Getting Situated

You can check out our map for directions before you head out Sunday morning, and once you get here you'll find plenty of parking, including handicapped spaces in front of and beside the church. The building is fully wheelchair-accessible. There is a coat rack right inside the door and restrooms at the end of the main hallway. Greeters and ushers in the Narthex (the Lobby) will give you a bulletin, gladly answer any questions you have, find you a seat, and help you if you need assistance getting in.

We will not make you stand up or embarrass you!

Relax, only our ushers and greeters wear nametags! We will greet you with smiles and handshakes, and welcome you to worship with us while respecting that your relationship with the Lord is a personal matter, and that your attendance is not for our benefit but for the uplifting of our God.

What should I wear?

God accepts us as we are - no matter who we are, what we do, or how we dress. We do not have a dress code. Worshipers at Saint Nicholas wear anything from jeans and tee shirts, to slacks and golf shirts, to suits and ties. Please wear whatever you feel is most comfortable for you in this setting.

What about the kids?

Child care is available during all services for infants and toddlers in our staffed nursery rooms down the hall. Most Sundays during the Traditional service, children are invited to come forward and sit and listen to a short Children's sermon after which they are given coloring books and crayons to bring back to their chairs. If you need to take your child out of the santuary during the service, you can still listen to the service on the speakers in the fellowship hall or in the nursery.

What about the offering?

At some point after the sermon, offering plates will be passed around. This is an opportunity for our regular members to actively respond to all God has given them by freely giving to support his church through the ministries at Saint Nicholas. We certainly do not expect or require visitors to put anything in the offering plate, though you are welcome to if you like. You will also have an opportunity to sign the guest register if it comes your way.

Will I be able to follow along with the service?

Basically, everything you need in order to follow the service is in the bulletin. There's no need to juggle multiple books and papers - even the hymns are included! LARGE-PRINT versions of the bulletin are available in the church office. The pastor or worship assistants will give directions for any special presentations or intercessions, and the choir helps lead the congregation with any responsive reading. You can drop-off your copy of the bulletin in our recycling basket located by the door on your way out.

Can I take Communion, and how does it work?

All who are baptized are welcome to receive Holy Communion. This gift is itself the real presence of God's forgiveness and mercy.

After the sermon and the offering, ushers will indicate when it's your row's turn to approach the altar, and they will offer you a small plastic cup. If you choose to participate, join the line in the center isle, and when you reach the front, the pastor or assisting pastor will hand you bread and say "The body of Christ, given for you." You may say Amen. Next you are offered wine, poured into the individual cup that you received from the usher. Alternatively, you can choose grape juice provided in small cups by a second communion assistant. With the wine or grape juice, the assistant will say "The blood of Christ, shed for you." Place the used cup in the basket, and return to your seat via the side isle.

If you wish to take communion but are unable to walk to the front of the church, just notify the usher, and the pastor will bring the bread and wine to you at your chair.