What to Expect
We know that, as a potential visitor to Christ Church, you may have a few questions. We'll try to answer some of the more frequently asked ones here. If you have others, you can always email us, call us, or just drop in!
For your convenience, you can either scroll down this page, or click on the question of your interest and you will be taken to that section of the page.
Who are you?
When should I arrive?
What should I wear?
What can I expect?
What is worship like?
Will I be asked to give money?
Is the church handicapped accessible?
What about kids?
What about communion?
How do you observe baptism?
Do you have Sunday School?
How do I become a member?
Christ Church consists of a wide range of folks...from young families to folks into their nineties! We have lifelong United Methodists in our church family as well as many who have come from other denominational backgrounds. What brings us together is our love of Jesus Christ and our desire to become His disciples.
Our services start at 8:15 and 10:45 am. If this is your first visit, you may want to join us about 15-20 minutes before the start of worship to get settled in. For your convenience, you may wish to visit our directions page to get a map to the church. Once here, you'll find plenty of free parking right outside of our building...and even more just across the street at the bowling alley if it is needed. When you come through our doors you will be warmly welcomed by our greeters and ushers who will give you a smile, handshake, and a worship bulletin. They'd also enjoy answering any questions you may have.
We don't have a dress code at Christ Church. You will find that some folks like to dress up, others are casually attired. Which is the best choice? Whatever is most comfortable for you.
Let's face it...first time experiences can be a bit un-nerving when you don't know what you are getting into. The truth is, all of us at Christ Church had our own "first day" here and know what it's like. We think that you will find us to be a friendly "family"...and if you're wondering about something, just ask one of us.
What is worship like at Christ Church?
Our two worship services differ in style, but the sermon is the same at both. The 8:45 a.m. service is "traditional", using primarily a hymnal and the church organ. The 10:45 a.m. service is "blended", which means that in addition to some hymns, we also use praise and worship choruses and have a projection system for the lyrics and other visuals. Besides using the organ, this service has a small praise band for the majority of the music. Want to clap your hands to the music? That's fine with us! Do you like to raise your hands in worship? You are welcome to do so at Christ Church. Come to whichever service is most convenient for your schedule, or whichever suits your worship style preference.
During the prayer time, you will be invited to put any praises or prayers you might have on a slip of paper (located in the pew rack in front of you) and bring them down to the pastor. She will take all these slips and pray over them at that point. Anyone who wishes may come down and kneel at the altar rail in the front of the church during this time for a special moment with the Lord.
We are a Bible-based church. Before the sermon is given, a passage of Scripture will be read by the pastor. These verses normally provide the Scriptural foundation for the message that follows. You are encouraged to bring your own Bible to follow along, but there is always a Bible within easy reach wherever you are seated. Typically the pastor reads from the New International Version, however at times another translation may be used. If you enjoyed the sermon and would like to hear it again, you may order a CD copy of the service at the Information Center and it will be ready to pick up the following Sunday (we ask a $1 donation per CD). Or, you may simply click here and enjoy the message via streaming audio or podcast download.
Will I be asked to give money?
As a part of our commitment to biblical stewardship, our members are asked to contribute to the ministry of Christ Church on a regular basis. We take an offering at each service by passing a plate through the pews. If you are just visiting with us and do not wish to contribute, it's okay to let the plate pass by and enjoy being our guest for the day.
Is the church handicapped accessible?
The great majority of our campus is wheelchair friendly. The only exception to this is the lower level of the Education Wing. We have an elevator and ramps to provide easy access to all other areas of the church.
When you arrive in the parking lot, note that we have several spaces of handicapped parking located close to the side entrance of the sanctuary. This entrance provides a ramp to reach the church doors.
There are two pew "cut-outs" in the sanctuary to provide space for a wheelchair to be parked. One is on the front row, right side; the other is about halfway back on the left side.
For those with hearing impairment, we have an assistive listening system to amplify the sound of our worship services. If you would like to borrow an earpiece for the service, simply ask an usher when you come in.
We have one handicapped restroom, located near the offices along the connecting hallway.
Please tell us your needs and we will certainly try to help you out to the best of our abilities.
Is Christ Church kid-friendly?
What would a family be without children? We think that's the same way it should be with our church family! As Jesus said, "Let the children come to me." (Matthew 19:14) Your children are always welcome and may stay with you - but might be happier in the childcare rooms or at Kid's Connection (both offered at the 10:45 service). Each service includes a special time with the children where they will be invited to come forward to the front of the church for a kid-sized message.
At
Holy Communion has its origin in the Passover Meal which celebrates the ancient Hebrews' escape and deliverance by God's hand from bondage to freedom. It is a meal to which Jesus gave new meaning as he shared it with his disciples on the night before his crucifixion. From the earliest of times, believers have experienced Christ as present among them in this holy celebration. Methodists believe Christ is present in this meal as Spirit, not actual flesh and blood.
Everyone who claims Christ as Lord is welcome at the table, for it is not a Methodist table, but the Table of the Lord. Children are most welcome! While they may not understand the deep theological meanings, they can share and feel the blessing of being a part of God's family who love one another and who are deeply loved by Jesus Christ.
Most of the time we use the method of "intinction", which simply means you will come forward and be given a piece of bread. You will dip it into a chalice of grape juice and then eat it as you return to your seat. Occasionally we will use the "table" method, whereby the ushers will direct you to kneel at the altar rail where there will be small dishes for the bread and small cups of juice. After one "seating" is finished, participants will be excused back to their pews while the next group of people will then take their place at the rail.
How do you observe baptism?
The United Methodist Church celebrates baptism at any age, by method of sprinking, pouring, or full immersion. Christ Church does not have a baptismal tank for immersion. We normally baptize by sprinking of water on the head. Whichever way you wish to experience baptism, you will need to speak with the pastor to set up a pre-baptism counseling session. Baptisms are held throughout the year, normally on the third Sunday of the month.
Yes! We encourage people of all ages to enjoy the Sunday School experience. All classes run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., conveniently situated between our first and second worship services. Adults meet downstairs in Fellowship Hall; youth meet in the Youth Wing; and the children's classes are on the upper and lower floors of the Education Wing.
Information about our classes is available on our Ministries web page, we also have a discipleship brochure with a building map that is available at the Information Center in the Narthex. Further information on children's classes can be obtained by contacting Leigh Ann Gigliotti or youth classes by contacting Brenda Gryncewicz. Information on our adult classes is on the Adult Sunday School page of our website.
How do I become a member?
Youth (8th - 12th grade) participate in a confirmation class leading to membership, which is offered periodically. For more information on this, contact the church office. office@eriechrist.org
Adults are offered a five week series of evening classes, called Starting Points. These classes take place in the fall, winter, and spring each year. Following the classes, those wishing to complete their journey to membership will have an individual meeting with a member of the pastoral staff and attend an orientation session with several members of the church leadership, including both staff and laity. Click on the link if you are interested in learning more about Starting Points. To be contacted when an upcoming series of classes is scheduled, please call the office or drop us an email.