Building layout
Never been to church
New members/inquirers
But I've Never Been To Church Before...
Contrary
to popular belief, old churches are not always full of weddings, funerals
and cobwebs. However, they can be a mystery. This page gives you an idea
of what to expect when you first enter "First Pres". If you
want even more details, contact the church office, and we'll show you
around our 99 rooms!
You may need to know
where we are:
If you are coming to a church
service, when you arrive, you'll find the
church takes up most of a
city block:
You can enter
the sanctuary several ways. Just walk up the front steps on Date Street,
or if you have problems with stairs, enter from the 4th Avenue side, or
go in on 3rd Avenue and walk through the Administration building.
When you enter for worship, someone will greet you at the door and offer
you a copy of the church bulletin. This gives the instructions for worship
and details about church activities. Most morning services last about
60-70 minutes or a little longer when we serve communion. If you need
to leave during a service, just slip out discreetly.
Take any vacant seat you want. The 8 AM services usually use downstairs
only. The most comfortable pews are padded, and can be found scattered
around the sanctuary. Some of us sit upstairs for a better view or the
extra warmth. If you have trouble hearing, the sound is best when you
sit near the front of the balcony.
Song books and Bibles are in the pocket of the seat ahead of you. The
words for the songs in the first service are printed in the bulletin.
If you are not sure when to sit or stand, just follow everyone else, or
just remain seated throughout the service. You don't need to join in the
singing or admire all the music. Our first service features guitars and
a small ensemble, where the second service utilizes the organ and choir.
If you have children, they can sit with you. On most Sunday mornings,
the children leave for separate worship activities part way through the
service. However, if you prefer to keep your children with you or they
would rather not go, no one will force them.
As a first-time visitor, we don't expect you to finance the church. Don't
feel embarrassed to pass the offering plate along without contributing.
You are welcome to give if you wish. Many church members mail in their
offering, so you won't be the only one passing the plate.
If you want us to contact you, fill out a visitor card which you will
find in a rack ahead of you, and drop it in the plate.
After morning worship, coffee is served in the Assembly Room. Just follow
the crowds westward to the Administration building.
Restrooms can be found downstairs in the basement at the back of the Sanctuary,
and across the breezeway near the front entrance of the Administration
building.
If you are coming to something other than a church service, your best
bet is to enter through the 3rd Avenue entrance. If you don't know
where your meeting is located in the building, you can ask at the office
window.
