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
During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, in-person worship is limited to 50 people per service. Click here to sign up to attend in-person worship. All worship services are live-streamed here.
In-Person Worship: Bulletins are distributed before each worship service, including an order of worship, weekly announcements, a prayer list, and a letter from the pastor. Lyrics for hymns and worship songs are projected on the front wall of the Sanctuary, as hymnals have been removed for health and safety. Additional precautions include assigned seating in the sanctuary and no coffee hour following worship. 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
While there is no in-person Sunday School during the pandemic, Sunday School To-Go is available for pick-up each month so kids can continue to learn more about their faith in the safety of their homes.
Nursery: Pre-registered 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, and 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.