Visitor Q&A
Q: What can I expect when I come to visit?
A: When you arrive, expect to be greeted by one of our ushers, or by any of our members or regular attenders. We have coffee, donut holes, and apple juice in the conference room near the sanctuary. When you come in the sanctuary, you will receive a bulletin from one of our ushers. Folks are usually milling around and talking before the service starts, until the organ prelude begins. The worship bulletin will help guide you through the service. We have been known as a very friendly church for many years, and we hope that you find that to be the case!
Q: What kind of worship do you have?
A: Our worship is “traditional” in format. Our order of worship is a basic Presbyterian service. First, we gather around the Word of God, and then we hear the Word of God read and proclaimed. After the sermon, we respond to the Word through prayers, song, our affirmation of faith, tithes and offerings, and communion about once a month. Finally, we are sent out to bear the Word into the world, again with singing, and with the benediction. Our hymns are accompanied by our wonderful organist, Susan Shewmaker. Susan also shares her gifts in playing wonderful preludes, offertories, and postludes, and by directing the choir in song.
Q: Who leads the service?
A: Each week we have a member who serves as liturgist, leading the opening readings and prayers. Our Co-Pastors, Andy and Stephanie Wing, alternate preaching each week, and they also share leadership in the worship service itself.
Q: When should I get there?
A: Sunday school begins at 9:30 and worship begins at 10:45.
Q: What should I wear?
A: We have members who wear jeans every week, and we have members who wear their “Sunday finest” clothing each week. We welcome all to worship, just as you are!
Q: How can I get there?
A: We are located in downtown Harrodsburg, at 326 S. Main Street. For more specific directions, click here.
Q: What kind of Sunday school classes are there?
A: We offer two classes for adults of all ages, a nursery for children 0-5, a class for elementary school aged children, and a class for middle schoolers and high schoolers. One of our adult classes starts at 9:45 and uses The Present Word, a curriculum produced by the Presbyterian Church (USA) using the Uniform Lesson Series. The other adult class meets at 9:30 in the Ladies’ Parlor, and uses a variety of materials from The Thoughtful Christian website. Class materials are available in both classes that morning. Class readings for The Thoughtful Christian class can also be downloaded in advance here. Visitors are always welcome in both classes! Both classes are co-ed and open to adults of all ages.
Nursery care is provided by our loving nursery attendant, Dorothy, who has been with us for 21 years! Nursery care is provided during Sunday school and through the worship service.
The Elementary class is currently studying Bible stories with their teacher, and the Youth class is using materials from Seasons of the Spirit, which follows the weekly lectionary Bible readings that we use in church.
Q: What about children in worship?
A: We welcome all of God’s children in worship! Nursery care is provided for children who are not yet in school during the worship service. We have activity bags available for younger school-aged children during the worship service; simply ask an usher and we will be happy to provide one. We have a Children’s sermon each week, as well, and we invite children of all ages to come to the front of the sanctuary for that time.
Q: What about communion?
A: We celebrate communion approximately once a month, either on special days of the church year, or on the third Sunday of the month. Sometimes we pass trays as the congregation remains seated; often we celebrate with intinction, where those who are able come forward down the center aisle to take bread and dip it in a common cup. We use both wine and grape juice. We always use red wine and white grape juice so that worshipers can choose the cup easily, but if you forget, simply ask! Communion is a feast of the people of God, and we welcome all baptized believers in Jesus Christ to participate in the meal. If you have any questions, feel free to talk to the pastors.
Q: What about baptism?
A: We recognize any believers baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, whether you were sprinkled, immersed, baptized as an infant, child, teen, or adult. We believe that baptism is the sign and seal of the work that God does in our lives. Baptism is a sacrament that needs happen only once, though we can remember our baptisms often! If you have not been baptized and would like to be baptized, talk to one of our church Elders or one of the Pastors.
Q: How do I join the church?
A: If you are interested in joining the church, talk to the pastors or any of the Elders. You will meet with the Pastors and the Elders, and then be accepted into membership during a Sunday worship service. If you have any questions, just contact us.
Q: What do Presbyterians believe?
A: We are part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), which is a denomination that traces its roots back to John Calvin, the Reformer who worked primarily in Geneva, Switzerland, and John Knox, from Scotland. We believe that we are saved through grace by Jesus Christ. For more information on what Presbyterians believe, check out this website, or talk to the pastors.
Q: Can I get more information?
A: Sure! If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact the church office or the Co-Pastors, Stephanie and Andy. You can email the office at upcharrodsburg(at)bellsouth(dot)net, or email the pastors at upcpastor(at)bellsouth(dot)net. You can also call us at 859-734-4710.
