Frequently Asked Questions

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 not operating as usual due to COVID-19 guidelines. We are doing our service via Facebook Live, every Sunday beginning at 10:30 am.  Follow along with our Service Guide Bulletin.
We also have a Zoom Bible Study on Thursdays at 7:00 pm. If you wish to join the Bible Study, please text Pastor Deb for information. (717) 682-1873

Q: What happens at a Sunday Service?

A: From about 10:00 am the doors are open and people start to arrive and gather in the sanctuary. There are greeters at the door to hand you a bulletin and provide you with a welcome pack if this is your first visit. You are free to sit wherever you feel most comfortable in the sanctuary. 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 an Opening Prayer and 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 on our tv monitor 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.
  • Our musician plays a hymn or song of generosity. During this song we collect gifts and tithes of our community. 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 our current procedure is to pass out individual cups and wafers which you take from a cart presented during our offering time. We hold till actual communion.
  • Offertory Prayer, which is printed in your bulletin and displayed on our tv monitor in the front.
  • Communion (See below).
  • We sing our closing song.
  • We close with a benediction.
  • At this time we do not offer a social hour.
  • Download our Service Guide Bulletin.

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). Our current procedure is to pass out individual cups and wafers which you take from a cart presented during our offering time. We hold till actual communion. Also, 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 a parking lot next to the church.

Q: Is the building wheelchair accessible?

A: The Sanctuary, Kitchen and Social Hall are accessible. The restrooms are unfortunately not yet fully accessible, neither are the administrative offices (upstairs). There are designated handicap parking spaces available.

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: 10:30 am.

Q: How long is the service?

A: The entire service is usually completed by about 11:45 am.

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: New Light is happy to host groups that do not have space of their own. We also have a number of ministries run by members of the church.

 

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!