Planning a Visit

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Visiting any church, especially a larger one, for the very first time can be a tough experience. Where to go? What to wear? What time to show up? What's here for my kids? What can I expect? These and many more questions may come to mind. Well, we want to put you at ease. Your first visit to Marion Avenue Baptist will be refreshing, friendly, and enjoyable for your whole family. We want you to experience inspiring music, helpful teaching and preaching, friendly people, and a place where you feel welcome and "at home"! Here are a few answers to your questions and what you might expect on your first visit.

1. Finding and Navigating the Facilities

You can't miss our growing properties at the intersection of Marion Avenue and Jefferson. The front entrance is on Marion Avenue. You may park on our parking lot located directly behind the church, or you may find it more convenient to park in one of many spots directly in front of the church. Once you arrive, one of our greeters will meet you at the front door to assist you. If you are in need of valet parking, please call the church office and one of our staff will assist you when you arrive.

2. Finding Nurseries, Classes, and Services

Our church has several different buildings and levels, which to a guest can seem overwhelming at first. It's not as complicated as it looks, and we would like to help you find the appropriate nurseries, classes, and services for every person in your family. Our greeters and ushers are located around the church as well as at the front door and will gladly help direct and even escort you to the right place.

3. What's here for my kids?

Starting with excellent nurseries, there is something special for every age child from birth through college! At every service on Sunday morning there are safe, clean, and highly staffed nurseries for children two years old and under. For children three years old through sixth grade there are fun, friendly, and Bible-centered classes. These classes are staffed with trained, friendly, and well-qualified teachers and helpers who will make church exciting and memorable for your child. For students seventh grade through college age, there are graded classes in our student ministries. Most of the teens attend a class one hour and then a church service another hour with their parents, or they may choose to attend the teen church designed for teenagers.

4. What's the morning schedule?

Sunday School starts at 10:00am with the regular church service starting at 10:45am. We recommend you attend both, but you may decide to attend one or the other.

5. What's on the schedule for adults, and what should I expect?

During the first hour there are Life-stage Adult Bible Classes for couples and singles. These classes are smaller group settings where you are invited to meet people, enjoy perhaps some coffee and donuts, and hear a teaching lesson more directly applicable to your life-stage. For first time visitors, we highly recommend choosing the New Beginnings class. Here you will be served breakfast, enjoy chatting with friends in a casual setting, learn more about the church, and hear a very practical lesson. The best way to get to know people at Marion Avenue Baptist Church is to visit one of these adult bible classes. Most adults attend the main church service where they enjoy the beautiful and inspiring music of the choir, instrumentals, ensembles, and soloists. The music is always followed by a clear, helpful, and challenging Bible message from Pastor Brown. This service is a little over one hour in length.

6. How should I dress?

The only dress code at Marion Avenue is for leadership positions. There is not a dress code at Marion Avenue Baptist Church for members or guests. Our ministry leaders and many of our church family dress in more traditional “Sunday” dress; however, our main goal is that you would feel welcome and comfortable on your visit here at Marion Avenue Baptist!

7. Are there services at other times?

Yes. We have a Sunday evening service (completely different program from Sunday morning but same style of service) that begins at 6:30 p.m. Again, in this service you'll enjoy the choir and special music as well as a challenging and helpful message from Pastor Brown. We also meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. for a mid-week Bible study. If you can't be our guest on Sunday morning, we hope you'll visit with us during another service time.

8. Am I expected to participate in the offering?

No. We don't invite you to Marion Avenue Baptist Church for your offering. We want our service to be a gift to you. We hope you will find in this place a warm family spirit, truth from God's Word, and a place where you can grow in God's grace. Please don't feel any obligation to participate in the offering as a guest.

If there's something we missed on this list, just give us a call, or ask someone when you arrive. Whether you're new to the area and looking for a church home, or if it's been a long time since you've attended church at all, we hope your first visit at Marion Avenue Baptist will be awesome! We exist to serve you and your family, and we are looking forward to meeting you personally. We hope you'll feel right at home from the very first moment you step onto the property! Let us know how we can serve you better, and we hope to meet you this Sunday!