What to Expect
I know - it's not easy visiting a new church for the first time. You may ask yourself: Do I belong here? Am I really welcome? Will the people be unfriendly...or too friendly? Will they ask me for money? Will my kids enjoy it? How should I dress? Am I welcome if I have doubts or questions?
As the pastor at Oakton UMC, I want to make your visit an enjoyable experience; easy, stress-free, and as relaxing as possible. No matter what your background, even if you haven't been to church for awhile, even if you have doubts and questions about God and religion, even if you see yourself as a skeptic, I welcome you to attend our church activities and events!
After you enter the doors on Sunday, there should be some friendly people (we call them "greeters") to say hello, answer any questions you have, and direct you to the sanctuary, nursery or other locations in the building. If you have kids, whether they are toddlers or teens, infants or young adults--we have activities designed just for them to enjoy.
You'll also notice everyone is dressed comfortably; in anything from suits and ties to "office casual" to jeans and sneakers. I don't care how you dress, as long as you attend and dress!
Church should be an enjoyable experience, so our services are lively and upbeat. We want every person who visits OUMC to leave optimistic and hopeful about facing life's everyday ups and downs. It is a time to visit with friends and gain a practical teaching from the Scriptures.
The worship service will last about 60 minutes (and I trust that the time will fly). We ask everyone to sign our attendance pad so we know who attends each Sunday, and when the service is over I look forward to meeting you as I mingle with the congregation on Sundays.
I trust you will find that my sermons to offer both a positive and practical way of thinking about Christianity. I hope to help instill in you a faith that focuses on the original blessing that we are created in the image and likeness of God, and that we are here to live life and to live it more abundantly.
Church is about God and worship, but it's also about community and friendship. That's about it. I hope you'll stop by this Sunday. And if you do, please look for me and say "Hi."
Pastor Don
