What time do you meet?
Our service begins at 10:00 am every Sunday, and generally lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes. There is generally a refreshment time after the service.
What does the typical service look like?
We value communal participation, and believe all people’s perspectives, gifts, and voices should be appreciated for the blessing they are. For this reason we include many of our members and regular attendees into our services, from leading singing, to praying, to reading Scripture, to volunteering with our children.
When you enter our sanctuary you’ll be welcomed by one of our members and given a bulletin that outlines the service and has information about upcoming events at our church. There will be refreshments and people will probably be milling around, catching up with one another prior to the start of the service.
Our service usually begins with a welcome, a moment of silence, and a prayer. We sing and share what’s happening in the life of our church before hearing the Word. Our Scriptures readings typically come from the Revised Common Lectionary, but we occasionally take a break from the Lectionary in order to focus in on a specific book or topic. A different member of our congregation reads the Scripture each week.
We love kids at Grant Park Church, and we have a special part of the service just for them, called the Five Minute Message! The children are invited up to the front, along with their parents and caregivers, to hear a Lectionary based, age-appropriate, engaging lesson given by a member of the congregation. Following the Five Minute Message, kids head to Tiny Church (more below). Of course, kids are always welcome to stay in the sanctuary with their parents for the sermon, but Tiny Church is much more fun!
Once the children have been dismissed, the pastor or guest preacher will preach a sermon based on one of the Scripture passages that were read. The sermon usually lasts about twenty minutes.
After the sermon we enter a time of reflection and response, led by one of our church members. This is a chance for us to share how the Spirit has spoken to us throughout the service, either through the music, the Scriptures, the sermon, or some other element of our worship. We believe very strongly in the priesthood of all believers, and believe any and all members of our congregation (as well as guests!) have the right to share what the Holy Spirit has laid on their heart. This is also an opportunity for those voices that are often silenced or ignored in society to speak, be heard, and be valued. We wrap up our time of reflection by sharing our joys and concerns and reciting a congregational prayer. We then take an offering before concluding our service with a song and benediction. That doesn’t mean it’s all over, though! We always have refreshments and coffee ready, and many of us hang around for a while after the service ends.
What do you have for kids?
At Grant Park Church, we love kids!
Children begin the service with the rest of the congregation. After about 15 minutes, they’re invited up to the front of the church for a short lesson given by a member of the congregation. This lesson, which focuses on the kids, but is really for everyone, is called the Five Minute Message. After the Five Minute Message, children are dismissed to either the nursery (children up to 3) or Tiny Church (3 and up), our cool name for Sunday School. Of course, children are always welcome to stay in the sanctuary with their parents/caregivers, but most choose Tiny Church!
The nursery is located in the foyer right outside and in view of the sanctuary and is staffed by our paid childcare provider. There are toys and books for the children to play with. The nursery, which includes a rocking chair and a changing table, is also available to parents with young babies.
Tiny Church is held in our chapel, a warm and inviting place with its own stained glass. We have a wonderful curriculum called Spark Activate Faith. The lesson is based on a Bible story and reflects our church’s inclusive, inquiring approach to the Christian faith. After the lesson, the children go down to our full sized gymnasium for active play until the service ends. Tiny Church is taught by teaching teams of two adult volunteers from our congregation.
Please be assured that everyone who works with our children is screened and required to pass a background check.
What’s the music like?
Our music director, Matt Edey leads us in singing from the piano along with a music team of volunteer singers and musicians when they are able. Our song selections are a blend of classic hymns and newer praise songs. We encourage everyone with a desire to participate with their voice, guitar, percussion, or other instruments to join this fun team!
How should I dress?
You can dress however you want. Most of our congregation tends to favor more casual dress, such as jeans and a t-shirt or sweater. Others prefer more formal attire or their “Sunday best.” The point is that no one will judge you for what you are wearing. The goal is for you to feel comfortable and ready to worship.
Do I have to be a Baptist to attend?
No. While many of our members come from different Baptist traditions, we also have members from numerous other denominations. We also have folks who have no religious background whatsoever. We welcome all who are seeking. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you’re welcome here.
Is the church ADA accessible?
Yes, there is a ramp on the right-hand side of the church as you face the building which allows for wheelchair access. On entering through the right-hand side double doors from the ramp, turn left and proceed through the wooden interior doors to access the sanctuary where services are held. Our sanctuary and fireside room are on the main level, as are two bathrooms, one ADA accessible, all-gender bathroom and one women’s bathroom. There are also men’s and women’s bathrooms downstairs.
Is there parking?
Yes, we have a parking lot right across the street from the church. Street parking is also available.
I require a gender neutral bathroom, do you have those?
Yes, our ADA accessible bathroom is also all-gender.