I'm New

What is it like?

• It is a nice balance between watching a performance and meeting up with old friends

What about my kids?

• The are welcome in worship and at our volunteer events. There is a special time in our worship called Time for All Ages. There is also an opportunity on the second through fourth Sunday of the month for them to take a break from worship and head out with a Adult Volunteer for an activity. The first Sunday of the month children stay in worship for an intergenrational service. We have quiet activities to keep them occupied in the pews. Some children like to bring their own books or drawing pads. 

Where do I park?

• You will find space to park in front of the Vestry, behind the Meeting House, at the Post Office and at the Town Hall across the street. Many people like to walk to church. 

What do I wear?

• The dressy side of casual. We are not a fashion show or a sporting event. Some people come dressed in their Sunday best. Others dress more casually. Either way, we believe that God cares more about the state of our hearts than the state of our attire, and encourage you to dress the way that feels most appropriate to you.

I've never attended worship before, how will I know what to do?

• On Sunday morning there is a greeter at the front door to welcome you into the space and guide you where to the Sanctuary. An Usher will hand you a program that will guide you through the service. You may sit wherever you feel comfortable. Rev. Beth and the organ are on the left side. The volunteer leader and the pianist is on the righ side. 

• The first part of our service is led by a member of our congregation. There is usually a time for announcements, a responsive call to worship, and an opening hymn.

• The service is in four parts: We Gather, We Listen, We Respond and We Depart. The flow is meant to get you settled in and ready to be fully present. 

What type of music is played?

• The music in our church is a mix of traditional and contemporary. We keep alive the practice of hymn singing, choosing favorites from among the classics of Christian hymnody and modern hymns.  Most weeks, you will hear the hymns and other selections played on the organ or piano by one of our rotating cadre of organists. From time to time, we invite flutists, harpists, vocalists, and the Village Ringers to take part in the service. The hymns are found in the red hymnals placed in each pew or in a booklet passed out by the ushers. 

Will a donation or offering be collected?

• Yes,  we welcome your gifts and encourage everyone to live a life marked by generosity. If you are unable to give financially, please consider an offering of time or talent to the church, another organization, or to a neighbor in need. You may put cash or a check in offering box or use the QR code on the back of the worship bulletin and give on line. The ushers will receive the offering by passing the offering boxes in the pews. If you do not wish to contribute on a particular Sunday, a simple shake of your head, or gesture with your hand, will signal to them to pass on by. If you are visiting and would like to share your contact information with us, we invite you to fill out one of the welcome cards you will find in the pew and place it in the offering box.

Will communion be served?

• Communion is offered on the first Sunday of the month. Our communion table is open to all who identify themselves as seekers of Christ. You not have to have been baptized or confirmed—just open to the working of God in your life. On communion Sundays, the deacons will distribute the elements (both bread and wine or juice) to you in your pew.

What happens after the worship service?

• A piece of music is played at the end of service, after we greet each other with a simple "Peace be with you." Many linger for a bit to catch up or to meet a new face. Some Sunday's light refreshments are served. No one is obligated to stay, and sometime people need to leave to get to work or a game. No pressure.