Community > Visit > What to Expect

We welcome you with open minds and open hearts.

What to Expect Sunday Mornings

Visitors are welcome. You don’t need to believe anything to join us in worship, community service, church events, or study.

What should I know if I haven’t been there before?
We are small. We will know you are a visitor, sorry. There is a program (the “bulletin”) on the table at the back of the sanctuary so you can follow along with the service.

If you want to be more anonymous, slip in late and leave early. You can do this by showing up about 10:05 am, sitting in the back, and leaving before service is over. You will know to slip out when the person is coming down the aisle with the big brass candle snuffer to put out the altar candles. At that time, everyone else will be standing and the pastor will be giving a good word for the road. (In the bulletin, this moment is called the “Benediction.”)

When is the worship service?
Our worship starts at 10:00 am and is about an hour long. Afterwards, we have snacks and coffee in the room at the back.

What is the worship style?
We are an easy-going group who enjoy an old-school worship format. This means there are times to stand and times to sit, times to sing and times to be quiet. We recite prayers and a statement of belief together. We also laugh when we make mistakes. We don’t take ourselves too seriously.

What do I wear?
Please wear whatever you would feel comfortable wearing to dinner at an aunt or uncle’s house. Tee shirts and leggings are fine. Nice dresses and suits are fine too. Most of us dress somewhere in between– think Hawaiian shirt territory.

What will I hear in church?
You will hear community announcements, prayers, songs, and a short talk about a biblical topic. We follow a cycle of readings called the Revised Common Lectionary. Almost every week’s sermon is part of a series.

When is Communion?
Communion is celebrated the first Sunday worship service of each month. Methodists practice an open table. No one who seeks to participate will be denied Communion.

What is Communion?!
Holy Communion is also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist. Communion is a sacramental “meal” of a tiny piece of bread with juice. In the Communion ritual, we remember the last meal Jesus ate with his friends before being executed. This meal is of deep religious significance to Christians. (Want to learn more about Christian stuff without pressure? Take our Growing in Faith class.)

I have never been to church. What should I know?
Be yourself.

If you haven’t had much church experience, we invite you to show up, grab a program, and sit wherever you like. Then, let it all wash over you. You are not obligated to participate in any activity or say any words you don’t want to say– and nobody cares if you do or don’t. Don’t worry about finding the right songs, saying the right words, or knowing what the heck is going on. Church is an experience. Just soak it in.

Occasionally, a regular attendee will welcome a visitor during announcement time. This is a friendly gesture. We will be respectful of where you are on your faith journey. Don’t stress!

We are each walking our own path, traveling together; the more, the merrier. You are already being guided to where you need to go. You will know when to learn more and when to move on.

What about my kids?
Children are also invited to be themselves. They make noise and ask questions. Just like adults, even when trying their best, kids will have melt downs. It happens! We don’t mind!

We have paper, crayons, and coloring pages at the table just to the left as you enter the sanctuary. You are welcome to bring toys for them to play with during the service.

Children may stay with you in the sanctuary. Alternately, if you would like to hear the service but want to contain an active kiddo outside the sanctuary, there is a room to the right as you walk in where you can close the doors and still hear everything. We also have a playroom for the little ones. Feel free to start in one place and move during the service to do what is right for you and your child.

If you would like your child in Sunday School during your visit, please contact us ahead of time.

What’s the pastor like?
A good egg. This church is about 150 years old. The good and bad news is that a church community is about way more than the many pastors who serve it. That said, we like her.

Do you have classes on Sundays?
We often have a drop-in Bible study starting about 11:30am. You do not need to know ANYTHING about the Bible to attend. Reflection pages are provided. We typically have an open discussion. Nobody is put on the spot. Our Bible studies are lively! We get real about what doesn’t connect for us. Grab some popcorn (or whatever is on offer) and enjoy the show.

What else should I know?
We Methodists are an eclectic bunch and no one church is right for everyone. We appreciate the bravery of a Sunday morning visit (go you!) and hope you find what you are looking for in our company.

Again, visitors are welcome!