Thinking of Visiting Springdale? Great!
|
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. 
|
What Can I Expect If I Visit?
We're glad that you're thinking about visiting Springdale and worshiping with us. So if you do, what can you expect? Well, the first thing you'll notice is that there's plenty of parking. There is 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, welcoming you, and introducing themselves. In addition to that, you'll also find a prominent Welcome Desk, where you can find a Visitors Information Packet, copies of our most recent newsletter, and some copies of recent sermons that you can take with you. Not Sure Where You're Going? No Problem. Like most churches, we have "official" ushers and greeters serving every Sunday morning, helping people to get where they need to go. But don't worry about having to find one of these official people - we're very friendly; anyone you meet will be glad to help direct you. And if you want to get a feel for where things are even before arriving, just scroll down and you'll find floor plans of our two levels. What is Worship Like? People ask us "Are you contemporary? Are you traditional?" The best answer can give give to that question is "We're Springdale." Our worship doesn't fit neatly into either of those categories. 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 traditional and contemporary sources. But when we say contemporary, we aren't just talking about contemporary praise songs. 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 actually heard horror stories of people - not in our church - angrily telling visitors to get out of "their" seats! We promise you, that will not happen to you here. We also promise you that we've worked hard to eliminate those "secret codes" in worship - we'll let you know what's coming next - when you come into the sanctuary, someone is going to give you a bulletin - a "program" that will tell you in detail what's going on and what's going to happen next. We don't want you to just feel welcome, we want you to feel comfortable. You can also know what's going on in the service just by watching the projection screen in the sanctuary, or you can access our online version of the weekly bulletin on your tablet or smart phone by following the link on the home page of our website. 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 - we have some racial diversity, but honestly, we should have, and we want, more. Straight. Gay. Wealthy, and paycheck-to-paycheck. 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. People who hate the organ. Loud people. Quiet people. People in suits. People in jeans or shorts (an occasional Hawaiian-print shirt, in season, is a distinct possibility). 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, if nothing else, 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 Grace Place nursery for infants and preschoolers is open Sunday mornings starting 30 minutes before the service or class through the end of the Learn & Serve hour. 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. Children or Youth?
Children and youth are integral to the life of Springdale Presbyterian Church. Our goal is for everyone to be fully engaged worship, learning and service. We see ministry with children and youth as a fully adaptive process — working with students, parents, grandparents and teachers to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s families. We offer spiritual nurture opportunities for all on most Sundays. We currently have a multi-age class for pre-kindergarten - 4th grades, a tween class for 5th and 6th grades, and a class for 7th through 12 grade students. Presbyterian Youth Connection (youth group for grades 6 - 12) meets regularly throughout the year. The PYC is highly invested in learning through service, mission, and fun. We also provide unique opportunities for serving and learning to our elementary age students. Need a Restroom? You'll find women's and men's restrooms on both floor levels. In addition to the larger restroom facilities, each floor features a fully accessible, single-user all gender/family restroom that is also equipped with diaper changing tables. Check the floor plans below for locations. |
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.
On the first Sunday of each month, we offer Bilingual Communion using trays to distribute bread and grape juice to attendees while they remain in their seats. On these Sundays the Communion liturgy is offered in both English and Spanish, with the words being spoken and being projected on the screen alternate between the two languages.
On the third Sunday of the month, we offer Communion via Intinction - attendees come forward to receive bread and juice from a common loaf and a common cup (those with mobility issues are served in their seats).
In all of our Communion services, gluten-free, nut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free bread is always available.
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.
On the first Sunday of each month, we offer Bilingual Communion using trays to distribute bread and grape juice to attendees while they remain in their seats. On these Sundays the Communion liturgy is offered in both English and Spanish, with the words being spoken and being projected on the screen alternate between the two languages.
On the third Sunday of the month, we offer Communion via Intinction - attendees come forward to receive bread and juice from a common loaf and a common cup (those with mobility issues are served in their seats).
In all of our Communion services, gluten-free, nut-free, tree nut-free, egg-free bread is always available.
Main Floor Plan
