Visiting a Church for the first time…
may feel exciting and adventurous for some, but for many it can feel uncomfortable, uncertain, or even awkward. Before taking even the first step in, questions may come to mind: What should I expect? What should I wear? Am I going to be asked to stand in church as a new visitor or give personal information? Is there a program for my children? Will they be safe? How long is the service?
To answer some of the basic questions and to help visitors feel more at ease in a new place, read on!
Finding Us
96 Baldwin Hill Road Washington Depot, CT 06794
Attire
Arriving at the Door
Accessibility
Start time and length of service
Worship
Communion
Ministry for our children and youth
Offering
Contact Information
Please come in whatever clothes feel most comfortable to you. Some like to wear business casual, dresses or skirts, while others prefer to come in favorite jeans and a nice sweater/blouse/shirt.
You will be greeted by one or more of our church family. They will give you a printed Program of the service to guide you. Come on in to the Sanctuary and find a seat. Though people often like to sit in the same place, be assured no one will be upset with where you choose to sit.
Our front entrance has a ramp and is easily accessible for people using walkers or wheelchairs. We have space in the sanctuary for wheelchair users, as well as a headset that is hardwired to the sound system for those who may be hard of hearing.
Worship begins at 10:30 am. It usually runs about 60 minutes.
Our time of worship includes anthems sung by the choir, hymns and songs (both classic and contemporary), Scripture reading, a Children’s Message, the sermon and the Offering. We sometimes have special presentations, a celebration such as a baptism or new membership, and other events.
We celebrate the Sacrament of Communion on the first Sunday of each month with the Bread and the Wine (we use juice). All who confess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord are welcome to participate in this special meal. We leave it to parents’ discernment/discretion whether their child may part take in the meal. We realize not everyone who comes to church has placed their faith in Christ; acknowledging this, there is no stigma if you should choose not to accept Communion.
All adults working with our children and youth have had a background check which is run when they first begin working with our children and is updated periodically, in accordance with standards set by the national church. All of our classrooms have windows in the doors to assure safety and a spirit of transparency. On Sunday mornings, we provide nursery care for children from 6 weeks to preschool age in our downstairs Nursery.
During the service there is a children’s message especially provided for them. They are invited to come up to the altar, where the Pastor shares an age-appropriate lesson that ties in to the larger theme of the morning service. After the message, the children are invited to go to Sunday School with an adult teacher.
We consider our visitors’ presence their gift to the church. We welcome you here to enjoy the worship and the fellowship of believers. If you feel led by the Spirit to give financially, then please feel free to do so, but there is no expectation to do so.
Our pews include cards for visitors. If you would like a visit or a call from the Pastor, to be informed of upcoming events, or would like to receive the monthly newsletter and other correspondence, please provide your physical and/or email address. We do not share or sell any contact information.
You can reach us by phone, 860.868.2794, or by email. The office email is office@salemcovenantchurch.com and Pastor Marlon’s email is pastormarlon@salemcovenantchurch.com.