THINKING ABOUT VISITING??

We know that visiting a new church can often be a little uncomfortable.  Where do I park?  Where should I sit?  What about my children? 

We want your visit to Teays Valley Presbyterian to be a meaningful experience in which you experience the presence of God through worship and the warm fellowship of our members and regular attendees. 

Please know that when you visit, we will never single you out or draw special attention to you.  We do hope that our regular members will notice that they see someone they don't know and introduce themselves.  We ask worshippers to fill out our "fellowship pads" each week.  If you'd like, fill out the fellowship pad with your information, and we'll send you some information about the church.  We won't show up at your house or send you spam e-mail.  We just want to be able to tell your more about the church if you're interested.  If you don't feel comfortable filling out the fellowship pad, no problem!  We're happy you're worshipping with us.

We offer three opportunities for worship.  What you experience when you visit will depend on which service you join us for. 

8:30a.m.  A traditional worship service with hymns accompanied by an organ, usually a little briefer than 10:30.

10:30a.m. A traditional worship service with choral anthem and hymns led by choir, accompaniment by an organ; includes a children’s message

2nd & 4th Sundays: 6:00p.m.—Sunday Night Live (SNL), contemporary worship service with music led by a praise band.

Here are some answers to questions you might have.

Where do I park?  The property holds an upper and lower lot.  You're welcome to park in either of these lots.  You'll also find specially marked handicapped spots near the front door. 

Will I know where to go? Once inside the front doors, you'll find a lobby (which we sometimes refer to as the "narthex") and the entrance to the sanctuary.  The restrooms are just down the hall.  The childcare rooms are to the left of the sanctuary.  Please ask and usher or greeter (wearing nametags) for any directions that you need.

What will my children do?  On Sunday mornings, childcare is provided for infants - 5 year olds.  If you take your child to the nursery or childcare room, you'll get a silent pager (similar to the kind that restaurants use) so that the nursery attendant can signal you if you're needed back in the nursery or childcare room.  During the 10:30 service, there is a "children's message" in which the children are invited to come down to the first pew and hear a message just for them from Pastor Wayne or Pastor Sharon.  They can then return to sit with you, or, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, children in K - 2 attend a special program called "Children In Worship" with Susie Konstanty, our Director of Children's Ministries, K-5.  Otherwise we encourage children to stay with their parents in worship, so that you can worship together as a family. 

What should I do when the "offering plate" comes my way?  The simple answer is: whatever you want.  Giving financially is something that our members and regular attendees are committed to, but as our guest, you should not feel compelled in anyway to give if you don't want to.  Give as you feel or just pass the plate along.  No one will be watching to see whether you are giving. 

What should I do when there's Communion? We celebrate the sacrament of Communion, or The Lord's Supper, on the first Sunday morning, and the second Sunday evening of each month, and at other special services.  In the morning, we serve the bread, already prepared in small pieces, and juice, in individual cups, to you in your seats.  In the evening, we use a practice called "intinction", where worshippers are invited to come forward, tear off a piece of the bread from a loaf, dip it in the cup, and then eat the bread as they head back to their seats.  The pastor usually mentions that communion is open to anyone who professes faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  If you feel comfortable participating, you are welcome.  If you're not sure, just pass the plate along to the next person or stay in your seat.  Children who have been taught by their parents about what communion means are welcome to share in the sacrament.

What should I wear? The simple answer is: whatever you want.  On Sunday mornings, you'll find people wearing jeans, suits, and everything in between.  The pastors and choir wear robes.  Wear what is comfortable for you.  On Sunday evenings, the dress is very casual.  Almost everyone wears just what you would wear on a Sunday afternoon - something casual.  The pastors and the praise band usually wear jeans.

What do you believe? We believe in the saving love of Jesus Christ.  We belong to the Presbyterian Church (USA).  If you have any questions about our beliefs on any particular subject, feel free to contact us.  Of course, the best way to learn about what we really believe is to be here with us.  We look forward to seeing you soon.