Our church family loves to welcome visitors! Have no fear - you won't be asked to stand up and introduce yourself at the end of the service. But you definitely won't go unnoticed, either!
Our facility isn't so large that you'll get lost. One building contains our worship space, fellowship area, and kitchen. A second building contains our offices and a multi-purpose room for meetings and classes.
When you enter the main building, you can mingle in the entryway or take a seat in the worship space whenever you wish. Someone will make sure you receive a worship folder that contains an outline of the service. Some worshipers choose to use the hymnal that contains the service and hymns, but we also project everything on screens. Use whichever tool you prefer.
We don't have a dress code. You'll see people in shorts and t-shirts... khakis and and polos... tennis shoes and sandals... skirts, dresses, and sport coats... wear whatever makes you comfortable. All we ask is that you be considerate in your clothing choices so as not to distract others from their worship.
Absolutely! Bring them with you. We love the sights and sounds of children at church. Grab a bag from the entryway that contains books and coloring sheets to keep them occupied. Bring a snack (wasn't it always Cheerios back in the day?). Pastor leads an interactive children's sermon before the regular one to make them feel like they're a part of things. We don't have a staffed nursery, but believe that children best learn how to worship by doing it from little on. We understand that children sometimes get pretty fussy. Parents are always welcome to take them into a side room until they calm down.
Weekly worship at Cross of Christ is liturgical. That's just a fancy word that means we follow a structured order of service. You'll notice that some things repeat week after week after week - because they're valuable parts of the service. (Who wouldn't want to hear Bible readings and a sermon, sing hymns, say prayers, etc. every single time we gather together?) You'll also notice that some things are new and specific to that particular week in the church year.
Some musical pieces were written thousands of years ago (e.g. the psalms). Some were written in just the past few years or decades. Even repeated service elements are used with slightly different texts and tunes for the sake of variety. Although our worship is always liturgical, it's a combination of traditional texts and tunes with contemporary ones.
We normally follow an overall theme for a month or two, and each week will focus on a different aspect of that theme.
As do many other churches and denominations, we follow the biblical practice of close communion. (Some might refer to it as closed communion or member communion.) While we do not and cannot judge anyone's heart, the Bible does ask us to respect certain outward criteria when it comes to celebrating this Sacrament together. So, we do ask you to refrain from taking Communion - at least for the time being. We invite you to speak with Pastor to set up a meeting where he can explain this teaching in more detail. If you wish to receive communion, know that we will work toward that goal without unnecessary delay.
Long story short, just come and observe. Feel welcome. Be our guest - we're here to serve you. Participate if and when you wish. Get comfortable with the worship format. Just sit back, listen, and observe. Or put yourself out there and join in the conversations. We always feel blessed as we worship together as God's people. And we're confident you will be too!