Your First Sunday at Grace Hill

Walking into a new church can feel like a lot. You are not sure where to park, which door to use, when to stand or sit, or whether everyone will somehow know you are new. Maybe it has been years since you last went to church. Maybe you have never been at all. Either way, we are so glad you are thinking about joining us. Here is everything we wish someone had told us on our first Sunday, from the parking lot to the welcome tent, so you can spend less time wondering and more time simply being here.

Before you leave the house

We gather every Sunday at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Both services are the same, so choose whichever fits your morning. If you have young children, the 9:00 service tends to be a little quieter in the hallways, and the 11:00 service gives you a slower start to the day. If you are coming for the first time, try to arrive about fifteen minutes early. That gives you time to park, find your way inside, check in your kids and grab a cup of coffee without feeling rushed.

You do not need to bring anything. We have Bibles in every row, and the song lyrics and Scripture passages appear on the screens up front. If you like to take notes, bring a pen, but plenty of people simply listen. You also do not need to know anyone. Most of us walked in alone the first time too.

Come as you are

Jeans, a dress, your work clothes — you will see all of them. Nobody is looking at your outfit. We mean that. On any given Sunday you will see a teenager in a hoodie sitting next to a grandmother in her favorite church hat, a nurse who just came off a night shift in scrubs and a family who clearly spent the morning wrangling toddlers. All of them belong here.

The same is true for where you are spiritually. You might be a lifelong believer looking for a new church home, someone with big questions about faith or a friend who came along because someone asked. You do not have to have it all figured out to walk through our doors. Church is a place for people who are still learning, and honestly, that is all of us.

Some guests worry about being singled out. We promise we will not ask you to stand up, introduce yourself or raise your hand. You can slip into a seat near the back, sing as loudly or quietly as you like and leave whenever you need to. If you want to be noticed, our greeters will be thrilled to say hello. If you want to stay anonymous for a few weeks, that is perfectly fine too.

Parking and finding your way

When you pull in off Maple Avenue, follow the signs to the free lot behind the building. On Sunday mornings, volunteers in green vests will wave you toward open spots and point you to the main entrance. If you are visiting for the first time, look for the reserved “First-Time Guest” spaces near the doors. They are there just for you, so please use them.

If you have a disability or need a closer spot, accessible parking is available right by the side entrance, which has a ramp and automatic doors. Elevators reach every level of our building, and our ushers are happy to help you find a seat that works for you, including spaces for wheelchairs near the front and the back of the sanctuary.

Checking in your kids

Kids check-in opens 20 minutes before each service in the lobby, just to the left of the main doors. A friendly volunteer will help you register, print matching name tags and walk you to your child’s classroom. Nursery care is available for babies, and there are age-based classes for toddlers through fifth grade. Middle and high school students are welcome to sit with their families or join the student group that meets during the 11:00 service. If your child would rather stay with you, that is completely fine too.

What happens

About seventy-five minutes of music, a short prayer time and a message from the Bible. Kids have their own programs during the service. If you have not been to a church like ours before, here is what the morning usually looks like from start to finish.

1. Welcome: One of our pastors opens with a short greeting and a few announcements about what is coming up in the church family.
2. Music: Our worship team leads about twenty-five minutes of songs, a mix of newer songs and old hymns. Sing along, listen or simply take it in. There is no wrong way to participate.
3. Prayer: We pause to pray together for our community, our city and anyone who is going through a hard season.
4. Giving: We take a moment to give, but please know that guests are never expected to put anything in the basket. You are our guest.
5. Message: A pastor teaches from the Bible for about thirty minutes, usually as part of a series, with practical ways to apply it to everyday life.
6. Closing: We end with a final song and a blessing, and then people tend to linger and talk.

On the first Sunday of each month we also share communion together. Our pastors will explain what it means and how it works before it begins, and you are always free to participate or simply observe.

After the service

When the last song ends, nobody is going to rush you out the door. Many people stay to catch up with friends, and the lobby fills with conversation for a good half hour. This is a great time to ask questions, meet a pastor or learn about ways to get more connected.

Stop by the welcome tent after the service. We would love to meet you — and there is coffee.

Michael

Michael, who leads our welcome team, is serious about that coffee. The welcome tent sits just outside the main doors on the front lawn, or in the lobby when the weather turns cold. First-time guests receive a small gift, a card with information about our church and a chance to meet a few people who remember exactly what it felt like to be new. If you would rather not stop by on your first visit, that is fine too. You can fill out a connection card online whenever you are ready.

What comes next

Once you have visited a few times, you might want to take a next step. Many guests join a small group, where about eight people meet in a home during the week. Others sign up to serve at our Saturday food pantry, help with kids ministry or join the welcome team themselves. We also host a casual lunch with our pastors once a month for anyone who wants to learn more about Grace Hill, what we believe and how to get involved. There is no pressure and no sign-up quiz. Just good food and a chance to ask anything.

Good to know

If you only remember a few things from this page, make it these:

• Free parking behind the building
• Kids check-in opens 20 minutes early
• Coffee in the lobby
• Welcome tent after service

We know it takes courage to try something new, especially something as personal as church. Whatever brought you to this page, a friend’s invitation, a hard season or simple curiosity, we would be honored to have you with us this Sunday. Come as you are, sit wherever you like and stay as long as you want. There will be a seat saved for you, and a warm cup of coffee waiting by the door.