Visiting a Church for the first time…
may feel exciting and adventurous for some, but for many it can feel uncomfortable, uncertain, or even awkward. Before taking even the first step in, questions may come to mind: What should I expect? What should I wear? Am I going to be asked to stand in church as a new visitor or give personal information? Is there a program for my children? Will they be safe? How long is the service?
To answer some of the basic questions and to help visitors feel more at ease in a new place, read on:
Finding Us:
96 Baldwin Hill Road, Washington Depot CT 06794. Some have commented that from the outside, the building looks similar to a Swiss Chalet!
Attire:
Arriving at the Door:
Start time and length of service:
Worship:
The Practice of Communion:
Ministry for our children and youth:
Care for our Infants-Preschool:
Class and Activities for Elementary Children:
Upper Elementary Children:
Middle/High School:
Giving/Offering:
Contact Information:
Please come in whatever clothes feel most comfortable to you. Some like to wear business casual, dresses or skirts, while others prefer to come in favorite jeans and a nice sweater/blouse/shirt. (For people involved with some aspect of leading service, we ask for business casual.)
You will be greeted by one or several of our church family.They will give you a printed Program of the service to guide you. If you need childcare, they will direct you to the Nursery. Otherwise, come on in to the Sanctuary and find a seat. Though people often like to sit in the same place, be assured no one will be upset with where you choose to sit. Our entrance is wheelchair accessible and their is space provided in the Sanctuary for wheelchairs as well.
Worship begins at 10:30 am. It usually runs between 60-75 minutes (depending on whether Communion is being served, or a special guest or presentation is part of the time).
Our time of worship, during the school year, includes the anthems sung by the choir, time for prayer, hymns/songs (both classic and contemporary), Scripture reading, a Children’s Message, the sermon and the Offering. On different occasions, there may be a special presentation, a celebration such as a baptism or new membership and other events. During the Prayers of the People, the congregation and guests are invited to share words of thanksgiving or needs for prayer if they wish.
The first Sunday of every month we celebrate the Sacrament of Communion with the Bread and the Wine (we use juice). On the even months, we pass the elements in the Pews; in the odd month, we serve it by Intinction (people come forward, take the bread and dip it in the juice). All who confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are welcome to participate in this special meal. (It is the parents’ discernment/discretion whether their child may part take in the meal.) We realize not everyone who comes to church has placed their faith in Christ; acknowledging this, we welcome people to take some grapes as a sign they are still on the journey.
All adults working with our children and youth have had a background check which is kept in our files. All of our classrooms have windows in the doors to assure safety and a spirit of transparency.
Nursery care is provided for children, 6 weeks - Preschool during the service downstairs in the Nursery.
During the service there is a children’s message especially provided for them. They are invited to come up to the Alter where the Pastor shares an age-appropriate lesson that ties in the larger theme of the morning service. After the message, the children are invited to go to a Sunday school class, Grades K-3, with an adult teacher.
Just before the sermon, upper elementary youth, Grades 4-6 are invited to go to Dive Deep with an Adult Leader who leads an age-appropriate study on the same passage the pastor is preaching upon.
Currently, we do not offer anything formal for our middle/high school students. However, we are committed to bringing a youth pastor on Staff within the next few years. To that end, we have been seeking someone for the youth Pastor position.
We consider our visitors’ presence their gift to the church. We welcome you here to enjoy the worship and the fellowship of believers. If you feel led by the Spirit to give, then please feel free to do so, but there is no expectation to do so.
We have a guest book in the Narthex that we invite you to sign so we know you were here. If you would like a visit or a call from the Pastor, to be informed of upcoming events, or would like to receive the monthly newsletter and other correspondence, please provide your physical and/or email address. We do not share or sell any contact information.
You can reach us by phone, 860.868.2794, or by email, office@salemcovenantchurch.com if you have further questions.