We know, it’s not easy visiting a church for the first time.  Sometimes you feel like a non member visiting a private country club.  

You may wonder…

”Do I belong here?”  

“”Will I know what to do?”

“Will they ask me for money?

“Will my kids like it?

“How should I dress?”

“Can I come if I don’t believe or have never been to church?”

We do everything we can to make visiting Hope an enjoyable and stress free experience.  We want people to feel comfortable attending even if they have never been to church before.    Many of the people you meet have only been attending Hope Church for a short time, so you will be in good company when you visit!

Here’s an overview:

When you arrive, just follow the signs.   We have parking spots reserved for visitors to help make your first visit a stress free experience.  A greeter should be out front to give you the morning’s program and direct you to appropriate children’s ministries if necessary.

You will notice that everyone is dressed comfortably, in everything from “church clothes” to “office casual” to jeans and sneakers.  If you arrive early,  feel free to take a seat in the sanctuary or to brouse our information stand.

If you have children with you, simply note the following:

The following classes are provided for the duration of the service.

   

   Nursery - children born Oct. 2, 2007 to the present

   Toddler - children born Oct. 2, 2005 through Oct. 2, 2007

   Pre-K/K - children in kindergarten or born Oct. 2, 2003 though Oct. 2, 2005

 

You can drop your kids off before the service starts and pick them up after it is finished.  

Children in First grade  though fifth grade attend the first half of the service with their parents.  If you would like, when the kids are dismissed from the service you can walk them to their class, to get them settled and introduce yourself to their teacher.  If your children prefer, they are welcome to remain in the worship service with you, but most kids really enjoy the children’s ministry.

Parents who love their kids as much as you love yours run our children’s ministry.  We strive to make sure the children’s ministry is well organized, safe, and meaningful for the participants at every age.

The service is outlined in the program you received on the way in so that it is easy to participate even on your first visit.  The program includes the day’s Scripture readings, a message outline, and announcements of upcoming events.  Song lyrics are projected on the screen.

The service usually begins with music followed by a time of welcome where we shake hands with those around us.  Following this we will have some music led by our worship team, some additional Scripture readings and a message.  The message will be based on the Bible and will relate the ancient text to our daily life in some way.  You will hear solid Christian Theology made relevant to your daily life.

Included in the program is a welcome card, with space for personal information. Each week everyone in the service is invited to fill this out with any prayer requests or concerns they might have.     We invite you to fill this out as well.  You can drop this card in the offering plate when the ushers pass it.

Each week we include the collection of tithes and offerings as a part of the worship service.  Those committed to Hope church will place their offerings in the basket as it is passed, along with their information cards.  We believe that the support of the ministry of the church is the responsibility of those committed to it.  As our guest, we don’t want you to feel any obligation to give.   However, if you would like further information about our ministry, you can fill out your info card and drop it in the offering basket, that would help us serve you.

Following the service we hope you will stay around and meet some people as you join us for some snacks at the refreshment table.    You can pick up your children then and be on your way.

That is about it.   We hope you will stop by Sunday.