Visitor’s FAQ
New to Tabernacle or just curious what it’s like here? These answers should help!
What is your style of worship?
Tabernacle worship services are geared towards leading us worship of the Living God, reminding us of our need for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and teaching us from the Scripture for spiritual growth. The worship service is crafted from top to bottom such that the singing, prayers, and readings lead us through the acts of worship and preparing of our hearts to be taught from the Word.
What time should I get there and when do the services start? How long is the service?
We encourage folks to arrive early to provide time to take care of any needed duties and to allow time to quiet one’s heart in preparation for worship, but we recognize that busy schedules don’t always afford this. The schedule for worship services is listed here and we do try to start our services promptly. Worship services are usually about 75 minutes in length.
What sort of childcare is available? My kids can’t sit still that long.
We have a staffed nursery available for infants through age 2 and an ID tag system to identify parents, children and carry bags. Please sign in with the staff and communicate any needed info for proper care. For children age 3 through Kindergarten, we have a Children’s Church during the first service only. The children are dismissed to Children’s Church at the beginning of the sermon and parents should come to pick up children at the end of the worship service. If you or your children are more comfortable staying together with you for the entire service, that is also okay. We do have a cry room available at the rear of the sanctuary with one-way glass and internal audio to use for restless little ones.
What should I wear?
Our congregation covers a broad range of dress. Traditional dress in your Sunday-best is often seen, but you would not feel out of place wearing jeans or even tasteful shorts on a hot day. Please keep in mind that we want to focus on worship of our Lord, so wear what you would be comfortable in without causing distraction to others.
Will I have to stand up in front of everyone and speak? I can’t do that!
Tabernacle is often described as a friendly church, so it is quite likely that you will find people want to greet you and learn you name. Please do give us opportunity to welcome you personally, but we don’t ask all our visitors to stand up in front of everyone and speak or introduce themselves.
What is the music like? Will it be too loud?
Musically, we love to sing and believe that it is important to raise our voices together in worship and praise. We use a blend of traditional hymns from our denomination’s Trinity Hymnal and modern contemporary music. There are some traditional hymns set to modern tunes as well. Worship is regularly led by a worship team of 2-4 people with piano and guitar accompaniment with additional instruments on occasion as musicians are available.
My hearing is not too good any more. Will I be able to hear?
We try to operate our sound system at a level that is comfortable for everyone, but if you need a little more boost in volume, we have a hearing assistance system available. Please ask one of the ushers at the door or see the audio technician for a radio receiver. There in a volume control on each unit that you can set for your own hearing needs.
I need a walker and wheelchair to get around. Is your building accessible for me?
Unfortunately, our current facility is only partially accessible. It was built in the 1960′s and is not generally ADA compliant. However, we are constructing a new sanctuary and building addition that will be accessible. At present, our driveway and parking lots are gravel. We have a wooden access ramp that bypasses the stairs in front of the building to reach the upper floor and sanctuary, but as currently configured, there are no restrooms on the upper level.
What do I do when the offering plate comes by? I don’t have much money.
If you are visiting with us, please know that it is okay to pass the plate on by. Our members and regular attenders support the church with their tithes and offerings. There is absolutely no expectation that our visitors need to contribute money to our church.
I need to talk to somebody about problems in my life. Can you help?
Our pastors and other church leaders desire to care for the congregation in both spiritual and physical needs. If you have a need in this area, please talk to any of our pastors or leaders or contact the church office for additional followup.
Tabernacle seems like a great place! How do I join and become a member?
Excellent! We look forward to having you worship with us regularly and grow along with us in your spirtual walk with Christ. We take membership vows seriously and believe that these vows entail obligations for both the member and church as a whole. We hold a prospective member’s orientation class several times a year where our elders will explain the distinctives of what we believe as part of our denomination. The orientation is a prerequisite to becoming a member. You can get more info on this process from the church office.
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