What to Expect On Your First Visit

It is never easy to visit a new church for the first time. We want to make your first experience a good one.

Here's an overview of what you can expect on a typical Sunday. 

What should I wear?

Some people dress up in their Sunday best while others dress down and come casual. Dress the way that you feel most comfortable.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Our Sunday services always include reading scripture aloud. We do suggest bringing a Bible with you so that you can read along as the minister is speaking. You can either use a hard-copy paper Bible, or use an app or Bible website on your mobile device. We generally use the NIV Bible, but will occasionally use other versions, such as NLT, ESV, or The Message. 

What time should I get there?

We recommend arriving about 10 minutes prior to the start of worship (by 9:50). 

What is a normal Sunday service like?

Sunday services normally last about 75 minutes. Below is a walk-through of what you can expect on a typical Sunday:

  • Worship: We kick off our Sundays with singing and instrumental music.  This will include upbeat music, as well as more intimate, slower songs. Everyone worships in their own unique way – for many, that means singing & clapping, and for others it means quietly reflecting on the words.

  • Communion: The centerpiece of our Sundays. During our weekly communion, our members focus their thoughts on Jesus and reflect on His death and resurrection. Following a short reading of scripture, there is a time of silent prayer while the trays are passed. Visitors are also welcome to take communion  with us. Normally, we use matzoh crackers to represent the Body of Christ and grape juice for the Blood of Christ (poured into individual plastic cups).  

  • Offering: Offering: Following communion, we will reflect on giving tithes and offerings to God. As a guest, please do not feel any pressure to give. This is an act of worship for our regular attenders, allowing them to thank God for all of the great work he is doing in their lives. It also gives Gateway the means to reach more people for Christ in the future. Although some members give cash or checks for their offerings, most prefer to give online either through our website/app.

  • The Message (Sermon): Every weekend you will hear a relevant, straightforward message that is based on Scripture and is designed to be helpful in your everyday life. Our hope is that these messages will help you develop a growing, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ and provide a strong biblical foundation for your life.
What about kids?

Upstairs, Gateway Kids offers childcare for all children ages 3 months through 5th grade. You can drop off your children as early as 15 minutes before the start of service; we request that children are picked up immediately following the close of service. Parents are also welcome to keep their children with them during service; we have a cry room adjacent to our sanctuary which new moms and dads are welcome to utilize.

We also have a Gateway Middle School ministry (grades 6-8). Our middle schoolers will sit in service through the communion, and then be dismissed to their classroom upstairs for their own lesson.

Gateway Teens (grades 9-12) sit with the regular Sunday service. They also have their own lessons and activities on other nights during the week.

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