If you’ve never been to our church, or to any church, this is what a Sunday morning looks like.
Come at about 8:45 on Sunday morning, wear whatever you like, sit anywhere and stay for coffee afterwards if you want to. Nobody will ask you to stand up, sign anything or give money. The rest of this page has the details, for anyone who likes to know them ahead of time.
When to arrive
The Lord’s Day Celebration starts at 9:00 am every Sunday. If you come at about 8:45 you’ll have time to find a seat and meet a few people. Running late? Come in anyway. People walk in during the singing all the time.
What to wear
Whatever you’re comfortable in. Some people dress up and most don’t, and nobody is looking.
Where to sit
Anywhere you like. No seats are reserved. If you’d rather sit at the back and just watch the first time, plenty of people do that.
How long it lasts
About an hour and a half. The sermon usually takes thirty to forty minutes of that, and it works through one book of the Bible a passage at a time.
What happens, in order
A member of the church leads the service and welcomes everyone. We sing hymns and some newer songs, with the words on the screen. Someone reads a passage of Scripture out loud, and then we pray for the church, for our city, for people who are sick or grieving, and for our young people. Next is the offering, which is for members and not something visitors are expected to join. Then comes the sermon from the book we’re working through (Nehemiah 8:8; 2 Timothy 4:2). We finish with a song and a blessing.
Will I be singled out?
No. We won’t ask you to stand, introduce yourself, raise your hand or come to the front.
Your children
Children stay in the service with their families, and a bit of noise doesn’t bother us. They belong to the church too, and this is how they learn to worship (Deuteronomy 31:12; Mark 10:14). There’s a quiet space at the back if you need a break with a restless child.
The Kids’ Ministry meets on Saturday mornings at 8:30 and teaches children the Bible at their level. All the teachers are members of the church, and they always serve in pairs.
The Lord’s Supper
When we share the Lord’s Supper, the bread and cup are for baptized Christians who are trusting in Christ and belong to a church that preaches the gospel (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). If that isn’t you yet, just let it pass. Nobody will think anything of it. If you’re not sure, have a word with one of the pastors before the service starts.
Getting here
We meet in the City of Ilagan, Isabela. The contact page has the address and a map. If you’d rather not walk in alone the first time, send us a message during the week and someone will meet you at the door.
What language is it in?
English and Tagalog, often mixed together the way people here talk. You’ll be fine with either one.
Afterwards
Most of us stay for coffee and a chat. God gave the Lord’s Day as a day of rest and gladness (Psalm 118:24; Mark 2:27), so we don’t hurry home. If you’d rather leave straight after the service, that’s fine too. Nobody will follow up with a phone call or put you on a list.
What if I am not a Christian?
You’re welcome here. You don’t have to believe anything to come in, sing along or stay for coffee. Come and listen for as long as you like. If you want to talk things over with someone, just ask.
Still have a question?
The frequently asked questions cover membership, baptism, giving and joining a ministry. What we teach explains what you’ll hear preached here. Or send us a message. We’re happy to answer anything.