What to Expect on a Sunday Morning

When you arrive

Enter at the main entrance on the side of the building or at the entrance on the lower end of the building, which is handicapped accessible. An elevator is available for access to the second floor and auditorium.

You will be greeted at the door by friendly people (we call them greeters) who will say hello, answer any questions you may have, and direct you to a Sunday School class or the auditorium.

Sunday School, 9:00 a.m.

There are Sunday School classes for all ages. (Click for more information about current Sunday School options).  A greeter will direct you to the class of your choice.

Before the worship service

A guest book attendant will welcome you, provide you with a packet of information, and invite you to sign the guest book before entering the auditorium.

If you are visiting with children, the guest book attendant will offer an activity bag containing age-appropriate activities for children to use during the worship service.

An usher will greet you and hand you a bulletin as you enter the auditorium.

The worship service, 10:15 a.m.

A typical service lasts about 75 minutes and includes a call to worship, prayer, singing, scripture reading, children’s time, sermon (approximately 20 minutes), congregational sharing time, offering, and benediction.

A variety of music is included in a service but is mostly four-part singing of hymns. We use three songbooks, Hymnal: A Worship Book, Sing the Journey and Sing the Story.

People of all ages are often involved in the service – from worship and song leaders to scripture readers and children’s time.

Children’s time is a time during the worship service when children through grade 5 are invited forward for a story especially for them.

Congregational sharing time is an open sharing time when people in the congregation are invited to share prayer concerns, praises, and/or announcements.

When the worship service is over

Be prepared for people to introduce themselves to you. Many in the congregation enjoy meeting new people.

Don’t be surprised if you are invited to lunch – either at someone’s house or a local restaurant.

Other information

Child care for infants-age 2 is available in our Nursery during Sunday School and the Worship Service. Child care for children ages 3-5 is available in our Preschool Room during the Worship Service.

Members and visitors to Plains wear comfortable and casual clothing—for some this may be blue jeans and for others a dressy suit or sari.

Hearing aids and large-print materials for use during the Worship Service are available from an usher upon request.

Feel free to contact the church office if you have any questions. We look forward to meeting you.