First visit?
Welcome!
Here’s what to expect Sunday mornings at 10:30
We are a lively community, always excited to welcome new faces through our doors.
Arrival: Feel free to enter through the front or around back through the parking lot to climb fewer stairs. Take a seat wherever you are comfortable, and be aware that folks will likely come and say hello when they see a new face.
Accessibility: Our building has an accessible lift outside by the back door in the parking lot, which requires a key that can be borrowed during your visit. We want to welcome you and ensure that your visit is as smooth and rich in dignity as possible. Since the lift can be challenging to operate, we invite you to reach out in advance of your visit so that someone can be ready to greet and orient you. You can email Emily at emily@wallpc.org or Nicole at nicoleb@wallpc.org. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible. Communion bread is gluten-free, however our kitchen is not celiac-safe.
The Service: Our services are usually between 60 and 75 minutes. Song lyrics and the words of the liturgy (AKA prayers spoken by leaders and congregation) will be on the screens. Folks tend to dress casually except for on holidays like Christmas and Easter.
Hybrid Worship: Services are always hybrid, both in-person and on Zoom. The links to attend church via Zoom and to watch recordings of past services are sent in our weekly e-news; to sign up, you can email Nicole at nicoleb@wallpc.org. Zoom recordings are posted unlisted (only those with the link can view)on YouTube with the Announcements, Passing of the Peace, and Prayers of the People portions omitted for privacy. If you wish to remain off-camera, you can sit behind the second pew.
Restrooms: Men’s and women’s restrooms are located on the main floor, and gender-neutral restrooms are downstairs near the nursery.
Kids & Childcare: We love kiddos being themselves! Services are often peppered with the sounds of babbling babies and playful kids. Coloring pages, crayons, and clipboards are located at the back-right of the sanctuary for kids and adults.
Our Nursery is downstairs and can be found by going down the stairs near the parking lot, turning right, and walking a short way to the end of the hall. Kids tend to participate in worship through the Children’s Message, after which our nursery attendant will walk the kiddos downstairs to the nursery. Sometimes she takes them down sooner if they are antsy to go play, then brings them back up for the Children’s message. For those who choose to accompany their child(ren) to the nursery, there is a laptop with a livestream of the worship service.
Coffee Hour: After church, you are welcome to join us downstairs for coffee, snacks, and conversation. First Sunday of the Month is a Potluck Lunch.
Order of Worship
-
-
This is typically an instrumental song during which we settle into the space and let our attention and energy arrive in worship.
-
-
We typically have three songs here, which are a blend of contemporary and traditional songs.
-
-
During this time, we shake hands and greet each other, with many folks moving around the church to say hello and chat for a moment. Please honor your comfort level around touch; we will respect your boundaries and are happy to pass the peace without shaking hands when asked.
-
This is usually a children’s book or a Godly Play message.
-
From the pastor or a guest preacher. These are usually 15 -20 minutes and sometimes includes a time for congregants to participate in some way (optional).
-
Here we pray for our offerings then reflect on what we want to give while listening to a song.
We recognize that our offerings to God and community go beyond finances, so we do not pass an offering plate; however, there is a black offering box on the wall at the back of the church, near the front door, for cash or check offerings. Most people choose to give online.
Occasionally during this time, a visitor from one of our mission partners will share an update, someone will be baptized, or someone will become a member or ruling elder.
-
-
Who Can Partake? WPC has an open table, meaning that anyone — regardless of religious affiliation or lack thereof — is welcome to partake in the juice and bread, which is always gluten-free.
How-To: When invited, you may come forward down the center aisle, take piece of bread, dip it in the cup of juice, and return to your seat along the side aisles.
Accessibility: Those with limited mobility are invited to raise their hands, and the elements will be brought directly to them.
Opting Out: No one is expected to take communion. You may remain in your seat or you may come to the front and cross your arms over your chest, with your hands by your shoulders, to indicate that you would like to instead receive a verbal blessing.
-
During this time, congregants on Zoom and in person are invited to share requests for prayer. If you would like to share a request, you may raise your hand and a microphone will be brought to you. We lift requests up together after each is shared through responsive prayer:
For Concerns:
Leader: Lord, in your mercy
All: Hear our prayer.For Joys:
Leader: Lord, for this grace
All: Hallelujah!Prayers shared during this time will be shared with the congregation in an email the following Wednesday. Please indicate if you would like yours omitted from this email.
-
-
Have questions?
Need directions? Parking information? Please feel free to reach out to Emily at emily@wallpc.org.