WHAT TO EXPECT AT CHRISTIAN LAYMAN CHURCH:
We know finding a church can be intimidating. We want to help in your process - whether you’ve been to other churches or this is the first time anywhere. Don’t worry; you’ll never be singled out as a visitor. You aren’t expected to participate in the offering. You can remain entirely anonymous if you like. The only thing you’ll be encouraged to do is fill out an acknowledgement card so we know you were with us. We hope someone has greeted you and introduced themselves and maybe introduced you to another member. If not, please feel free to look for those wearing blue or red name tags and ask them questions, they are the church ushers, pastors, church staff and lay Board members. May this information ease your mind and prepare you for what to expect at our church.
1. Parking: As a first (2nd or 3rd) time guests and/or a family with small children, there is a parking lot behind the church on Lennox Street. There are stairs between the parking lot and our building that lead down to the side entrance. If you cannot walk down stairs, there is a more accessible entrance in the front of the church on Grand Avenue.
2. The Building & Atmosphere: The church building looks big (and it is!). It is an older building with some large lighting fixtures, high ceilings and solid wood doors. It also has a room that is used as a multipurpose room - the Fellowship Hall. We use this area as it feels more intimate to our group size. Wear whatever makes you comfortable – you’ll see some people in jeans and flip flops and some people in business casual clothing.
3. The Program/Service: Starts at 10:30am. Each service lasts about 90 minutes. The overall vibe of services is family friendly, casual, and encouraging. Ushers will welcome you into the building and hand you a program with an order of service and space for notes. Each service begins with singing led by a live band. Lyrics are provided. After the music there is a quick greet time to say “hello” to a few people around you. During this time kids go to their classes. The Pastor usually teaches for about 35 minutes. At the end of the message, we take our offering which is where you’ll drop your acknowledgement card and the band will lead us in one more song then the Pastor will pray one last time.
4. Kids Programs: We have programs for toddlers-5th grade and a youth program for 6th-12th grades. These programs run concurrently with our service. There will be people wearing “blue name tags” who can help you find where to check in your child(ren). Younger children and their parents are welcome to be part of the whole larger worship experience. Reserved seating is set up in one corner so that you and your child have room to wiggle. Toddlers are welcome to go to class before service begins upstairs in Room 1. Older children and youth join the worship service in the Fellowship Hall. After a few songs they gather with their teachers to go to their classes upstairs.
5. Coffee and Snacks: We serve coffee and water during our service and then light refreshments after service. We ask that all drinking and eating remain in the Fellowship Hall.
6. Restrooms: The men’s restroom is located down the stairs from the main foyer. Restrooms for women are located up at the top of the stairs. We also have a family restroom in the back foyer, walk through the Fellowship Hall into the rear foyer and it is towards the left in the back.
Still have questions? We’re happy to help – just call the Christian Layman Church office at 510.526.5855 or
email.
