What to Expect
Don’t worry. You won’t be put on the spot. We won’t ask you to “stand and be recognized.” No need to be uncomfortable. What you should expect is that you’ll be greeted warmly. We have very friendly people out front who will be available to give you directions or answer any questions you have. If it’s your first time, be sure to go home with a gift bag from us! Oh, and by the way, that “welcome” thing means that you are welcome just as you are. Some people want to know if we have a dress code. Yes, robes and sandals! Seriously, be comfortable.
We provide wonderful classes for all of our children right up through High School. Children up to 5 are in their classes during the entire service. Older children and teens are in the service through our worship and prayer time. Then they head to their classes. Babies and their mom’ peace of mind is especially important to us! We have very loving workers who will provide very attentive care for your infant.
When we gather together you’ll find our worship music to be contemporary but with an emphasis on content. The Bible tells us to “sing praises to the Lord” but it also tells us to “teach and admonish one another” through song. We see worship as both a vertical and horizontal activity. We look for songs that resonate musically with our time and that resonate eternally with Biblical truth.
At Clear River we believe that where we’re going is important, but so is where we’ve been. We are part of a great, unfolding story bigger than we can imagine. Some things from the past have to be let go of to embrace the future. There are some things that the Church has been doing for a long time that serve as anchors to keep us from veering off course. That’s why on Sunday mornings not only will you hear music that sounds current but ancient creeds and prayers as well!
No apologies. We are a church that believes God has spoken and continues to speak through the Bible. The Scriptures are our focus in preaching. Our messages come from books of the Bible and tend to be verse by verse studies. (Some folks call it “expository” preaching) Don’t worry, there’s nothing boring about it and it applies to real life today! Remember that old and new thing? Bring a Bible if you have one, but we also project all of the scriptures so you can follow along.
We celebrate Communion (the Lord’s Supper) every Sunday. It’s an “old” practice that’s “new” for us every week! It’s a place of forgiveness, of unity, of strength and hope. Every week it reminds us of what Christ did for us on the cross and reminds us to look forward to the day of His return. All believers are invited to participate, but please know that we understand when someone is visiting they may not want to participate at that level. It’s cool. Be yourself.
After the service we hang around and drink coffee while the kids eat the doughnuts. (You can have one to!) It’s a great time to meet people and find out more about who we are. Pastor Jeff is always available and would be honored to meet you. So grab a cup and say hello!
