Question 1

What does your church believe?

Accepted Answer

Denominationally, we are an Anglican Church and part of the Anglican Church of North America (ACNA).   Our mission is to make tangible the life-transforming power of God’s love so that all may come to know Christ.

We believe that:
the Word of God is the final authority over everything we are and do;
God has called us to take the good news of Christ to the entire world;
Our Lord has called us to serve those around us as Christ has served us.

To learn more, please visit the Who We Are page.

Question 2

What will happen when I get there?

Accepted Answer

You'll Be Welcome ~ We extend a cordial welcome to you to worship with us.
 
Ushers will greet you, hand you a bulletin, and may escort you to a chair, if you like. They can answer any questions about the service, location of restrooms, children's Sunday School, and the nursery. Following the service, the pastor greets the people as they leave.

Question 3

What are your service times?

Accepted Answer

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 a.m.
Coffee hour immediately following the service.
 
Monday Night Healing Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m.

Question 4

What can I wear to the service?

Accepted Answer

God is more concerned with you being here that he is with what you are wearing! Whether you are in your "Easter best" or in jeans, you are welcome here.

Question 5

What is the best way to meet people at Messiah?

Accepted Answer

We have many opportunities for you to plug in and feel part of our family! Please visit the Get Involved page to see all the ways in which you can get involved. Whether it be a Bible Study or a Home Group, newcomers are always welcome. You will have an opportunity to meet people during the service when we break to great one another or afterwards at our coffee hour. And if you'd like to meet with one of our pastors, you can fill out a form on the service bulletin or send them an email.

Question 6

Do you have a nursery? Can I bring my baby into the sanctuary?

Accepted Answer

Children are welcome in the service, however, many parents of newborns will take them to the "cry room" adjacent to the sanctuary as needed.  It has one-way mirrors and speakers so you can still see and hear the service.
 
We also have a nursery, children's program and youth class, all of which begin immediately after our worship music time and run until Communion time. 
·         Children ages three and under welcome in our nursery, where they will play with other children and receive loving care from our volunteers. 
·         Pre-Kindergarteners through fifth graders can participate in Children's Church, where they will partipate in fun activities while learning about the love of Jesus.
·         Youth in grades six through twelve are encouraged to join our Foundations class, where they will learn about our faith through instruction and discussion.

Question 7

How and why do I take communion?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who is a committed follower of Jesus Christ is welcome to take communion, also called the Eucharist or the Lord's Supper. You may read more about the meaning of communion on our Who We Are page.
 
It can make people a bit uncomfortable if they are not familiar with the "mechanics" of how to participate. This is what you can expect:
 
1.       At the designated time, one of our ushers will motion to you to get up. There are usually three lines - two down the center aisle and one down the left hand aisle. 
2.       When you get in your line, it is our custom for the person behind you to place a hand on your shoulder and pray for you as you wait and advance in line. You are not required to lay hands on the person in front of you if you are not comfortable doing so,  but if you are, simply lay your hand on their shoulder and silently ask God to prepare their heart to receive communion. 
3.       When it is your turn go up to the minister, extend both hands palm upwards toward the minister, placing one hand directly on top of the other. The minister will hold the communion wafer (sometimes it is Matzos and sometimes it is bread) in front of you and say, “The Body of Christ.” You respond by saying, “Amen.” The minister will then place the bread on your open palm. Do not attempt to grab the bread from the minister with your fingers.
4.       You will then have the option of either sipping out of the communal cup (sometimes called a chalice) or dipping your bread into the common cup. Usually the communal cup will be behind the minister on your right if you are in the center aisle and the common cup will be to one side of the minister.
5.       Occasionally one of the Pastors will stop and quietly pray for someone as they come up for communion if the Holy Spirit leads them to pray. 
6.       After you have received communion, you may continue to follow the rotational flow back to your seat where we hope you will take a moment to reflect on your relationship with Jesus and what he has done for you through the forgiveness of your sins. Or, you may proceed to the altar rail for prayer from either of our prayer teams.

Question 8

How do I become a member?

Accepted Answer

Twice a year, our pastors will hold a New Member's Class. Everyone who desires to join Church of the Messiah needs to participate in this five-week course. It is offered once in the spring and once in the fall and usually meets from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in one of our classrooms.  This is a valuable time where you will hear about topics such as How to Use Your Gifts and Find Your Ministry, and How to Hear From God.  This is a great opportunity to grow in your faith while getting to know other new members, our staff, and what we believe as Christians.

To make tangible the life-transforming power of God's love so that all may come to know Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions