It can be an intimidating experience to walk into a new place, especially a church. We hope the following Q&A will help you get an idea of what to expect when you visit Renewed Hope.
For our guests
What time does your service start?
On any given Sunday morning you will find several D-groups (Discipleship Groups) meeting throughout the building. There's also a Bible Study Group that meets downstairs on our lower level. All of these groups start at 9am and end approximately at 10:15am.
Our Sunday morning Worship Service starts at 10:30am and ends around 11:45am.
Plan on arriving about 15-20 minutes early. This will give you plenty of time to check-in prior to the start of Bible Study and/or Worship.
What about my kids?
During our Sunday Worship Service, children (0 - 5 yrs of age) can be checked into a class. Older children (kindergarten through 5th grades) sit with their parents/guardians. We have pre-made binders for them to work on and keep them engaged during service. For security purposes, all children must be checked in to participate in Renewed Hope ministries. Our Hosts will be happy to help you and your entire family get checked in upon arrival.
During the Bible Study hour, we have classes for children, nursery - 5th Graders. We also have a Youth Group (6-12th Graders) that meets during this time. These classes are seasonal.
What should I wear?
Most of our members and regular attenders dress casual, but you are welcome to dress however you are the most comfortable. On any given Sunday you will find some dressed in casual jeans or shorts, while others are dressed in formal suits or dresses.
What is a Worship Service like?
Our service begins with worship in song. Most people stand during this time, though you are welcome to just sit and “take it all in”. The words of all of the songs are projected onto screens for your participation. We sing a variety of worship songs, all grounded in the truth of God's Word and driven by the redemptive work God has done through Jesus.
During our brief time of Welcome/Announcements, you're likely to hear about upcoming events, ministries, special prayer requests, updates. Our Worship Service typically continues with any combination of singing, Scripture reading, sharing salvation stories, and/or an update on some of our partnering missionaries. More often than not our Lead Pastor will share from God's Word, while other elders and guest speakers fill-in periodically. Like most churches, we receive an offering. If you are a guest, we welcome you to participate in the offering as God may lead you, but please don't feel pressured to do so. The offering is primarily intended for those who consider Renewed Hope to be their church home.
After the Worship Service, first-time guests are encouraged to stop by the Guest Reception Table on the way out. There you will be greeted by the Lead Pastor or another elder, and receive a special gift as our way of saying "Thank you" for joining us in Worship.