Stepping into an unfamiliar church for the first time can be a little intimidating and maybe even uncomfortable. Here’s what first time guests need to know…
How you will be treated: The first thing to do is relax because you are going to be among friends. In fact, many people arrive and discover they already know someone who attends New Hope . We encourage you to arrive about 30 minutes before a worship service so you can have the opportunity to look around our facilities, meet others, and enjoy a cup of coffee.
During the service there will be a greeting time when we all greet each other. As a visitor you will never be asked to stand or introduce yourself. You will not be flagged in anyway as a “newbie.” We will do our best to never put you in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. However, when you leave, you are encouraged to go by the information table and receive a special gift just for coming to New Hope.
Our Music & Worship:
New Hope conducts one service that is intentionally contemporary in style. In this service our music may be loud or even quiet but it is always Christ centered. You have the freedom to clap along with the music or express praise to God through raised hands. You can participate as you wish without feeling pressured. None of us worship exactly the same. Don’t worry about knowing the words because the words will be on the screen for you to easily follow.Worship is upbeat but not charismatic. A person who is charismatic is welcome to attend New Hope, but
New Hope is not a “charismatic” church. We do not have the public display of “the vocal gifts” in our services. For further information, click here.The contemporary worship service begins at 10AM and runs for 90 minutes. Sermons are practical, down-to-earth, and based directly from the Bible. A earlier service is also offered for those who enjoy more traditional hymns and gospel songs.
The Offering: The offering plate that is passed each Sunday is New Hope’s only source of income and you will not hear us beg for money. If you are visiting, please do not feel obligated to participate in the offering. Your taking the step to visit our church is your gift to us.
For Children: During the worship service time we have an amazing children’s program for infants through 6th grade. A member of our security team watches over all our children’s areas throughout the morning.
Our Nursery (infants to age 3) is staffed for the comfort of your infants and so you can fully enjoy the worship service. Children must be signed in and will only be released directly to you. We have a nursery call system. This means you will be given a number which will be easily seen by you in the sanctuary should you be needed by your child.
Our Kids Church (potty trained through Grade one) also requires that children are signed in and only released personally to you.
Our Junior Church (Grades two through six) remains in the worship service for the first 30 minutes when they are released for their session.Most children fit right into the programs on their first visit. However, if you choose to bring your small children into the worship service we simply ask that you respect the people seated around you by taking your child to the Fellowship Hall should they become a distraction. Closed circuit TV will be providing the service while you care for their needs. We love children at New Hope and fully realize that from time to time any child can get vocally restless.
Take a further look: Check out The Message to hear our pastor preach. Go to Our Galleries, look around and see what some of us look like. Be sure to click on Get Directions so you don’t get lost. We know you’re going to have a great time so we hope to see you Sunday at our 10AM service.
