Visiting for the first time.

Our Sunday morning worship is traditional in nature, but with a casual, child friendly atmosphere. We worship God through prayer, reading the Bible, singing Hymns, and listening to a sermon based on Scripture. Sunday school is at 9:15 a.m. with separate classes geared towards the abilities, interests, and needs of all ages. Coffee is available. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. We seek to create a family environment where all children of God, regardless of age, worship the Living God, side by side. However, childcare is always available during worship

What should I wear?
Visitors are sometimes concerned about what to wear. CPC is not a particularly formal church.  Dress how you are comfortable.

 

What is the service like?
When entering the sanctuary, you will be greeted by a member of the church and given a worship bulletin.  Feel free to sit anywhere you like.  ​Inside the bulletin there may be inserts such as announcements or additional music for worship.  When looking at the order of worship, you will notice an asterisk in front of certain items.  This notates where we stand.  If you are unable to stand or find it difficult, please do not feel uncomfortable.  Stay seated and continue to participate as you are able

​

What about communion? 
The Lord's Supper (Communion, Eucharist) is served during worship typically on the first Sunday of the month and on special occasions and is extended to all who desire to follow Christ, remembering that access to the communion table is not a right conferred upon the worthy, but a privilege given to the undeserving who come in faith, repentance, and love. Even one who has doubts or whose trust is wavering is invited to the table in order to be assured of God’s love and grace in Christ Jesus.

​

How is communion served?

At CPC, we serve communion by intinction.  When you come forward, you will take a piece of consecrated bread and dip it into the consecrated wine (juice) then place it in your mouth.  

​

What about the offering?

“When will they take the offering?” “How will it be collected?” “How much am I expected to give?” “Do they want visitors to contribute too?” These are typical worries about church offerings, but God’s Word teaches that our offerings to God should reflect our belief that all we have is his gift to us. It teaches us that with our offerings we worship and honor God.

​

Since offerings are gifts of love for God, no one dictates what each person is to give. These offering give them the opportunity to not only show love to Christ, but also to support the work of our church.

​

What is the worst that can happen?

Attending a church for the first time can be intimidating. Here are some common worries:

​

“I would just die if they made me stand up and say something.” We can assure you, we won’t embarrass you in this or any other way. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible and at home with us. Time at church should be an enjoyable and uplifting experience. 

​

“I know my child is going to be too noisy.”  While childcare is available during worship, many people like to bring their children.  You'll find that our congregation is made up of people of all ages. It is not unusual to hear the cry of a baby or the sound of a child mixed in with the sound of hymns or readings.  That's okay!  We do have activity boxes for young children that can be used during worship.  Ask the usher for one as you enter the sanctuary.  

 

“I know I will feel out of place.”  We hope by providing this information we have helped to ease your mind, but if you have a question, please ask when you come or you can ask through this website. Don’t hesitate to say, “I’m new here. Can you help me?” We can assure you our members are more than willing to help!

​

“I’m afraid I’ll say or do something wrong.”   You are not alone! All of us, at some time, have felt this way in a new situation. We hope you’ll see that the people of CPC are ordinary people like yourself. We want to accept you as you are and help you know Christ.

​

“I don’t know that much about the Bible.”  Worship and Bible Study are opportunities to grow in our knowledge of the Bible and faith in Jesus. You won’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to answer. Don’t forget…sometimes the wisest words to say say are, “I don’t know.”