Thinking of Visiting Springdale? Great!
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Welcome Statement
We believe that we’re called to the ministry of love and reconciliation in the world through our Lord Jesus Christ, and that includes everyone. We believe that the diversity of our world is a gift from God to be embraced. We celebrate our human family’s full diversity of race, ethnicity, refugee or immigrant status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, spiritual or faith history, economic status, marital status, physical and mental ability, and education. We welcome all who have previously known the pain of exclusion, discrimination, abuse, or intolerance in either the church or society. We affirm that all people are created in the image of God, are loved by God, are called by God, and are deserving of love and human dignity. Because of that, we welcome all people into full participation in the life of the church. 
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What Can I Expect If I Visit?
We're glad that you're thinking about visiting Springdale and worshiping with us. The first thing you'll notice is there's plenty of parking. We have a large parking lot on the northeast side of the building, and a smaller one on the southwest, both accessed directly from Brownsboro Road. Next, you'll discover that the entire facility is accessible to people with physical disabilities. Once you're inside, you probably won't go far without someone greeting you and introducing themselves. Just inside the main door is our Welcome Desk. On Sunday mornings you'll find someone there to answer your questions or point you in the right direction.
If you want to get a feel for where things are before you arrive, just scroll down to see floor plans of our two levels. 
What Is Worship Like?
"Are you contemporary? Are you traditional?" The best answer is "We're Springdale." Our worship doesn't fit neatly into any category. Overall, our services follow a very traditional liturgical order, but the language and overall feel of the services are very comfortable and casual. Our music is drawn from a broad range of sources. The contemporary music you'll find in our services span the entire range of the global church. You'll find some of the best Christian congregational music from Africa, Asia, and other locations in addition to the United States, and from a number of different racial and ethnic populations. Most importantly, whether it's a favorite old hymn or a contemporary piece originating in Cameroon, it will be good music, with theologically appropriate lyrics, and performed well. What Am I Supposed to Do? We know that visiting a church can be a bit intimidating. Everyone else seems to know all the "secret codes" of worshiping there - when to stand, when to sit, what's coming next, and where everyone usually sits. We've worked hard to make our worship visitor-friendly. The order of worship is projected on screens in our sanctuary and our bulletin is available online, with a limited number in print because we're an Earth Care Congregation. What Kind of People Will Be There? Families. Singles. Old and young and middle-aged. Yes, mostly white, like most "mainline" Protestant churches, but we're working on that. Straight. Gay. Wealthy, and paycheck-to-paycheck. People with and without disabilities. Blended families. People with a spouse of a different religion, or no religion, who still feel comfortable with us. More progressives and moderates than conservatives, but we make our political mix work because we love one another. People who love traditional hymns. People who love praise music. People who love the organ and people who don't. Loud people. Quiet people. People in suits. People in jeans or shorts (and an occasional Hawaiian-print shirt). People experiencing the greatest joys in life, and those dealing with the greatest losses. In short, you'll encounter a true cross-section of humanity who have at least one thing in common: we're all deeply committed to our faith, following Jesus Christ as the Lord and guide of our lives. Little Ones?
Our well-staffed nursery for infants and preschoolers is open Sunday mornings starting 15 minutes before the service through the end of worship. During worship, children are encouraged to remain in the sanctuary - either remaining with their parents, or joining other children at the table at the rear of the sanctuary, There, they will engage in quiet activities and, we hope, become familiar with the patterns and feel of our worship, and will learn about worship by experiencing it along with the rest of the congregation. If I'm Visiting and You're Having Communion, Can I Be Part of It?
As part of the Presbyterian Church, we practice an "Open Table" theology. That means that whether you call it "Communion," "The Eucharist," or "The Lord's Supper", you do not have to be a Presbyterian in order to take part in Communion with us. This sacrament belongs to God, and not us, or any other particular tradition or denomination. Jesus has told us to do it, and that command didn't come with qualifiers that we all had to interpret it in the same way, or to fully understand it, before we can participate in it. He just said do it. We believe that if God has worked within you and spoken to your heart to the point that you'd like to participate, we will honor that - we will not be a stumbling block to God's Spirit at work within anyone, and we will serve you. As far as children, as long as children know about Communion at an age-appropriate level - which may be as simple as knowing that this is a special meal that all Christians take part in, and that is a sign that God is with us and caring for us - then children are also welcome to our table, with their parents' permission. In all of our Communion services, gluten-free, nut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free bread is always available. |
Main Floor Plan
