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Your First Visit

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New Hope is “A Place for New Beginnings”, and every new beginning starts with a first step. We are so pleased that you are considering taking your first steps with us.

The unfamiliarity of a first visit to any church can either diminish or enhance the enjoyment of visiting for the first time. We want your first visit at New Hope to be comfortable and care-free and a blessing for you and your family.

Is your church handicap-accessible?

All of o ur f acilities at New Hope are handicap-accessible. There are several handicap parking spaces available near the east entrance to the narthex next to the drive-thru. There are areas of the sanctuary free of obstructions that are specifically designed to accomodate wheel chairs. Handicap-accessible restrooms are located adjacent to the narthex and in the hallway off the smaller foyer in the Fellowship Hall/G ym.

When should I arrive and where should I go first?

When you arrive, you can either enter the church from the parking lot sidewalk on the west side, or east side under the drive-thru. Either way, you will be robert2 coming through the narthex (foyer). The Worship Service starts at 10:00. Try to arrive about 10 – 15 minutes early so that you can enjoy coffee and refreshments with us before the service begins. There are treats for the children as well.

I don’t like being called attention to as a “visitor.”

You will find at New Hope a loving family of God, not one that will “smother you” with attention, but will make you feel welcome. You may get a handshake or two. You will not be asked to identify yourself or be called attention to as a visitor. We know how it is, we’ve all been there before. It is our sincere prayer that you arrive as a visitor and leave as a friend!

Do you use a bulletin so I will know what is done in the service?

You will be provided with a bulletin that will include the morning’s order of worship, announcements and church prayer concerns. The pastor will usually include a helpful outline of his sermon. A sample of one of our bulletins may be found in the Worship section of this website. robert6

What do you call the place you worship?

Many churches today are using the secular term “auditorium” for their place of worship. We still use the term “sanctuary.” When you go from the narthex into the sanctuary, you will immediately notice a prayerful, calming, subdued effect. It is a transition from the secular to the holy. The colors in the sanctuary are noticeably different from the rest of the building so that the worshiper has no doubt that the sanctuary is “set apart” for worship.

Where should I sit?

Take a seat anywhere you like – there are plenty of seats toward the back, even if you arrive late. There are attendance pads located in the pew racks. If you like, you can provide us with your name and address so that we can inform you of other activities going on at the church that might be of interest to you and your family.

How should I dress – is there a “dress code” required?

Looking around, you will notice immediately that there is no required “dress code.” Folks will be wearing everything from suits and dresses to jeans and t-shirts. You will see dress shoes and flip flops. And that’s OK. We feel God is more concerned with the person inside the clothes. robert4

How will I know when the service starts?

Once the musical prelude begins, everyone begins to grow quiet and speak to God through silent prayer and meditation. Acolytes will light the candles to signify the coming-in of the light of Christ.

What type of worship service can I expect?

The service is a traditional one, with hymns and the liturgy. We sing praise and worship choruses as well, so the service is slightly blended on occasion. We project the praise choruses up on a big screen but still use hymn books and normally stand when we sing, but not always.

Do you receive an offering?

An offering is taken during the service. We encourage observance of the Biblical teaching of tithing because of the blessing the giver receives, having given. However, as a visitor, you are not expected to take part in the offering unless you wish. robert5

Is there anything in the service for my child(ren)? Is there a nursery provided?

There is a time during the service especially for the children where they are invited to come down front to spend some time with the pastor. He will have a story and a prayer just for them. However, children don’t have to participate if they feel uneasy. Children are a blessing, not non-participants, and we have many parents who keep their children with them through the whole service. However, for younger children, up to age three, a nursery is available before the service or anytime during should the need arise.

How long does the service last?

You can expect the pastor to deliver a Bible-centered message that is relevant to everyday living. The sermon usually runs about 25 -30 minutes. The entire service usually lasts about an hour. We can provide you with a DVD of the service, once they are copied, if you’d like.

Do you celebrate Communion (the Lord’s Supper) and may I participate since I am not a member of your church?

Communion, or The Lord’s Supper, is celebrated the first Sunday of each month and is open to all who profess Christ as Lord and Savior. We have an “open robert3 Communion” table. You do not have to be a member of New Hope to participate in this sacrament. We serve Communion with the congregation remaining in their seats. Church elders are served by the pastor at the front of the church. The elders then serve the first person at each pew, and each person passes the bread and juice to the next person in the pew. We understand all of us to be ministers, and passing Communion is a symbol that we serve one another. Children may take Communion as well, if parents approve.

Other questions?

If you have questions that have not been addressed here, please call the church at (615)449-7020 or email us at info@newhopecpchurch.com. And thank you for taking the time to stop by our web site and check us out!