What to Expect On Your First Visit

At First Christian Church, we feel it is our responsibility to make it as easy as possible for you to come worship with us. We want you to be able to experience the great music, relevant messages, friendly people and enjoyable atmosphere that are all a part of First Christian Church. Here are a few things you can expect when you join us for worship.

Parking . . .

We make sure our welcome extends even out into the parking lot. Some of the closest parking slots are reserved and marked for visitors. Feel free to use them. Then follow the sidewalk into the front doors, where you will be greeted by one of our members. Their job is to help you find your way around inside the building.

The Nursery and Children's Classes . . .

We know that, as a parent, you need to be sure your children are in a safe learning environment. And, we also know that your children are looking for a fun place to learn. We've tried to do our best to make sure that both of these goals are reached.
The nursery is the first room on the left as you go down the hall. You will see that it is bright and cheery and staffed with friendly volunteers. Plenty of toys are there to occupy the little ones.

A Junior Church program is also available for those older than nursery but still too young to sit through a regular worship service. They typically stay in the regular worship service through the Lord's Supper, then leave with their teachers to have their own lesson during the sermon time.

If you come at 9:30 AM, we have a full Sunday School program available for all ages. Ask the greeter at the door and they will show you to the correct classes for you and your family.

The Singing . . .

Our worship services include a blend of some of the best music from both traditional and contemporary styles. Occasionally, our youth will provide a praise team to lead us in some of the newest Christian music, but they are not on stage to perform. They are there to lead us in singing praises to God. The words are shown on a screen at the front of the auditorium and we have hymn books available at each seat.

The Preaching . . .

Tim, our preacher, won't be wearing any ecclesiastical vestments to set him apart. He is one of us. We believe in the priesthood of all believers.

His sermons usually last between 25 and 30 minutes and are Biblically based. You will hear the Word of God explained and applied in clear, understandable language. Tim doesn't yell and holler, but he sincerely believes what he preaches and wants you to understand and believe, too.

The Offering . . .

As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation, but you are certainly welcome to, if you desire. Remember, your gift is given to the Lord, not to our congregation. However, if you desire, you may simply pass the collection plate down the row. We do ask that you fill out and drop the visitor's information card in the offering plate when it comes by.

The Lord's Supper . . .

The Lord's Supper, sometimes called Communion, will be included in every Sunday's worship service. We believe that the New Testament church celebrated this every Lord's Day and we desire to follow their example as we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread and small cups of grape juice will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus, given for us on the cross of Calvary. The juice symbolizes His shed blood. If you want to share in this with us, simply take a piece of bread and a cup and eat and drink them.

You may place the empty cup back in the tray or you may put it in the cup holder on the back of the seat in front of you. If you choose not to partake, don't be embarrassed. Just pass the trays to the person next to you.

The Invitation Hymn . . .

Following the sermon, an invitation hymn is sung where people are invited to make a commitment to Jesus. Those who wish to do so are invited to come to the front of the auditorium as we sing where Tim will talk with them about their decision. Some may come to rededicate their life.

Others may come to be baptized and welcome Jesus into their life as Lord and Savior. If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism by immersion before we dismiss.Don't feel ill at ease during this invitation. You will not be singled out or pressured in any way. If you want to speak privately about your decision or wish to ask further questions, Tim is available after the service.

What Should I Wear?

We don't have a dress code. Feel free to come however you feel comfortable because, we are more interested in you as a person and not what you are wearing.

You will see men dressed in suits and ties and you will see men dressed in jeans and t-shirts. You will see women dressed in dresses and business attire and you will also see them dressed in jeans and casual tops. Our main goal is to make you feel welcome and comfortable however you come to us.