It's not easy visiting a church for the first time. We know it can be an unsettling experience. You may have questions running through your mind. “Am I really welcome?” “Will the people be unfriendly, or too friendly?” “Will I be noticeable?” “Will my kids enjoy it?” “How should I dress?” “Am I welcome if I’m not really sure I believe?” So... here’s what you can expect.

At the front door, there should be some friendly people to greet you, answer any questions you have, and direct you to our worship service. If you have children, we have Sunday school at 9:30. It is a creative, dynamic, hands-on experience for kids to grow in their faith. If you have younger children (infant to 2yrs), you’re welcome to bring them to our nursery.

When you enter our sanctuary or chapel, you'll be given a copy of our weekend worship bulletin which has the week's announcements and an agenda for the worship experience. As well, when you enter worship, you'll notice that persons are dressed in anything from "office casual" to jeans to suits. In the summer, some persons even wear shorts. Take your pick.

The worship service begins with music. You'll be invited to sing along or feel free to enjoy the music and take in its message. We'll spend some time in prayer. We'll read from the Bible and a message will be given that’s interesting, inspirational and relevant to real life. As well, you’ll be given an opportunity to let us know you were with us by signing our “Ritual of Friendship Pew Pad.” This pad provides us basic information about you – should you so choose. When the offering is taken, there will be no pressure for you to give. You're welcome to do so, but we understand if you need to visit us for a time before giving.

We celebrate Communion (also known as the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper) every week at our Saturday evening worship service and the first Sunday of each month at our Sunday morning worship services. We do this in remembrance of Jesus - His life, death, and resurrection on our behalf, for the forgiveness of sins. Within our Methodist tradition, all persons are welcome to receive Communion.

After worship, we hope you'll stay around to meet some of us. As well, we hope you experience the warmth and connection we feel here at Elam. Mostly though, we want you to know that you matter to God.