WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU VISIT US?
We know that it is not an easy thing to visit a new church: you go to a strange new building and meet strange new people who have strange new ways of doing church. Sometimes the whole experience can be overwhelming. We know. We’ve been there. We know you’ve got questions. Hopefully, this page can help to make your first visit with us more relaxing and enjoyable.
What happens when I enter the church?
Am I going to be embarrassed publicly?
What is the Sunday service like?
Do I have to hand my kids over to strangers?
What about the rest of the week?
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
There is no required “dress code” at Calvary Christian Center. A few people will wear ties or dresses, but most just dress comfortably – “office casual” or just casual – even jeans! We’re more concerned with meeting your real-life needs than with what you wear.
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WHERE DO I PARK?
There is a large parking lot on site with ample spaces.
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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ENTER THE CHURCH?
When you walk through our doors, you will .be greeted with a smile by one of our members, who will offer you a church bulletin. This “host” will also be able to answer any questions you might have. When you enter the main worship area, you’ll be able to seat yourself wherever you are most comfortable. Expect to meet several friendly people before and after the worship service!
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WILL I BE EMBARRASSED PUBLICLY?
You are our guest, and we never want to embarrass you in any way. You will not be singled out or asked to raise your hand. We will offer you a guest packet, which explains who we are. You’ll also receive a church bulletin, which keeps you up to date on the latest goings on at CCC. With the bulletin you’ll find a Connection Card which allows you to give us your name and contact information, which allows us to show our appreciation to you for our visit (we never give out or sell your information to anybody for any other reason). You can place that in the offering plate. Just sit back, relax, and get ready!
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WHAT IS THE SUNDAY SERVICE LIKE?
One thing you should expect is a personal, uplifting worship experience. Our services are geared for participation. We typically worship just as we live, with enthusiasm.
WORSHIP SONGS
Worship is very important to us at Calvary Christian Center. This is a time when we celebrate the goodness of God, and express His great worth to us. Our style is very contemporary. Some songs are energetic and upbeat, while some are prayerful and contemplative. All the lyrics are displayed on a screen at the front of the church – there are no hymnals. People are asked to stand during this time, but many who can’t stand the entire time are welcome to sit down as they see fit. We encourage everyone to worship God the way the Bible teaches us to, so most of us clap our hands, many shout for joy and raise our hands; sometimes we jump, dance, kneel, or bow down. We desire for everyone to worship God in a way that is both real and extravagant in response to God’s real and extravagant love for us – so we do also respect each individual’s personal expression to Him. So join in or sit back and enjoy. Either way, we hope you open your heart to experience the power and love of Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Prayer is just talking with God, and we do it a lot at CCC. Sometimes people mention specific needs that we may pray for as a group. Sometimes we’ll all pray aloud but conclude with a single leader praying on behalf of everyone. Often, there is a special time set aside where people may come to the front of the church to pray for a healing. They are anointed with oil (James 5:13-16) and believers place their hands on them and pray (Mark 16:18).
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
We live according to Scripture in all things, including worship. Gifts of the Spirit are encouraged at Calvary Christian Center, as the Bible teaches that they help to build us up in Christ. Spiritual gifts are found throughout Scripture, but specific teaching is found in 1 Corinthians 12 & 14. There is absolutely no indication in the Bible that these gifts are no longer for the Church today.
OFFERING/DONATIONS
During the service we’ll have a time for people to contribute financially to the church. All of our “regulars” know that we believe this is an important part of our commitment to Jesus. We do not expect our guests to give any money, nor do we ask them to give anything – but you certainly may contribute if you want to. But please do place your completed Connection Card in the offering plate.
SERMON
The Bible has a lot of truth that can be used in our lives today! Pastor Ty brings an encouraging message from God’s Word that inspires us to live our lives to the fullest. The message is relevant to where you are – we know where you live, because we live there too! A personal challenge is always made for each person to be more like Jesus. This challenge may lead to an invitation for people to come to the front of the church to pray. We’ve seen God do incredible things in our lives during these times!
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DO I HAVE TO HAND MY KIDS OVER TO STRANGERS?
We have ministries for your children during Sunday morning service. However, if you prefer, you may certainly have your children remain with you in the sanctuary. A nursery is provided for infants and toddlers to age 3. This loving, comfortable atmosphere helps show children at the earliest ages that church is a good place to be. Child care also frees parents to listen to the message with fewer distractions. Kids’ Church meets in the South Wing with Bible-oriented activities for children ages 4-12. They have a lot of fun, but they also learn valuable Bible truths at their own levels. Jr. High and High School age youth attend worship along with adults.
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WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF THE WEEK?
Of course, serving God is a 24-7 deal, and there’s always something going on at Calvary Christian Center! For instance, you’re always welcome to be a part of our Wednesday Study & Discussion group, which includes Bible teaching that targets your everyday life! You can find out more about us and our ministries by checking out the rest of this website or contacting us at your convenience. But please come and check CCC out for yourself! We’re real people living real lives, and as much as we try to explain things to you with this website, the best way to get questions answered is to experience it for yourself!
