First time visits can be awkward, so we hope a little information about what to expect will help you feel more at ease.

The Setting

Our worship center has rows of chairs arranged toward the front of the room. You are welcome to select a seat for you and your family anywhere in the room. There are no reserved seats. Ushers at the entrances will be glad to help answer any questions, direct you to restrooms, etc. They are here to help you.  Sometimes, when people have not been to church in a while, they are uncertain about whether the clothes they wear will “fit in”. We want to assure you that we are much more concerned about you as a person than we are about what you choose to wear to church. In fact, as you look around, you will see that some people prefer to dress casually and other people may prefer wear a dress or suit coat.

What You May Notice During Our Services  

When it comes time for a service to start, this will usually be cued by instrumental and/or vocal music.  At different times, we will sing together, other times, we may listen to a soloist or group. Additionally, we may stand or sit during different parts of the service.  Bible verses or song lyrics will often be displayed on the video screens for you. A couple of different times during the service, someone will say a prayer with the congregation praying along silently. We will have a message, usually delivered by our pastor, Mike Milburn. At the end of the pastor’s message, he will extend an invitation for anyone in the room who wants to make a spiritual commitment or to pray. You may see people go toward the front of the room to have a brief conversation with a minister or to pray about concerns they may have.  At the conclusion of the service we will take an offering. These financial gifts are an expression of our worship and obedience to God. These funds go to pay for equipment and expenses of the church like chairs, carpet,  air conditioning, and utilities.  These monies also help us accomplish the goal of meeting the spiritual and physical needs of others locally and internationally, as a means of honoring God.  As our guest, you are welcome to make a contribution, but are not expected nor obligated to do so.

If you are not used to going to a worship service like this these activities may seem a foreign to you.  Elements of a worship service may also include things like observing a baptism, or participating in the Lord’s Supper.  While what we do in worship services may not make sense right away, we hope that you’ll feel comfortable enough to ask questions about what you do not understand.  We have four mornings services. The 8:10 service is a traditionally themed service, with musical accompaniment provided primarily by the piano and/or organ. The 9:30 and 10:50 services have musical accompaniment provided by a band. Another service at 9:30  that  has a contemporary feel but in an intimate setting is located in our Family Life Center.

 Getting Involved

While we hope that those sitting around you are pleasant and welcoming, the primary focus of a worship service is to pay attention to God and to worship him.  As you join us in praying, singing, and listening to the sermon, it is a time for you to communicate with God.  However, there are ways you can get to know other people and make new friends.  Small groups, classes, Bible studies and other gatherings like this are where we really get to know one another. In fact, in a church of our size, we consider it essential to belong to one of several types of small groups. Please visit the Welcome Center  to speak with a host, gather brochures about ministries, or to ask questions. The Welcome Center is located in the long hallway in the front of the church.

On most Sundays, we also host a short reception for guests who are new to our church. This is a brief time to meet the church staff, and other members.

 The People

What kind of people can you expect to find in our church? All kinds. You’ll find happy people and sad people--people who are friendly, and maybe even a few grouchy people. We are imperfect people just like you who have good days and bad days. We are all in different places in our spiritual journey and maturity. We don’t know everything, and we don’t do everything right. We haven’t arrived. In fact, we are all sinners in need of God’s forgiveness made possible through Jesus Christ. We are all on a journey in seeking to start or strengthen our relationship with Christ, inviting him make a difference in the way we think, feel, and act.   We desire to come together as a group of people to honor God, and with his help, accomplish some things that make a difference.