What to Expect
Visiting a new church can be intimidating. Therefore, when you visit, you’ll never be asked to stand up and introduce yourself or do any other activity that makes you feel uncomfortable. Here’s what you can expect if you visit us on a Sunday morning:
Will I Feel Comfortable?
COSL is a very accepting community. You’ll meet people from a wide variety of backgrounds who are warm and welcoming.
What Do I Wear?
Come just as you are! You’ll see people in jeans and t-shirts, dresses, coats and ties, and everything in between. We believe that God cares more about what’s in your heart than what you look like.
Where Do I Park?
We have a large parking lot in the rear of the building. Please feel free to enter the building through the parking lot entrance. Once inside the building, you can walk past the classrooms and offices and take a left to go through our parlor and into the sanctuary. Handicapped parking spaces are available at the front entrance of the building as well as within the main parking lot.
When Do I Arrive and Where Do I Sit?
We recommend that you arrive at least 5 minutes before the beginning of the service so you can park, get familiar with the church, and find a seat. Of course, you are welcome to join in no matter when you arrive!
You can sit wherever you feel comfortable; there are no saved seats. If you’d like, the ushers will be more than happy to assist you. Look for them at the entrance to the worship space where they hand out bulletins to guide you through the service.
What Will My Kids Do During the Service?
Kids are always welcome to join in the life of the congregation on Sundays. There is childcare every Sunday for toddlers up to age 3 and during the school year, and Sunday School for kids between pre-K and 6th grade. If kids stay with their families during service, there are Activity Bags (containing books, coloring supplies, and other materials) to keep them busy: just ask an usher for one.
How Long is the Service and Do I Need to Bring My Bible?
The main Sunday service is typically about an hour.
Although you are welcome to bring along your personal Bible, it’s not necessary. All bible passages read during service are printed in the worship bulletin, so you can read along during the service.
What is a Service Like?
Our service includes four primary parts, the Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending, interwoven with familiar Christian hymns and music performances. The Gathering typically includes a Children’s Message, a silent confession and forgiveness of sins, and an opening prayer. The Word includes bible readings, a sermon, and a song related to the sermon. The Meal includes Holy Communion in which all believers, regardless of your faith tradition, are welcome to participate fully. The Sending includes a blessing and reminder to live out our lives as servants of God.
What Happens After the Dismissal?
After service, you are welcome to come down to the parlor for the weekly Sunday coffee hour, where everyone is invited to enjoy coffee, tea and delicious (usually homemade!) baked goods. It’s a chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Prayer Requests
We welcome your prayer requests. Unless a renewed request is received, prayer intercessions for individuals will be included in our worship and listed in our worship bulletins for three consecutive weeks. Please email the following information to [email protected]
- Request prayer for (first and last name)
- Reason for prayer (comfort and healing – assisted care/homebound, hospitalization/illness/medical care, grief; thanksgiving – anniversary/birthday/other milestone; other)
- Your contact information (name, email, and phone number)
SErvices
We Gather Every Sunday
Sundays 10:00am is an hour-long service
Bible Study at 9:00am, all are welcome.