This page is a useful page because it provides an opportunity to make newcomers comfortable enough to come out and join you for their first visit. If there are unique features to your church and/or worship, this is a good place to list them.
Here are a few questions you’ll want to answer:
- What are worship services like?
- How long is worship?
- What is the style of worship?
- What is the typical attire?
Other topics you may feel important to touch on are information about church leadership (e.g., linking to the minister’s profile), pictures of inside the sanctuary, details about Coffee Hour, accessibility notes, and even information about how to find the bathroom.
Some churches format their welcome page as a short text version while others use an FAQ format.
Short text sample
Our church offers a casual, relaxed time of worship that lasts approximately one hour.
When you arrive, you will be welcomed by one of our friendly greeters. They will offer you a church bulletin.
Please find a seat wherever you are comfortable in the church sanctuary.
There are times during the service that the congregation will stand. These times are marked with an asterisk in the bulletin.
Bold print in the bulletin means we say things in unison.
Children who are willing will come forward to the front of the sanctuary for a special children’s story. They will then proceed to church school together.
Following worship, there is a casual time of fellowship in the church hall with home-baked treats and refreshments. Please join us!
FAQ version sample
(adapted from Knox Presbyterian Church in Waterdown, Ont.)
These are some common questions and answers you can adapt for first-time visitors.
What can I expect on a Sunday morning?
Service begins at 10:30 a.m. so we recommend you arrive a few minutes early to park your car (if needed) and get settled.
You will enter through the entrance closest to the parking lot. As you enter, you will be welcomed by a greeter who will provide you with a bulletin outlining the order of service, which will last about one hour, and who will happily answer any questions you may have.
After the service, please stay and have coffee with the congregation—we would love to get to know you!
What should I wear?
Come as you are!! Sometimes knowing what to wear is a concern when first visiting a church. At Your Church, we want you to feel comfortable. You will fit in fine wearing jeans and a t-shirt or suit and tie.
How do I get to Your Church?
Please see the Contact page for directions and the Your Presbyterian Church address.
Is parking available?
There is a parking lot attached to Your Church where you are welcome to park your vehicle. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, there are a number of options for street parking.
Is there anything for my kids?
At Your Church, adults and children worship God together. Following a brief time of worship through song and prayer, the children (ages 3-11) are invited to the front for the children’s story and song. The appropriate time is marked in the bulletin. They will then take part in a faith-filled Children’s Ministry program for the remainder of the service. We also have an excellent nursery for younger children.
Note: this is a good place to link to your robust Children’s web pages.
PCCWeb What to Expect Pages In Action
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario
St. Andrews-Chalmers Presbyterian Church, Uxbridge, Ontario
St. Andrews Stittsville, Stittsville, Ontario
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Ottawa, Ontario
Glenview Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Ontario