What to expect
as you Plan your Visit
“What should I wear?”
Clothing is not the most important thing, but it’s often among the first things we consider when visiting a church for the first time. Phoenix URC doesn’t have a clothing policy. But people who dress in an overly formal or overly casual way tend to stand out. Our advice is “be forgettably presentable.” Let the Lord be the center of attention at worship. Avoid whatever focuses eyes on your wealth, physique, or interests (Jas 2:2-4; 1 Tim 2:8-10).
“When should I Arrive?”
Aim to arrive 15 minutes early. That way you can get oriented, use the bathroom, and find the nursery. Greeters will give you a bulletin and direct you as needed.
“What if I have kids?”
Nursing mothers have access to the church library and fellowship hall (live streaming on TVs). Childcare is available (not required) up to age 3. Otherwise, our children join the congregation for worship. This reflects our view of God’s family-inclusive covenant. Persistent criers can be taken to the foyer to calm down; we won’t judge you—we’ve all been there! Having families worship together is a big part of discipleship.
“Where do I Sit?”
There are no assigned seats. If you want assistance, an usher will be on hand to help you. If your party consists of four or more people, we suggest arriving 15 minutes early to ensure you can sit comfortably together. There is also overflow in the fellowship hall.
What is the worship service like?
“...biblically saturated, theologically substantive, and personally formative...”
structure
Each part of the service is drawn from clear examples in the Bible (e.g., singing, preaching, sacraments). Our specific liturgy is representative of Christian worship in the 2nd century or earlier. We provide bulletins to follow along.
Music
Worship music, like every other part of the service, is primarily for God’s pleasure and glory. Moreover, it should help unify God’s diverse people while lending beauty and power to the words we express. Instead of trying to cater to one demographic, we aim for music that is accessible to the broadest a range of ages and backgrounds in our community. For us, this means prioritizing congregational singing over instruments and soloists. Ours is the most universal form of church music, and we think it best reflects heavenly worship as described in the Bible. The lyrics we offer to God should be true and rich, connecting Christ both to the joys and sorrows of Christian life. We incorporate biblical psalms as well as traditional and contemporary hymns.
here samples of our congregation singing
tithes & offerings
Visitors are under no obligation or expectation to give financially. In accordance with Scripture, deacons collect voluntary gifts from members on behalf of local and international ministries, missions, and needs (Ezra 2:68; 2 Cor 6:7).
Preaching
We aim for sermons that are biblically saturated, theologically substantive, and personally formative. Having multiple pastors also means we enjoy a variety of perspectives, styles, and applications. “Christ crucified” stands at the center of our sermons.
You can listen to several recordings of our songs here. Here’s an example:
giving
Visitors are under no obligation or expectation to give financially. In accordance with Scripture, deacons collect voluntary gifts from members on behalf of local and international ministries, missions, and needs (Ezra 2:68; 2 Cor 6:7).
Preaching
We aim for sermons that are biblically saturated, theologically substantive, and personally formative. Having multiple pastors also means we enjoy a variety of perspectives, styles, and applications. “Christ crucified” stands at the center of our sermons.
After Service...
Formal worship transitions into informal, spontaneous interaction with each other. Our desire is also to connect with visitors who may be with us for the first time.
Refreshments
Served after AM services on the Side Patio or in the Fellowship Hall. This is a good time to meet people or receive prayer from elders or deacons.
Sunday School (11:00-11:45 AM)
We offer a variety of classes for adults and children (K-12), breaking for summer and holidays.
Hospitality Lunch
Often, families take turns hosting lunch for visitors and newer members. It's a great way to get to know others and enjoy some good food. Ask a Greeter for details.
