FAQ’s for First-time Visitors
Listed below are answers to frequently asked questions, and answers to questions that visitors are sometimes afraid to ask.
First question: “Why the silly questions?”
The questions and answers are intended for all visitors, including those who have never been to any church. Sometimes members have attended church for so long that they forget what it is like to attend for the first time. We hope this information helps to make everyone feel comfortable during their visit.
And remember, if you stand up at the wrong time or sing the wrong verse to a hymn, it’s no big deal. Even our longtime members and well-trained worship leaders miss their cue or read the wrong passage on occasion. If you cough or fail to bow your head at the right time, no one is going to pinch you or rap your knuckles.
Q: Where are you located?
Q: What time do services start and end?
A: Welcome and praise music begins at 10:45 in the sanctuary for your enjoyment during arrivals. Sunday services officially start at 10:55 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m.
For those who arrive early, snacks and beverages are available in the parlor. Help yourself! The parlor is a great place to meet members and other guests of the church. It comes to life at about 10:30 when Sunday school classes let out.
Q: What time do Sunday school classes meet?
A: Sunday school begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 10:30 a.m. There are a variety of classes for adults, youth, and children.
Q: What if I have children? Is a nursery available? What ages attend the main services?
A: Children of all ages may attend services. A well-supervised nursery is available for children up to 5 years of age. When you arrive, just follow the signs to the nursery, or ask for directions. We’ll be happy to help you!
When services begin, nursery children are brought to the sanctuary to hear the children’s sermon. During the children’s sermon, all children are invited to gather and sit at the front to hear a special message prepared just for them. Younger children are then taken back to the nursery for the remainder of the service. Older children return to their seats.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Some people wear a suit and tie every Sunday; others occasionally wear jeans. If you want to make sure that you are neither under- or over-dressed, a pair of slacks and a nice shirt is fine. For special services, such as the annual Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan, you might notice that a few people are a little more dressed up than usual, but you may still wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Q: Where should I sit?
A: Sit anywhere you like! On special occasions, the front pews might be reserved for worship participants, but we typically mark reserved pews in those instances. If you have special needs, please don’t hesitate to ask one of the ushers at the entrance to the sanctuary.
Q: Will I be asked to stand up and say my name during worship?
A: No. However, we do sometimes give a small gift to first-time visitors. After the children’s sermon, the children of the congregation distribute the gifts if they are available. Guests are asked to raise their hands so the little ones can find them. The children always enjoy passing out presents!
Q: What if I have to leave the sanctuary during the service?
A: If you need a drink of water or have other needs, you may exit down one of the side isles, or down the middle isle if it is more accessible to you. And please come back when you are ready. To avoid interrupting prayer, an usher may give you a cue to signal an appropriate time to re-enter. If no usher is present, please re-enter at any time during the sermon, or during a hymn or transition.
Q: I’m not sure if I can get my child to sit quietly and still for the whole service. What should I do if my child cries?
A: All children are special; they come with a variety of needs and different temperaments. Some children will sit perfectly still during a sermon and listen to every word. Others have not yet developed the attention span or interest. That’s okay. If you are concerned, we encourage you to bring a favorite picture book or coloring book from home in case your child needs a distraction. Also, children’s activity packages are often available near the sanctuary entrance. And any parent knows to occasionally expect untimely tears. Sometimes taking a stroll outside the sanctuary helps to calm your child.
Q: How do I know when to stand, when to sit, when to pray, etc.?
A: One of our ushers will give you a worship bulletin before you enter the sanctuary. The bulletin will outline the service for that day. Sections marked with an asterisk (*) denote times when the congregation is invited to stand.
Certain sections of the bulletin include responsive text. A liturgist, or worship leader, will read the text in regular type, and the congregation responds by reading the text printed in bold.
You can also find hymn numbers and general announcements in the bulletin.
Q: Do I have to sing?
A: Only if you want to. And if you want to sing but are afraid you can’t sing well, don’t worry. Just make a joyful noise to the Lord!
Q: How should I pray? Should I bow my head and close my eyes?
A: Much of the prayer in our church is done in unison, with everyone reading the same words from the bulletin. For obvious reasons, most people will keep their eyes open for unison prayers.
When the pastor leads the congregation in prayer, you may bow your head, or not. You may close your eyes, or not. The most important thing is to do what helps you focus your mind on this shared moment with God.
Q: Am I expected to put money in the offering plate?
A: Your donations are certainly appreciated, but no one is watching guests and tallying their contributions. We are simply happy to have you with us.
Q: What is Communion?
A: Communion is also called “The Lord’s Supper” and “The Eucharist.” Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” Eating the bread and drinking from the cup signifies a spiritual relationship with Christ. The baptismal covenant is renewed by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Or put more simply: Christ is with the faithful as they remember his sacrifice for them.
Q: When is Communion served?
A: Communion is served at least once each month, usually on the first Sunday of the month. It is also served on occasions such as Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter) and Christmas Eve.
Q: Who may take Communion?
A: All those who have been baptized in Christ are invited to take Communion, regardless of denomination.
Q: My child has not been baptized, but he/she wants the crackers and juice. What should I do?
A: Officially, the invitation to take Communion is extended to all who have been baptized. However, the walls of the church aren’t going to come crashing down if an un-baptized person takes part. When asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Christ called over a little child and said, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me” (Matthew 18:1-4, NIV). You might want to make an appointment with the minister to discuss the baptism of your child.
We hope this information has been helpful to you and gives you the confidence to visit us. If you have additional questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact us via e-mail or phone.
First Presbyterian Church
710 Southwest Drive
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Phone: 870-932-4101
E-mail: fpcjb@suddenlinkmail.com
