Finding a church that is right for you can be a difficult process. The best way to find out if a church is going to meet your needs is to simply pay it a visit and see how it feels, but walking into a church for the first time can be scary. If you’re thinking about coming along to New Light for the first time then these are the kind of questions you might ask;
Q: Are we currently doing service as usual?
A: Currently, we are meeting at John Wesley United Methodist Church at 129 N Potomac St. Hagerstown. We are also doing our service via Facebook Live, every Sunday. Both begin at 1:30 pm.
We also have a Zoom Bible Study every other Thursday at 7:00 pm and Conversations every other Tuesday. If you wish to join either group, please text Rev. Kelly for information. 301-991-7313
Q: What happens at a Sunday Service?
A: From about 1:00 pm the doors are open and people start to arrive and gather in the chapel. There is a sign on the sidewalk to direct you to the correct door. You are free to sit wherever you feel most comfortable in the chapel. As a new person it is most likely that you will be greeted by a few people during this time.
The service generally follows this following format every week.
- The service starts with welcome and announcements.
- The congregation is led in a spoken “Call To Worship” and respond by reading the print in bold type.
- We sing a praise hymn or song.
- Scripture Reading – this is displayed in the front.
- We sing a praise hymn or song.
- The message is delivered.
- We sing a hymn or song in response.
- The pastor or a board member will present the “Practicing Generosity” moment.
- We will then introduce our offering. If this is your first visit with us, please don’t feel obligated to give as we pass the collection plate. You are our special guest and it is our privilege that you have come to worship with us. Also, during this time those who join us online are invited to prepare their communion elements.
- Offertory Prayer, which is displayed in the front.
- Communion (See below).
- We sing our closing song.
- We close with a benediction.
Q: What happens at Communion?
A: Like all Metropolitan Community Churches, New Light MCC offers an “Open Communion Table”. You don’t have to be a member of this community, or any to participate in this sacrament. All the children of God are welcome at this table and YOU are a child of God. In order that everyone may feel welcome we serve a non-alcoholic cup (Grape juice). Communion is optional, depending on your preference.
Q: How many people attend a Sunday service?
A: On average around 12.
Q: What ratio identify as men and women?
A: This can vary but there is generally a good mix.
Q: Is everyone Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered?
A: No. We are a Christian church with a special outreach to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Affirming community, their family and friends.
Q: What ratio of Straight to LGBT?
A: This can vary but there is generally a good mix.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Yes, there is always available street parking.
Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?
A: The chapel and restrooms are accessible.
Q: What time does the building open on Sundays?
A: The sanctuary is open from 10:00 am.
Q: What time does the service start?
A: 1:30 pm.
Q: How long is the service?
A: The entire service is usually completed by about 2:30 pm.
Q: What style of music do you have?
A: We have a mix of traditional hymns and praise and worship songs.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: Casual.
Q: What other activities and ministries do you have?
A: Since we are renting our space, we only have the two online activities mentioned above.
NLMCC is a 501(c)3 Religious Organization. Contributions or gifts to New Light Metropolitan Community Church are tax deductible as charitable contributions. ©2022 NLMCC.
We hope to see you soon!