What to expect at your first Service

We truly come as we are . . . and that applies to our wardrobes as well. Some wear Sunday best and some of us luxuriate in our most comfy jeans. Whatever you wear and whatever your struggles, we look forward to meeting you.

There’s no preparation required. Our printed Order of Worship contains everything you need to know to fully participate in the Service. As with many faith traditions, we sing together, listen to readings and a sermon and share the Holy Eucharist – which is also known as Communion. As is the case with everyone who attends, you are welcome to participate in any way you feel comfortable.

Here are some of the things our first-time visitors wonder before they come:

When are Services?
There are three Services each week. The Sunday 8am Service uses more traditional language and is a quieter service that is more meditative and reflective in character. The Sunday 10am Service also includes a sermon and Holy Communion as well as special music from our Choir and hymns sung by the Choir and Congregation. Children who attend Church School join us after the Sermon. The first 10am Service of the month is a Family Service with our children participating in the liturgy. Thursdays at 10am we gather in the Tyler Chapel in the main Church Building for an informal Service with Holy Communion.

Can I bring my young children?
Children of all ages are welcome in the Service. Most families prefer our 10am service where our young people who are enrolled in Church School (pre-K through 5th grade) attend class for the first part of the Service and join us just after the Sermon. All children are welcome for the entire service . . . even when they cry, gurgle, yell or disagree with the Sermon.

How long will the service be?
Sunday at 8 – 50 minutes
Sunday at 10 – 1 hour, 20 minutes
Thursday at 10 – 45 minutes

Where do I park?
There is a parking lot adjacent to the Church which is accessible from either Chestnut Street or Route 9. Many of us park on Chestnut Street as well.

Is the building handicapped accessible?
The handicapped entrance is accessible from the parking lot (where there are designated handicapped parking spaces). The ramp is on the southwest corner of the Church.

Will I know what to do next in the service?
Everything you need to participate is in the Order of Worship which is distributed by the ushers when you enter the Church.

Can I receive Communion and how does that work?
Communion for us is an expression of a deep relationship with God and one another that we nurture and encourage at Messiah. So, all are welcome to receive Communion and we hope that you do so.

Is there music?
Our Sunday 10 am service includes music from our Adult and Children Choirs, hymns we sing as a Congregation and beautiful organ music.

Is there childcare?
You are welcome to have your children with you in Church for the entire service which most people do who are visiting us for the first time. If your child is at least 4, they are welcome to join our Church School, where they meet each Sunday at 9:45 am. They join us in Church after the Sermon. The first Sunday of the month is a family service in which children are present in the church for the entire Service.