Most of us get nervous when we go somewhere new or different.  That tension may be heightened when attending a new place of worship.

Questions zip through your mind like, “What will it be like?” “Willeveryone stare at me?” “Will I be welcomed by genuine people?” “Will I be asked to participate in something that makes me uncomfortable?”

This brief page is designed to put your mind at ease before attending aworship service at Providence Presbyterian Church. We hope this brief introduction to our service gives you a good idea of what to expect ona typical Sunday morning.

Arrival

Upon arrival at the church building, you'll enter through the main (and only) entrance. As you walk into the building, you'll be greeted by a friendly face (we call them Greeters). They'll help you get where you need to be.

If you'd like information about the church, the Greeter can help you find background resources on our information table. If you have infants or toddlers, the Greeter will help direct you to the appropriate nursery and give you a brief overview of the system we use to ensure your youngster's safety. Greeters can also show you to the restroom before the worship service begins.

A Greeter will then point you in the direction of the sanctuary where we hold our worship services. An Usher will welcome you and offer a bulletin describing the worship service. Our ushers are there to assist you in any way needed during the worship service. They can help you find a seat or, if you have a special need, they'll also do their best to make you comfortable.

Once you're seated, look through the bulletin. The bulletin contains all of our songs, liturgies, Scripture readings, and community announcements. We also provide a Bible for you in the back pocket of the seat in front of you.

We do not recognize our visitors in any special way during the service. This is not because we don't feel you're special or don’t care that you are worshipping with us. Rather, out of respect for you, we'd like you to relax and just worship our saving Lord with us. We want to respect you where you are spiritually.

Providence is a place where you are welcome to question, find answers, and work at your own pace as you discover God’s truth. We do hope you'll be warmly greeted by the pastoral staff and our members. Greeters will make an effort to direct a pastor or elder to welcome you.

If you would like to connect with the church in a more meaningful way, or if you have deeper questions, we provide a guest information card in the back pocket of the seat in front of you. Please fill it out, drop it in the offering plate later in the service, and we'll be in touch with you regarding your inquiry. We do not send outreach teams to contact visitors unless the visitor requests a meeting with church leadership.

Worshipping God through Music

As the service begins, some portion of our worship team will begin with music. This is a great time to prepare for the worship.

One of the pastors, typically Senior Pastor Andy Phillips , greets the church. He will highlight key announcements and help prepare the church for worship with thoughts that conclude with prayer.

You will then be invited to stand and join in singing a traditional hymn of worship to God. If you don’t know the song, take time to reflect on the words. Following our first hymn, our worship leader, typically Assistant Pastor Aaron Anderson , leads the church in a responsive reading that we call a ‘Call to Worship.’ Next, the worship team leads in two songs of worship and adoration. These songs typically have a more modern and upbeat feel.

Following these songs, you'll be asked to be seated for our Confession of Sin. During this time, we read a Scripture or recite a liturgy or prayer that helps us confess our sins to God. We often allow an extended time of silent confession as well. Following the Confession of Sin, we sing two songs chosen to offer us hope in the forgiveness that Jesus Christ offers.

Offering and Pastoral Prayer

At this point, you'll be asked to be seated and we'll take an offering—a collection of money to support our ministry. Please remember to drop your information cards in the offering plate.

As a visitor, please feel no compulsion to participate financially in the offering. You are welcome to participate, but this time is intended for our members to contribute to the church’s ministry. Following the offering, one of the pastors will pray an extended prayer for individuals, the church, the nation, and the world. You will have now been in the service for approximately 30-40 minutes.

Worshipping God by Hearing the Word

During this last portion of the service, one of the pastors, typically Andy Phillips, delivers the sermon. The sermon is a time when the pastor preaches the Scriptures so that we are challenged and comforted by the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sermons typically last 25-30 minutes and are followed by a traditional hymn and a benediction (a blessing), which end our service.

We do not have an altar call—a request that you come forward in response to the sermon—at the close of the sermon. We do hope you'll respond to the sermon by placing your faith in Jesus Christ if you have not done so. Instead of parading you in front of the church, we would like to have the opportunity to speak to you privately in a setting with which you are comfortable. Any of the pastors are available and eager to speak with you following the service.

We sincerely hope this page has been an aid to you. Please feel free to connect with us in whatever way you are comfortable. We are here to love and serve you however we can.

If you would like to know more about what it means to be a Christian before attending a worship service, read "What is Christianity?"