FAQs

What is considered “appropriate attire” for worship?

You’ll see a little of everything in our sanctuary on Sunday mornings — from suits and dresses, to vacation-wear. After all, we’re a beach community. The important thing is that you come! Ladies may wish to bring along a sweater or jacket, just in case the air conditioning is too cool for you.

When should I plan to arrive?

We recommend arriving approximately 15 minutes prior to the service start time. This should allow ample time to park your car, walk to the sanctuary and find a seat.

Is the church handicapped accessible?

In a word: Yes. There are no steps required for accessing the main floor of our sanctuary, and within the sanctuary there are designated seating areas for those in wheelchairs and their companions. Once inside, meeting rooms and offices are all located on the same level. Older parts of the facility (such as Price Chapel and the Learning Center) are also accessible directly from the outside via ramps.

How do I get a name tag?

The church office will gladly prepare a name tag for anyone who expresses the desire to have one. Talk to one of the volunteers at the Welcome Desk; your name tag will be ready for pick-up the following Sunday. You don’t need to be a member to receive a personalized name tag!

Does it cost anything to use the hearing device?

Not at all. The volunteers at the Welcome Desk will simply take your name and ask that you return it after the service. It’s that simple.

Is there any assistance for the visually-impaired?

Large print bulletins, including the hymns and scripture text, are available from the ushers or at the Welcome Desk. They will be happy to provide one at your request.

Are children welcome?

Of course! Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them.”

Your children are welcome to accompany you to the worship service, and to remain throughout the service. If, however, they would like to participate in our children’s program, you may wish to stop at the Family Ministries Check-In counter in McClure Hall prior to the service. You may then escort your child to a Sunday school class following the children’s message in worship.

Children under the age of 3 years are welcome in one of our two nurseries. The Infant Nursery is for those who are not yet walking, while the Toddler Nursery is for walkers through 3 years old. While in the Nursery your child will be lovingly cared for by our professional childcare staff. All of our Nursery Attendants are background checked and drug-tested and committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for your child. A pager will be given you when you check in, so that we can contact you during the service, if it should become necessary.

More information about this ministry can be found on our Children's Ministry page.

What do you offer for older youth?

Youth Groups meet on Sunday evenings from 4:00-6:00 PM. The Youth Ministry program is divided into two age groups: the Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6-8) and the High School Youth Group (Grades 9-12). Our youth meetings are a mix of large group activities which include all youth, and small group discussions which are more peer oriented. Our youth also participate in many trips, retreats, concerts, and special events.

More information about this ministry can be found on our Youth Ministry page.

Is there a Sunday school program?

Sunday school is offered for children and youth ages 3 through 5th grade. Sunday school begins following the Children’s Message in the worship service. (When two services are offered, the Sunday school hour is during the later service.) Children’s Classes are divided into three age groups, the Preschool Class (ages 3-5), which meets in McClure Classroom 3, the Early Elementary Class (Grades K-2), which meets in McClure Classroom 5, and the Upper Elementary Class (Grades 3-5), which meets in the Youth Room.

Adult education classes are also offered on Sunday mornings, either before or between the morning services, depending on the time of year. For more information about Adult Christian Education offerings, check the Spiritual Growth Ministry News section of the website or the Sunday bulletin.

How can I obtain a copy of a particular sermon?

The pastors' messages are available in two formats. CDs of the complete worship service are available for $3 each immediately following the service at the Welcome Desk. Printed copies of recent sermons are also made available, free of charge, and can be found in the literature racks in the Narthex. This week's sermon will be available in its printed booklet format next week; sermons can also be printed directly from this website.

Is the sacrament of Communion a part of every service?

We offer Communion in Sunday morning worship services approximately 6 times a year:

• First Sunday of January
• First Sunday in Lent
• First Sunday in June
• First Sunday in August
• First Sunday in October (worldwide Communion)
• First Sunday in November

May I participate in Communion if I am not a member?

We practice what is known as “open Communion.” It is not necessary to be a member of our church to receive this special symbol of our Lord’s love for us. The only requirement is that you are a Christian. We welcome all to join us from any denominational background, Catholic or Protestant.

How many does the Sanctuary seat?

Our sanctuary, completed in 2001, seats approximately 1000 on the main level, with an additional 400 seats in our mezzanine, for a total of 1400. During the winter months, we average approximately 1100 in attendance per service (9:00 & 11:00 AM).

Do you have an evening service?

Occasional special services are offered in the evenings. Check Upcoming Events for a schedule.