What To Expect
Parking
There are three different parking areas you can use – two are right next to the building and one is just across the street. The lot closest to the auditorium often fills first, but all three are just a short walk to a door.
Entering the Building
Greeters (just like Wal-Mart . . . but younger!) are stationed at each of the doors to help provide any extra assistance you may need, to offer a program with special information for the day’s services, and to answer any questions that come up.
The Three Worship Services
We work to help keep the worship services fresh and engaging. The message is usually one part of a series, taken from a book in the Bible. Each message can stand alone, but becomes clearer in the context of the entire series. Music is a predominant factor in our worship; we share a time of Communion and receive an offering each week as well.
The 8:45 am service has a more traditional flavor musically, using hymns and some of the older choruses to help guide people as they worship. A band accompanies the music, and about once a month, a 15-piece orchestra plays.
The 10:00 and 11:15 am services are identical and have a more contemporary style, are louder, and have a higher energy level. The band and tech team work to create a look and feel that brings together truth and culture.
Communion
The celebration of Communion is an opportunity for followers of Jesus to remember Jesus’ love, death, and resurrection in a tangible way. Trays filled with cups of grape juice and unleavened bread are passed. Each person spends time in prayer and eats and drinks individually. People who haven’t made a commitment to follow Jesus are encouraged to enjoy a few moments of quiet reflection.
What about Children?
As you enter the building from the east parking lot (the one closest to the building), you’ll see the Children’s Check-In area on the left. Stop there to provide practical and emergency information, to receive a name and security tag, and to discover where your child’s class meets. There are classes for children from birth through 5th grade at all three services.
Anything for Teens?
FUSE, the high school (grades 9-12) worship experience, happens at 10:00 am in the Youth Auditorium, and a study group meets at 11:15 am.
IGNITE, worship for the middle schoolers (grades 6-8), is at 11:15 am in the Youth Auditorium. The study group for middle schoolers meets at 10:00 am.
What Should I Wear?
There are no rules – on any Sunday you’ll see suits and ties, dresses, business casual, jeans, or shorts. Don’t try and impress anyone; wear what’s comfortable!
The Café
At the end of the Welcome Center is a small café that’s open before, after, and during each of the services offering coffee, soda pop, water, and breakfast snacks. Be sure to stop by on your first visit for something to eat and drink . . . on us!
The Invitation Time
At the end of each service there is an opportunity for people to respond to the service in a public way. People will often come forward to ask for prayer for illness or something they’re struggling with, or to share their commitment to become a disciple of Jesus. Anyone is welcome to respond to the invitation time and the opportunity to ask for prayer.
How long is the Worship Service?
The worship service is designed to help people connect with God and typically lasts about 60 minutes. Everyone is encouraged to sing along with the band and to actively participate.
How early do I need to arrive?
It’s best to aim for 10 minutes before the service begins, or maybe a little more if you have children you’ll need to check in. That will give you plenty of time to get a cup of coffee, find a seat, and take a look at what is happening through either the program or the information onscreen.
Will anyone single me out or embarrass me?
No – we want to help you find your way around and encounter God with as few obstacles as possible, not embarrass you. We have a guest form that we’d love to have you complete (we even have a gift for you doing so) so that we can stay in touch, but we won’t share that information with anyone and won’t break your door down if you don’t provide it (because we won’t know where your door is!).
We want to make it easy for you to come in and feel at home, to hear God’s voice, and to be able to respond to Him. We hope you will!
