Beginning Sunday, September 4, we are adjusting our worship times from 9:30 to 9:15 and from 11:00 to 10:45 am. The early service remains at 8:15.
In May 2010 the 10:45 service was shifted to 11:00 when it was relocated to the Sanctuary pending work on the Barclay Building. When the service moved back to the Barclay, it remained at 11:00 to facilitate parking between the Sanctuary and Barclay services. With the two service times in such close proximity and Groves underway, people were finding it hard to find a parking space in our lot. Now, with the advent of the new 57-space parking lot this past year, that parking challenge has abated. As we considered ways to grow deeper, stronger, and beyond, the advantages of returning the services to 10:45 are clear.
(1) Attendance Growth and Fellowship
We have seen a steady decline in attendance at the last service since the move to 11:00 and the subsequent discontinuation of fellowship time after the service. We believe that by finishing the service before noon and providing refreshments afterwards, people will linger and relationships will be strengthened, as they are at the two earlier services. Our hope is that during each of our fellowship times the congregation will share with each other what the Lord has put on their hearts and minds during worship.
(2) Children’s Ministry Support
By moving the 9:30 service up 15 minutes the leaders of the burgeoning Children’s Ministry will retain the important time they need to meet, pray, and prepare for the children and families they will engage that morning.
(3) Provide More Options for Groves after the 9:15 Service
§ The fellowship time after the 9:15 service may be lengthened for those who wish to engage a bit longer in fellowship.
§ Groves could begin earlier.
§ Groves could extend their meeting time.
§ Grove members could have the chance to leave the campus prior to noon.
While these schedule changes are slight, we know that they will require some adjustment on everyone’s part. One adjustment is that those regularly attending the 8:15 service will be asked to park in our new parking lot on Nelbon.
The staff and leadership appreciate everyone’s willingness to adapt to a ministry that seeks to grow deeper by loving God, stronger by connecting with others, and beyond ourselves to show Christ to the world.
