bread and wine that Jesus used at the Passover meal with his disciples on the night before he was crucified. Jesus instructed his followers to "do this in remembrance of me," and so we do this every Sunday to re-enact and remember Jesus giving his body (represented by the bread) and blood (represented by the juice) as a willing sacrifice that brings us forgiveness and freedom with God. We call this "communion," or the "Lord's Supper," and we invite everyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ to participate with us, not just members of our church. Parents, we entrust the decision about your children's participation in communion entirely up to you. The trays of crackers and cups of juice are passed down each aisle so everyone has an opportunity to receive the elements first, and then a leader instructs when to take them together, as a family of believers. If you aren't comfortable participating, just pass the trays along to the nearest person in your aisle.

Am I expected to give money when they pass the offering plates?

We believe the Bible teaches us to carry one another's burdens, and praying for each other is one way to do that. But this is always a voluntary action. Those who verbalize their requests and gratitude often find it grows their sense of connectedness with the church, and their trust in God. For those who would prefer not to verbalize what's on their heart, we also have prayer cards located just inside the sanctuary doors. You can write out prayer requests on these and place them in baskets located next to the cards prior to the beginning of the service. A pastor will gather these when the service begins, and will include them when we pray during worship.

Why are people invited to respond at the end of the service by going out to talk with a pastor or elder?

We think it's important to not only hear God's word, but to respond to what you hear. Of course you don't need to talk with someone to do this--you can respond to God right where you sit in the sanctuary, and without others knowing what's happening. However, many find it very helpful to mark a moment of commitment by asking people to pray with them. Others find it comforting to have a deep need prayed for while surrounded by a worshiping community of believers. And still others, sensing they should respond to God, but unsure what to do next, can find guidance from one of our pastors by just talking about their situation.  We know it takes some courage to step out from your seat share what is happening in your life, but (as we like to say), the worst thing that can happen to you is that you will get loved on through the prayers and support of the pastors and the church.

How long is a typical worship service?

Generally, about 1 hour and 15 minutes. We like to call it the best hour of the week, and it will be even better if we're able to see you there!