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What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?)
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?)
What's the childcare like?
What's your favorite thing?
What would you change?
Can I wear jeans?
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19 comments:
yay i'm going to be the first!
Name of church: Grace Church
City: Erie, PA
Website: http://www.whoisgrace.com/
Music: 530 Sat service - casual & contemporary / 915 Sunday - classic & traditional [hymns and a little dressier] / 1100 Sunday - contemporary
Speaking: contemporary, relevant, skits, specials, personal testimonies, videos
Childcare: awesome, lots of volunteers, special kids programs [lots of fun!]
Favorite: it's my second family, its fun, its challenging, its relevant
Change: i can't think of anything
Can I wear jeans: YES! jeans or more dressy, we've got it all
Name of Church: Bellefield Presbyterian
City: Pittsburgh, PA
Website: http://www.bellefield.org/
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?): mainly contemporary but as Presbyterians, we have some difficulty clapping. Some Sundays, we only have hymns but that is mainly when the Pitt students are home for the summers. You can expect Chris Tomlin, Todd Agnew, and other christian artists music to be sung. We also have drums but no fishbowl!
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?) We just hired a new pastor, who is great! Speaking is grounded in scripture and very helpful for my walk with the Lord.
What's the childcare like? Nursery available
What's your favorite thing? The young adult ministry is so helpful. I have met great people, participated in a wonderful small group, and truly feel a part of a special community. This church is welcoming. It feels like home. The church also sees its location within the heart of Pitt's campus and a calling and really does a good job of reaching out to the college students in town.
What would you change? We are located in the heart of Oakland, within the University of Pitt's campus and surrounded by several UPMC hospitals. Parking can be an issue.
Can I wear jeans? YES, please feel free.
Name of church: Daybreak
City: Mechanicsburg, PA
Website: http://www.daybreakweb.com/
What's the worship music like? Contemporary praise music, with two venues: traditional church setting and an acoustic venue in a separate building
What's the speaking like? Very relevant and Bible-based
What's the childcare like? Great children's ministry
What's your favorite thing? My best friends are there
What would you change? Not sure yet
Can I wear jeans? YES! and shorts, too
Fellowship Church
Glen Mills, PA
www.fellowshiptoday.com
Music: contemporary, lots of Steve Fee; excellent band w/colored lights & all.
Speaking: Culturally relevant with video stingers & lots of funny stuff. You'll see NLT & the Message onscreen.
Childcare: We have an awesome children's program! Kids love to come to church. We have singing/video/games/skits/bible lesson for all ages except babies. Large group/small group format for 2-5yrs and large group for 6-11.
My favorite thing: We're a friendly church that welcomes everyone like family ... we're redefining church in the northeast! We meet in a school auditorium (gym for kids, classrooms for nursery)and have lots of small groups. There's about 600 weekly attendees in 2 services: 9:30 & 11.
What I would change: We're in the process of setting up a cry room w/video...we need a place for parents with little babies to go when they cry.
Can I wear jeans? Yep! Nearly everyone does, including the pastor.
Name of church: Petra Christian Fellowship
City: New Holland
Website: petrafel.org
What's the worship music like? Contemporary - 1st service is quieter than 2nd, but it's the same music.
What's the speaking like?: relevant
What's the childcare like?: top notch
What's your favorite thing?: even though it's a large church you don't get overlooked. Newcomers are noticed and welcomed (and I don't mean with a free pencil at the end of the service)
What would you change? Ok, the child care is great but the kids are beginning to outgrow their classrooms. That's all I can think of for change. :)
Can I wear jeans? you betcha! Jean shorts even. As long as you have something on your bottom half it's all good.
Name of church: Tenth Presbyterian Church (PCA)
City: Philadelphia (17th and Spruce)
Website: www.tenth.org
What's the worship music like? Traditional (Hymns, big organ, choir). Some people visit the church just for the music.
What's the speaking like? Dr. Ryken (morning services) is the scholarly type, Dr. Tripp (evening service) is the passionate type. Both are excellent.
What's the childcare like? Not sure, don't have kids.
What's your favorite thing? Dr. Ryken's preaching is phenomenal.
What would you change? The college focused ministry is really an ~18-30ish group. I'd prefer an actual college focused group, but City College and Career is a good group nonetheless.
Can I wear jeans? Eh, depends on how bold you are. Definitely more acceptable at the evening service. No one's going to through you out if you wear jeans. (they haven't thrown me out yet, and I tend to wear jeans and a polo.)
Congregation Beth Yeshua
Philadelphia
www.cby.org
First of all, we're Messianic Jewish - Jews who believe in Jesus and the Jewish Messiah. You don't have to be Jewish to come (plenty of us aren't) but expect a little Hebrew and lots of songs you don't know.
Music - usually good. we have three or four worship teams, so it varies. It's mostly contemporary stuff, or contemporary-sounding. Most of our musicians are really good at what they do.
During the music, there is dancing. We do circle dances based on traditional Jewish dances, at a range of difficulty levels so everyone enjoys them. Find me before the service and I'll teach you a couple.
Speaking - pretty basic, really. David (the rabbi) reads a passage and talks about how it affects us. His theology is pretty good, and he's a decent speaker.
There's always babysitting and usually Shabbat school - how good it is depends on who volunteered this time. Growing up, it was usually okay - the stuff for teens was better. No VBS, though.
My favorite thing is absolutely the COCA (college and career age) prayer meetings - we meet once a week, and have for the past five years. We lead ourselves and they're great.
Other favorite thing is all the Jewish holidays.
The leadership tends to micro-manage everything. I'd like a little more flexibility and more opportunities for ministry.
Jeans...well, most people don't, except for the ones who do. If they look decent, you'll be fine.
Name of church: Allegheny Center Alliance Church (ACAC)
City: Pittsburgh, PA
Website: acac.net
What's the worship music like: Contemporary, jazzed up hymns, live band, rockin'
What's the speaking like: Culturally relevant, practical for urban, right-now, where-people-are-at living. No sugar-coating here. Lots of in-depth bible study (we studied the book of Matthew for over a year I think).
What's the childcare like: Full service, excellent.
What's your favorite thing: The urban, diverse, Body of Christ feel. Rock's teaching is not meant to feel good, it's meant to preach the truth. Which sometimes feels good, but, you know, not always.
What would you change: It is a big church, it's easy to slip through the cracks. At the same time, it's easy to find a place to fit in.
Can I wear jeans: You MUST wear jeans. (You can wear whatever you like...you will see absolutely everything on any given Sunday. Some homeless people, some Steelers, some college kids, some elderly, it's the whole gamut).
Name of church: Zion Baptist Church
City: Clarion, PA
Website: www.zionlife.com
What's the worship music like? Mainly contemporary (Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, etc.) with a few oldies-but-goodies (It is Well with My Soul, Come Thou Fount, etc.) thrown in now and again. We also have a full band (electric and accoustic guitars, bass, drums, piano, trumpets, and even a french horn). Our worship pastor tries to be metro, but the highest I think he can rank is Tomlin-Curious.
What's the speaking like? Our messages are always very culturally relevant but soundly based upon Scripture. We also often make use of great dramas, dances, and hilarious staff-made videos.
What's the childcare like? Fantastic. Nursery care is provided from 6 weeks. They split the babies/toddlers up by age (newborns, ones, twos, threes). Even as young as the one year olds are being taught about Jesus, singing Bible songs, etc., and the twos and threes will probably be bringing home a paper whale hand puppet (with real, Jonah-eating action!) or other craft. There are fun classes for the grades after that, too: Kindergarten through second are individual classes, then 3rd and 4th are together, and 5th and 6th are together. The pre-teens (5th and 6th grade) volunteers do a great job of transitioning the kids from being children to becoming youth. All of the kids have a blast. Most of the volunteers are parents themselves, and Zion does thorough background checks before allowing anyone to work in nursery, childcare, or youth, so there's nothing to worry about on that end.
What's your favorite thing? ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship) is amazing. It's basically Sunday school for adults, but it's so much more. The ABFs also tend to function as small groups. Regardless of your age, gender, marital status, parental status, whether you're working or in college or both, you'll find something to fit you perfectly, and there's never any awkwardness about moving to another group if you find the one you're in is no loner suiting your needs or lifestyle. We have two church services (9:00 and 10:30), but each ABF only meets during one service, so you can go to ABF first and then go to second service or vice versa. The only downside is that sometimes a family gets split up because the one member's ABF is during first service, and the other's is during second. However, the church is such a close-knit community that you should have no problem finding great people to sit and learn with if that happens.
What would you change? To be honest, our worship pastor doesn't have a very good singing voice or excellent people skills. However, you probably won't have to talk to him unless you approach him, and if you focus on what you're supposed to during worship (i.e. giving praise and thanks to God), then the voice shouldn't be an obstacle either.
Can I wear jeans? You can wear whatever you want! We have old guys in suits and church ladies who wear long, frumpy dresses from Talbots. We have families who all show up in jeans or even shorts. My husband has worn a tee-shirt with Christopher Walken saying, "I got a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!" and no one said anything except, "That is awesome!" and "Where can I get one?" There are some people who come as visitors or whatever in biker gear or miniskirts and tube tops, and no one's judging them. Even the church ladies are going to go up to them and shake their hand with a warm smile.
I heart Zion!
Name of Church: Charter Oak UMC
City: Greensburg, PA
Website: www.charteroakumc.org
Music: 6 pm Saturday & 11 am Sunday are contemporary-style, traditional services at 8:00 and 9:30. No metrosexual worship leaders, but still a great music program.
Speaking: informal style of address, some skits, videos, etc.
Childcare: great - small groups by gender within each grade level, singing, great volunteers; also a Wednesday night kids' program.
Favorite: lots of opportunities for short-term volunteer times - helps you to get involved without being a five month commitment; small group ministries are utilized by many.
Change: Getting connected initially can be difficult in my age group (post-college single kids).
It's a great place to be! I have been attending there for about 7 months, and have found tons of ways to plug in.
Can I wear jeans?: Yes. Preferably with your Steelers jersey. Dressy is great, too.
Name of Church -- CrossPointe (with an E!)
City - Middletown Pa
Website: http://www.crosspointepca.org/
Music: Contemporary (praise band!)
Speaking - focused on the gospel, unpretensious, usually with a lot of laughter - Pastor expects participation! ;-) eHe asks questions and expects us to answer
Childcare: Nursery and Kidspointe(Sunday school) while sermon is condcted
Favorite: I LOVE this church - we are very focused on Christ and not wearing the "Christian mask"
Change: We are consantly changing and growing but continue to be a loving family
Can I wear jeans? - Well, the pastor does. Jeans, church lady hat, tatoos, flip flops, shorts - Just, ya know - wear clothing of SOME type.
We have growing families, grandparents, married no kids, singles, single parents, homeschoolers, public schoolers, all one big family.
Name of church Bloomsburg Christian Chruch
City Bloomsburg PA
Website http://www.bloomsburgchristianchurch.org/
What's the worship music like? (Contemporary, hymns, long, fast, loud etc?)It is contemporary and casual
What's the speaking like? (Old school Bible, culturally relevant, by video etc?)
culturally relevant, video, etc
What's the childcare like?
great childrens ministry, highschool ministry and college ministry
What's your favorite thing?
i love that each family helps each other out, they all pray for each other and are all open and helpful with whatever you need
What would you change?
nothing
Can I wear jeans? of course
great church for any college kids in the area, if you go to bloomsburg unversity check out the church and check out what our campus offers, (Campus Crusade for Christ, DiscipleMakers, etc)
Welcome to PA...
Name of Church: Living Hope Baptist Church
City: Mt. Pocono/Swiftwater, PA
Website: livinghopepocono.com
Music: Casual, Contemporary, some hymns with modern feel
Speaking: Relevant, God's word, testimonies, good stuff to live by
Childcare: nursery for up to 3, Kidz Zone for up to age 12, great kids choir
Favorite: we all treat each other like family, very relaxed atmosphere
Change: We are always changing...growing closer as a family and as followers of Christ. I would not change a thing as of yet...the church is 4 years old so we are still growing and learning together.
Can I wear jeans: You bet...you can wear whatever makes you comfortable...aside from the birthday suit!
Name of Church: Lancaster County Bible Church (LCBC) Also known as Lives Changed By Christ
City: Manheim, PA
Website: www.lcbcchurch.com
Music: Very contemporary (Hillsongs United, Paul Baloche, Chris Tomlin, Matt Goss, etc.), loud, rockin', smoke, lights, big screens
Speaking: Contemporary, relevant, conversational, dramas, video media, outline provided, various pastors from many different backgrounds, sign language at 9:00 Sunday service
Childcare: Among the best! Over 1,000 kids each week...but each is treated like a complete individual as created in the eyes of God, special needs buddy ministry for children/students with disabilities
Favorite: Large church with a small town feel, easy to get involved, teaching is relevant to 21st century living but still Biblically sound, Worship is second to none
Change: LCBC is going through some growing pains right now with new construction. Traffic and diversions from construction can be trying...but the service and movement of God among the worshipers makes it all worth it!
Can You Wear Jeans: Absolutely! : ) Even the pastors wear jeans...
Name of church: Storehouse Church
City:Plymouth Meeting, PA
Website www.storehousechurch.com
What's the worship music like? Contemporary, normally loud, but there's the occasional acoustic Sunday
What's the speaking like? Culturally relevant without compromising on what the Bible really says. Not afraid to tackle the tough issues, but doing so in a way that people can practically relate to (ie we had Craig Gross from XXXChurch come to speak openly and practically about porn)
What's the childcare like? Growing exponentially. Don't have any kids of my own, but I personally know and trust the couple in charge of the ministry
What's your favorite thing? It's very real, the pastor does not try to cover up the fact that he's human and fails
What would you change? I would love the worship to be longer (unfortunately we are in a time constraint b/c we rent space from a middle school and if we go long we interfere with the janitors that are trying to do their job)
Can I wear jeans? Absolutely, the pastor does... Although if you're not comfortable with this at first (I wasn't coming from a more traditional church), you won't be alone.
Name of church: Cornerstone Community Church
City: Kutztown, PA
Website: http://www.thecornerstonefamily.org/
Music: "contemporary" - good worship songs; the band has shrunk a bit since some more musical students have graduated & moved away
Speaking: CHALLENGING [most churches lack this!] - biblically guidance for inward change and how to love on others better
Childcare: loving & caring nursery & fun children's church
Favorite: wonderful "Home Groups" during the week
Change: we need a drummer... :-)
Can I wear jeans: absolutely. 60% of Cornerstone's worshippers are dressed-down college students. and the "adults" are awesome, too. :)
Name of church: Freedom Valley South Hanover
City: Hanover, PA
Website: http://fvsh.org
Music: Contemporary praise and worship
Speaking: Contemporary and relevant to everyday life
Childcare: Great kids classes for ages Birth to 6th grade, and our staff is willing to accommodate children with special needs. We also have great programs for ages 2-18 on Wednesday evenings (Baby Bible Rap, Bible Rap, Youth Group).
Favorite: We're a new church that is growing all the time, with a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. We're a church plant from a larger church in Gettysburg, PA, so we have the benefit of participating in some of the larger church's activities, as well as our own.
Change: The only change I want to see is more people!
Can I wear jeans?: YES! Dress is casual - most of the time the pastor is in jeans.
Name of church: Hopewell Christian Fellowship
City: Elverson
Website: www.hopewellchurch.org
What's the worship music like? Contemporary with an occasional hymn
What's the speaking like? 3 teaching pastors, so it's a mix of topical, Bible study, stories, occasional short movie clip, skit, etc.
What's the childcare like? excellent!
Can I wear jeans? Yes!
Name of church: Lord Jesus Christ Assembly of Reading
City: Reading, PA
Website: hmmm...I believe it's http://www.riversofwater.net/, Honestly, it's still under construction.
What's the worship music like? We do a mix of hymns and current worship songs. (I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene vs. Jesus Messiah)
What's the speaking like? Christocentric, exegetical, biblically accurate while being still culturally relevant, one of the best parts of getting together!
What's the childcare like? No children to care for...yet!
What's your favorite thing(s)? The focus on Jesus Christ and the smaller size of our church (15-20 people). Everyone knows everyone else and can encourage each other in the Lord Jesus Christ.
What would you change? If we had the money, I would like to use a computer projector and powerpoint instead of the ol' fashioned transparency. Alas.
Can I wear jeans? If you want to, I don't care.
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