We know that coming to a new church for the first time can be intimidating. The best way to feel most comfortable in a new church is to know what to expect.
Worship
All three of our worship services have different styles, but there are certain things that they all have in common. Bulletins are distributed before each worship service, including an order of worship, weekly announcements, prayer list, calendar, and a letter from the pastor. Lyrics for hymns and worship songs are projected on the front wall of the Sanctuary, so people don’t have to worry about trying to read the small print in hymnals (though hymnals are still available in the pews for those who choose to use them). Coffee Hour follows Sunday worship services with coffee, tea, juice, and snacks. We do our best to ensure that there are allergy-friendly treats available so everyone can participate in the fun. The first Sunday of each month is Communion Sunday. The bread is gluten-free, and the wine is grape juice, so there are no stumbling blocks or barriers preventing people from participating.
Dress
At Royal Oak First, we like our congregation to feel comfortable and casual. Feel free to wear whatever makes you feel this way.
Parking
As a downtown church, we have plenty of parking. Our parking lot is on S. Lafayette, across the street from our building. If this lot is full, there is also a city parking structure on the corner of 6th Street & S. Lafayette. Parking is always free on Sundays.
Arrival
There are four entrances to our building: two on Lafayette and two on W. Seventh St. All four entrances lead to the main gathering space on the first floor. The Sanctuary Entrance on W. Seventh St, under the bell tower, is the ground level entrance with elevator access.
Sunday School
Our children in Kindergarten through Grade 8 gather in The Village on our second floor for our rotational Sunday School Program. Each week begins with Children’s Worship in Bible Time’s Square before the kids break off into grade-based groups to study the scripture through art, theater, science, or discussion. Week by week, the groups move to a different space to discover the scripture in a new way. The group focuses on one scripture passage for four weeks and, by the end of the month, the kids have experienced that scripture in four different ways.
Nursery: Infants and Toddlers can be left in the care of the Nursery Staff in the Nursery on the first floor, just outside the Sanctuary. Parents can request a pager that the nursery staff can use to get a hold of them if they are needed during worship.
Inclusivity
As an open, inclusive, & affirming congregation, we believe in the inherent dignity and worth of all people as children of God, and we seek to exemplify Jesus’ example of love without reservation or exception. We welcome and celebrate diversity and the full inclusion of all people, regardless of age, race, culture, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity expression, family configuration, physical ability, citizenship, language, or socioeconomic status.
We wholeheartedly support the full participation of all people in the faith community, including through marriage, employment, leadership, access to programs, services and resources, and nomination for ministerial calling. At Royal Oak First, all are welcome… and all means all.