We know it can be stressful coming to a new church, or even coming to church for the first time! Here we have some questions and answers which we hope will ease any worries you might have. We all hope to see you one upcoming Sunday!
What time is the service?
Church typically starts at 10:30 am, if the start time is different, it will be on the sign and noted here. There is before church singing or a warm up around 10:20 am or so.
Can anyone come to church?
Everyone is welcome at our church! We are known as a welcoming church and often have people join us for a service and decide to stay!
Do I have to believe?
Each person is on their own faith journey. If you pray daily or weekly or never at all, please join us to enhance your faith journey.
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code, come as you are comfortable. Some wear their ‘Sunday best’ but it is by no means a requirement.
What do I have to pay?
Our offering supports the work of the Church in the community and in the world. There is no obligation to provide an offering and it is a completely personal contribution. There are envelopes in the pews if you would like your offering to be discreet or you can put your cash or cheque offering in the passed plate. If you would like a tax receipt for your donation over $10, please provide your name and mailing address inside the envelope or on the outside. Not everyone contributes an offering, some members do a monthly Preauthorized Authorized Remittance (PAR), some will contribute their time to church events.
How long is a service?
The service starts at 10:30 am and is typically finished by 11:30 am. If it is Communion Sunday, or Baptism, it might finish at 12:00 noon.
How do I know when to stand?
Our minister will announce when to stand, but typically those who are able will stand when a hymn is sung, unless otherwise directed.
What if I don’t know the songs/hymns?
There are hymn books in the pews that have words only or words and music. VU is the red Voices United book and MV is the More Voices spiral book. Sometimes we will sing songs to common folk songs or nursery rhymes to different words printed in the order of service.
What is the paper handed out by the door?
Our greeters will provide an ‘order of service’ or ‘bulletin’ that is similar to a programme at a play or event. The bulletin is like a roadmap to our service. It will let you know what the hymns and readings are for the day and the topic. You are welcome to take the bulletin home with you, make notes on it and make it yours or leave it behind to be recycled.
Where can I sit? Are seats reserved?
Seats are not reserved. You are welcome to sit wherever you are comfortable. Everyone who attends usually settles into a ‘regular’ spot, but everyone is welcome to join.
Is participation mandatory?
Participation is not mandatory. Feel free to observe or participate as much or as little as you wish.
What is “coffee” hour?
After the service everyone is welcome to join us for fellowship and a snack after Church. Coffee, tea, juice, and water are provided. Home baked goods are usually on the menu and gluten free options are always available.
Do I have to volunteer?
Nobody is obligated to volunteer and we all have different gifts. Please share your gifts as you are willing and able.
What is the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples?
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Bond Head United Church 