New at Harbor
Wondering What to Expect?
While Harbor of Hope Christian Church is different than you might expect a church to be, there are some things that you can always expect:
A Warm but Not Intrusive Greeting:
You will find a parking place for the service you choose to attend. We can't promise one right up front, of course, but we'll make sure there's one for you. We are committed to making sure your visit is as hassle free as possible.
Greeters at the door will smile and offer you a paper program explaining what will be going on in the coming weeks at Harbor of Hope. They are there if you need them, so ask them a question and see what they know!
A Safe Place for Kids:
During our 9:30am service, there are classes for your children (infant through 5th grade) and during our 11:00am service we will offer nursery and preschool classes. Signs clearly mark the way to the children's area. We take a number of measures to ensure that your children are safe while in the classes, and safely returned to you after the service is over. They'll have a great time, too!
Coffee and Conversation:
After you have checked your children into the appropriate classroom, just make your way into the auditorium. Help yourself to a cup of fresh Green Mountain coffee or a hot tea in the café. It's free and we have so many new people coming lately that chances are the other person grabbing a cup of coffee in line ahead of you is here for the first time as well, so relax and enjoy.
The Sunday Morning Experience:
The 9:30 and 11:00 services are identical - except, as you've already figured out (you're pretty bright) one is earlier and one is later. When the service you attend begins, here's what you can count on:
A time of singing
We serve a Living God who has captivated our hearts by His love. We let Him know that we appreciate who He is and what He has done by singing a few songs to Him. The words are easily found on the screen, though if you are new and unsure, you are completely free to simply listen along.
A message time
That is 'message time', not 'massage time!' Someone will speak for about 25 minutes. It may be a guest speaker or one of our teaching team members. We also communicate truths to support the theme of the day through song, multi-media, drama and, well, come out for yourself and see how enjoyable it can be to learn!
A communion time
My personal favorite! This is when we remember that Jesus Christ loves us and forgives us for everything we've ever done wrong. He did this through His atoning death on the cross. Basically, we are made right with God by accepting Jesus sacrifice and by aligning our hearts with His desire for us. Eating the bread and drinking the cup reminds us of what Jesus did and how He backed His claims up by rising from the dead. It's a moving time that you may or may not choose to be a part of. That is up to you. Either way, the process will be explained clearly so that you will not feel awkward.
A time of giving
God is doing great things through His people at the Harbor of Hope Christian Church! Those of us who believe in the way God is working through this church give money to support what's happening. If you're just checking us out, you may choose not to give. We don't pass offering bags or collection trays. Just boxes mounted on the wall --no pressure at all.
A strategic announcement time
As a group of people who desire to make a huge positive difference in the world, it is important that we are all on the same page. At some point in the service we will communicate where we are going together.
After the service
Have something else to drink. You can never have enough coffee, right? Say "hi" to a few people and head out whenever you need to. It's really not that painful, and you'll be a better person for it. Guaranteed!
