What to Expect at Hope
We know, it’s not easy visiting a church for the first time. Sometimes you feel like a non-member visiting a 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. Hope Church is not yet 9 years old; everyone here is “new.” So you will be in good company when you visit!
Here’s an overview:
When you arrive, just follow the signs. A greeter should be out front to give you the morning’s program and direct you to the auditorium and appropriate children’s ministries if necessary.
If you have children with you, simply note the following:
Children from 0-2 years old will be in our nursery and 2-3/4-5 year old children have their own classes. The classes listed above meet for the duration of the service. You can drop your kids off before the service starts and pick them up after it is finished. We have a check in system that will assure you of your child’s safety.
Children in first though second grade participate in the first half of the service. They can sit with their class or with their parents. If you would like, when the kids are dismissed from the service you can walk them back to their class to get them settled and introduce yourself to their teacher. If your children prefer, they are welcome to attend the entire service with you, but most kids really enjoy the children’s ministry.
Children in third grade and above who have not yet joined the church are welcome to attend a kid's church time just for them during the second half of the service as well.
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.
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 help yourself to coffee or a snack at our refreshment table or to browse our information table.
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, the songs we will sing, a message outline, and announcements of upcoming events.
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 teaching made relevant to your daily life.
Inside the program is a 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 offerings as a part of the worship service. Those committed to Hope church will place their offerings in the basket as it is passed. 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.
Following the service we hope you will stay and meet some people as you join us for some snacks at the refreshment table. You are also invited to join us for a "Second Hour." During the Second Hour, we have smaller group gatherings devoted to the discussion of a particular portion of the Bible or topic. They are also great opportunities to get to know a few people better. A full program for all children is offered during this time as well. Second Hour finishes promptly at noon. You can pick up your children then and be on your way.
That is about it. We hope you will stop by this weekend.