We love having kids in our community! Just by being here, children are learning what it means to be in community and how to worship, even if it doesn’t look like it. Their energy, presence, and questions are all gifts. It’s very possible that as a parent, you may be carrying some expectation and anxiety around how kids should behave “in church,” that’s in tension with how kids actually behave and learn. 

We try to all start worship in the sanctuary together. It helps signal to kids that the sanctuary is a space where they’re welcome, too! Nursery attendants are present in the back to help kids find materials to use. After the children’s moment, kids are invited to remain in the sanctuary, go upstairs for children’s worship, or move to the nursery with attendants.

Children are invited to use any of our materials found at the back of the sanctuary (where you enter) for part or all of the service—either where you’re sitting or at the table in the back. We have books, coloring supplies, and quiet building toys. If you (or they) prefer, we have a nursery available for kids ages 0-3 and children’s worship that lasts about 30 minutes for kids ages 4-10. For older kids and youth (or anyone who worships better with a little bit of movement), we have an art table that they are free to use throughout the service as well. 

For extroverts, “Greeting others” or “passing the peace” is often a favorite part of service. For introverts, it is…not. We try to keep it to under 2 minutes, enough to say “hello” or “peace” to a few folks sitting nearby, but not enough to finalize brunch plans when service is over. 

Pastors select most music that’s sung by the congregation based on a few things. They try to select songs that connect with the scripture and themes for the morning, can be sung well, and are relatively known. Most of what this community knows comes from the Chalice Hymnal, and are pretty traditional. Pastors and staff are also aware that folks in the congregation come from a variety of traditions and religious backgrounds, so what may be “new” and “contemporary” to some may be “childhood favorites” to others, so they somewhat regularly introduce selections outside of the Chalice Hymnal.

We recognize that everything is a gift from God. Because God has been so generous with us, we are invited to share generously with the world. Gifts of all sizes are gratefully received and help support a variety of ministries within the walls and beyond.

Our denomination’s identity statement (more on that below) says, “We Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s table, as God has welcomed us.” We celebrate the   Lord’s Supper every week, and all are welcome to participate in the feast. We use grape juice and gluten-free/nut-free crackers as elements. There’s no pressure to participate; just know that there’s no test of fellowship to determine whether or not you’re allowed. You are!