What to Expect at Providence Presbyterian Church
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 our minds like, “What will it be like?” “Will I feel welcome?” “Will people stare at me?” “Will I be asked to participate in something that makes me uncomfortable?” This page is designed to put your mind at ease before attending a worship service at Providence Presbyterian Church. We hope this will give you a good idea of what to expect on a Sunday morning.
Arrival
When you arrive at the church building you will enter through the main entrance. As you walk into the building, you should be greeted by a friendly face. An usher or greeter will help you get to where you need to be. If you would like information about the church, they can direct you to our information table. If you have infants or toddlers with you, they can show you where to find the Nursery. They can also show you where the restrooms are located.
Through the double glass doors is our sanctuary where we hold our worship service. An usher will hand you a bulletin which describes our service. The bulletin contains all of our songs, liturgies, Scripture readings, announcements and general information. There are also Bibles available in the pockets of the seats in front of you that you may use.
We do not recognize visitors in any special way during the service. This is not because we do not appreciate that you are worshipping with us, but rather out of respect for you. We simply want to make you feel at ease and respect where you are spiritually. Providence strives to be a place where you are welcome to ask questions, find answers and work at your own pace as you discover God’s truths with us. We do hope you are warmly greeted by the pastoral staff and our members. If you would like to connect with the church in a more meaningful way there are visitor information cards in the chair pockets, on the table in the narthex, or you may sign in on the pew pads. Information cards may be filled out and placed in the offertory plate.
Worshipping God Through Music
Our service usually begins with music. One of the pastors will stand and greet the church. He will highlight key announcements and encourage us to prepare our hearts for worship and conclude with a prayer. You will then be invited to stand and sing. If you are not familiar with the songs, take time to just reflect on the words. Following the first song, our worship leader, usually Assistant Pastor Chris Knaebel, will lead the church in a responsive reading we entitle a ‘Call to Worship.’ Next, the Worship Team will lead the congregation in two songs of worship and adoration. Following these songs, you will be asked to be seated for our ‘Confession of Sin.’ During this time, we often read a Scripture or recite a liturgy or a prayer which helps us confess our sins to God. Occasionally, we simply participate in a time of silent confession, and at other times, it is a combination of the two. After the time of confession, we receive the ‘Words of Assurance’ which give us hope in the forgiveness that Jesus Christ offers. A hymn or song often accompanies both of these parts of the service.
Offering and Pastoral Prayer
At this point, we will take an offering, the collection of money to support our ministry. If you have filled out a visitor information card, you may drop it in the offering plate now. As a visitor, please feel no compulsion to participate financially in the offering. You are welcome to do so, 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. This is approximately the first half of our service.
Worshipping God By Hearing The Word
During the second half of our service, the sermon will be given. The sermon is a time when the pastor preaches the Scriptures, challeging us to learn and grow, and comforting us by the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Sermons generally last 25-30 minutes and are usually followed by a closing song and a benediction (blessing) which ends our service.
We do not have an ‘altar call’ at the close of the service; instead, if you would like, any of the pastors are available and would gladly take the time to speak to you privately.