New to Grace?
Here's What To Expect
We have ALL been there.
Visiting a new church can be really intimidating! We want you to feel completely prepared from the minute you pull into our parking lot.
Below are a few frequently asked questions to help you get started, and if you think of any more that aren't listed here, please reach out to us!
And don't forget, our 10:15 a.m. service is streamed live every Sunday if you'd like to tune in and get a feel for things ahead of your first visit!
Where can I learn more about being Presbyterian and PC(U.S.A.)?
Presbyterians first planted roots in the United States in 1706 but the denomination has been around for about four centuries. We are known for our representational leadership, our reformed theology and our commitment to social justice. We encourage you to learn more about PC(U.S.A.) here.
What time do I need to arrive?
Services begin at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Sunday School begins at 9:00.
Are both services the same?
Both services are basically the same, but they each have a unique character. Each one regularly features announcements, hymns, liturgy, a message and prayer. Our choir regularly sings at the 10:15 service. Childcare is available only at the 10:15 service, though children are welcome to attend both services. We offer clipboards with activity sheets for our youngest worshippers if they decide to stay in service.
When Communion is served, it is available at both services.
Where do I park?
Parking isn’t a problem. We’ve got plenty of space out front in either our paved or gravel lots. Handicap accessible parking is available in the loop in front of the church or the paved lot.
Where do I go when I get there?
There is one main entrance to the church.
As you enter the foyer, the sanctuary is directly in front of you. Our sanctuary is a multi-purpose room without pews, which allow us to use the room for other events, and to arrange the seats in different formations on occasion.
As you face the front of the sanctuary the restrooms for men and women are on the hall to your right. Another women's restroom and an all-gender/family restroom is at the end of the long hallway on the left, just around the corner. The nursery and Sunday school classrooms are also down the hall to your left. The Youth Rooms are at the end of the hall to the left.
The kitchen is the first room to the left of the sanctuary. Come in and grab a cup of coffee before the service! You are welcome to use one of the white Grace mugs on the bottom shelf.
Is childcare available?
Children up to age 5 are welcome in our nursery during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday school hour and 10:15 a.m. worship service. The nursery is located halfway down the long hallway on the left as you enter. We also have a pair of rocking chairs available in the sanctuary.
Children in Kindergarten through third grade are invited to attend children's church, which begins after children's time in the 10:15 service. Children's church is held each Sunday except on the first Sunday of the month when we have Communion during the service.
What if I am late?
Folks are welcome to wander in late, and an usher will help you find a seat.
What’s the dress code?
Come as you are -- seriously. You will see a variety of clothing styles: people in slacks, dresses, jeans, dress shirts or polo shirts. In the summer, you’ll see shorts and Hawaiian shirts, and sandals and the occasional football jersey during the fall. We don’t worry much about what you wear, we’re just glad that you join us!
Can I take Communion, even if I am not a member of Grace?
You don’t have to be Presbyterian or even a member of a church to participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. There is no age requirement or pre-requisite. Jesus welcomed all at his table, and so do we.
At Grace we celebrate Communion using grape juice. There are rice cakes available for folks that do not eat gluten.
What will the worship service be like?
A Sunday morning worship service at Grace Presbyterian is a mixture of traditional and contemporary elements.
Our bulletin will help you follow the order of worship. It is available each week in the sanctuary or on our website. We also encourage you to make a name tag so we can get to know you better. They are available on the table as you enter the sanctuary.
As you enter, many folks will be greeting each other, reading the bulletin, listening to the prelude music or grabbing a cup of coffee. You are invited to enter our kitchen and help yourself to a Grace mug on the shelf for coffee or tea which you are welcome to enjoy in the sanctuary during the service.
After the service we invite you to speak with a member at our welcome table, which will be on the left as you exit the sanctuary. There you can get more information on the life and ministries of Grace and grab a home baked treat!
The service will include:
- Several hymns sung by the congregation, accompanied by the piano
- Special music by the choir, children’s’ choir, hand bell choir, or musician at the 10:15 service
- One or two Bible passages are read aloud
- A Minute for Mission or Moment for Justice where we hear about what’s happening in the church or opportunities for ministry
- A message from the pastor, talking about the intersection of Scripture and our lives
- Prayers for the sick and concerns of the church and world
What if I have trouble hearing? Are there assistive hearing devices I can use?
If you have trouble hearing the service while in the sanctuary, please let the people in the sound booth know. We offer assistive listening devices. We recommended you bring your own headphones that can be plugged into the device.
What kind of accommodations do you offer for the differently abled?
In addition to the assistive hearing devices (detailed above), you will find plenty of handicap accessible parking in the circle drive directly in front of the sanctuary as well as in our paved parking lot.
There are no stairs required to access any public areas of our building. There are handicap accessible restrooms in the hallway immediately to the right when you are facing the sanctuary. There are also handicap accessible restrooms, including one all-gender family restroom, on the very end of the hall to the left.
Our live service is also shown on the television in our conference room (the door immediately to the left as you enter our building) and is an option available for anyone who may need a less crowded environment in which to enjoy the service.
Whom should I contact if I have other questions?
The church office is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 803-548-0800. The office staff will be happy to answer your question or direct you to someone who can.
You can also send an email to our
staff.
On Sunday mornings, an usher, greeter or Session Member (wearing a green nametag) will be happy to assist you if you have a question.
