 |
TOP TEN QUESTIONS ... before you visit
We know what it's like to try anything for the first time, in particular when visiting a new church - the questions, the curiosity,even the anxiety- especially if you're the shy type. So we've come up with some of the main questions people usually have before visiting a church. How did we come up with this list? We all started out as first-time guests, too! Are these some of yours?
1. Is this a Christian church, or something else?
Very much a Christian church! We place Christ in the center of all we do or teach. Everything we do is in His name and for his glory. Though somewhat informal in style, our church is deeply committed to the historic and eternal truths of the Christian faith. Our purpose is simple: to become a biblically strong community of believers so that Christ's gracious purposes can be accomplished in this world. This includes, of course, helping other people become fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
2. What should I wear?
Be yourself and wear whatever clothes make you feel most comfortable. We're a culturally diverse group and we cherish all of our differences!
3. How long will the service last?
Usually not more than an hour and 15 minutes.
4. What will the service be like?
First of all, you will be greeted and made to feel welcome! We will offer you a bulletin containing several announcements and (sometimes) the order of our service. We usually start by singing a few songs and then have a welcome and prayer. Our worship is a blend of contemporary and traditional styles (but mostly contemporary) and the messages are always Biblical, practical and relevant to your life.
We will also have the Lord's Supper (Communion) at some point during our worship service. The purpose of this is to commemorate and celebrate Christ's death on the cross on our behalf. Also, it is an expression of our gratitude to God for the wonderful gift of His Son.
After the service, parents immediately pick up their children from our "Joy Factory". Everyone is then welcome to stay awhile and enjoy some fresh coffee and light refreshments and meet new friends. If you have any questions before or after the service, or you just want to say hello, you are more than welcome to talk to our minister or with anyone one else from our congregation. Finally,we hope you'll want to come again!
5. What about my kids - do they stay with me throughout the service, or is there something special going on for them?
Our children's ministry is called, The Joy Factory, and provides an exciting, quality experience for your children from toddler to 6th grade. Your kids will love this program! All of our teachers are devoted, well prepared and have gone through rigorous safety checks.
The children's classes are held simultaneously with the adult worship service. However, before we start their classes everyone participates in the main assembly area for the first part of the
service--some great singing. Then we'll dismiss the kids.
We encourage you to take your children to their appropriate classes. They'll probably have more fun in our Joy Factory than in an adult worship service! These programs allow you to maximize your worship experience in our adult services while your children are receiving high levels of care and attention in their own classes.
6. Will I have to say anything, sign anything,or be singled out in any way?
Nope! Rest assured that you won't be put on the spot, singled-out, or embarrassed in any way. Someone will probably talk to you and say 'hello' but will not be intrusive-only warm and friendly! Sometimes we may ask our guests to fill out a card if they'd like us to visit them or pray for them, but if you'd prefer not to do so that's okay with us.
7. What are the ages of your members?
Although we are a relatively new congregation, the ages of our members and friends range from new born to retired and then some! And we do our best to make sure that everyone's needs are met.
8. Do I need to give money?
Although we do pass an offering basket for our members, we don't want anyone to feel obligated to give. The worship service is our gift to you. We really mean that!
9. Do I need to bring anything, like a Bible?
If you have a Bible, by all means bring it. Simply because we are all encouraged to follow the sermon with an open Bible, but it's not necessary to have your own. We provide Bibles and song lyrics for those who would like to use them during the service. If you simply want to listen, that's ok.
If you need a Bible, just ask us and we will give you one as a gift.
10. When and where are the church's worship service?
When: Sunday Worship -11.30 am
Where: 11391 Dartford St, Maple Ridge (Corner of 114 Ave. and Dartford)
|
|
Lookup a word or passage
|
|
)