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FAQ's
(Frequently Asked Questions)
As Mennonites shouldn't you be driving horse and buggies and wearing plain clothing? (Yes, we actually get asked this.)
Believe it or not most Mennonites don't. The largest share of Mennonites in this
country dress normal and drive cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles,
mopeds, airplanes, boats......well, you get the idea. Here in Eastern PA you
probably have Mennonite neighbors and don't even know it.
What can I expect when I walk through the doors of SMC for a Worship Service?
As you come through the doors you'll climb four steps into the very back of the
sanctuary where you'll be warmly greeted and offered a worship folder with
the order of service and announcements of upcoming programs. If you've come
for Sunday School and have children someone will help direct them to age
appropriate classes. Before and during the Sunday School hour and the second
service you may help yourself to some light refreshments and yes, that includes
coffee.
What will the service be like?
First Service (8:30am)
This is what we call our Traditional Service. Here you can expect to sing 4 to 5 hymns accompanied by the piano interspersed throughout the service. An Old Testament passage and New Testament passage are read during the service, prayers are offered, a time for sharing prayer requests and praises is given, and an offering is taken. The Message is usually 20 -30 minutes long.
Second Service (11:00am)
This is our contemporary service. In this service
we'll sing 4 to 5 upbeat songs led by a band usually
made up of guitars, bass guitar, drums, keyboard,
and several singers. We'll read Scripture, have
prayer, hear a 20 - 30 minute message, participate
in an offering together and close with another song
or two.
Believe it or not most Mennonites don't. The largest share of Mennonites in this
country dress normal and drive cars, vans, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles,
mopeds, airplanes, boats......well, you get the idea. Here in Eastern PA you
probably have Mennonite neighbors and don't even know it.
What can I expect when I walk through the doors of SMC for a Worship Service?
As you come through the doors you'll climb four steps into the very back of the
sanctuary where you'll be warmly greeted and offered a worship folder with
the order of service and announcements of upcoming programs. If you've come
for Sunday School and have children someone will help direct them to age
appropriate classes. Before and during the Sunday School hour and the second
service you may help yourself to some light refreshments and yes, that includes
coffee.
What will the service be like?
First Service (8:30am) This is what we call our Traditional Service. Here you can expect to sing 4 to 5 hymns accompanied by the piano interspersed throughout the service. An Old Testament passage and New Testament passage are read during the service, prayers are offered, a time for sharing prayer requests and praises is given, and an offering is taken. The Message is usually 20 -30 minutes long.
Second Service (11:00am)
This is our contemporary service. In this service
we'll sing 4 to 5 upbeat songs led by a band usually
made up of guitars, bass guitar, drums, keyboard,
and several singers. We'll read Scripture, have
prayer, hear a 20 - 30 minute message, participate
in an offering together and close with another song
or two.
Both services will sometimes include special music numbers, dramas, video montages, and special reports.
You'll never be put on the spot or expected to speak during the service (unless of course you'd like to.).
How should I dress?
It's totally up to you. In the first service you'll see a few suits and dresses along
with plenty of casual clothes. In the second service you'll be hard pressed to
find a suit but you may see a tie or two and a dress here and there. Most will be
dressed very casual in this service with no shortage of shorts and jeans. What's
important is that you just come! So wear whatever you're comfortable with, we
do.
Will I be expected to give money?
No and we don't want you to feel uncomfortable about not giving. The offering
taken during the service is for regular attenders. It is our responsibility and one
of our actions of faith in God's providing hand and a response of love for Jesus
Christ giving his all for us.
Where do my children go during the service?
For families with infants and toddlers we offer a nursery staffed by caring and
responsible individuals during both services and during Sunday School.
For children ages 3 up to 2nd grade we do offer a Children's Church during the
second service on the first and third Sundays of the month. The children are
dismissed right before the message to go downstairs for their own message
brought through crafts, play, and story.
Childcare and Children's church are optional. If you desire to worship all
together as a family, please feel free to keep your children in the service. No one
will mind at all.