Visitor Information
Thank you for thinking about joining us for Sunday worship! We know it can be intimidating to drop in on a community that you don't already know, so we hope we can make you as comfortable as possible. Here is some info that might help:
Time: During the summer our Sunday service begins at 10:30 am. We offer both an in person worship experience as well as an online experience via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83288128069 Our services usually lasts about an hour.
COVID Precautions: For those attending in person, we comply with the mask mandate currently in effect for Washington State. We request that those attending respect social distancing protocols, including substituting a wave, first bump or other greeting for our must customary hugs and handshakes.
Accessibility: We welcome all people. If you need accommodation for a disability, please let us know (preferably in advance) and we will do our best to provide it. We do have an elevator to the right of the main entrance.
Dress: Casual! Or formal if that's your style : ) Seriously, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable in worship. Some people will be in suits and some people will be in shorts.
Music: We sing mostly hymns from the African American Heritage Hymnal. We are no longer a predominantly black church, but this is still our music! Some Sundays we have a drummer, most Sundays we aim to have a choir. Clapping is always encouraged, but not required. It is not always on-beat, and that is OK.
Numbers: Let's be real--this matters to people (though not so much to God). You should know that Madrona Grace is a small congregation with an average attendance of about 30 to 50 people on any given Sunday between in person and Zoom. No one will ask you to stand up or introduce yourself as a visitor, but during the passing of the peace, most people will want to introduce themselves to you!
Kids: Children are important in the life of our church! Nursery care is available weekly for children under four years of age. Those 4 years and older begin worship with their parents and are invited upstairs to our Kids Space early in the service for a story, games, activities, and crafts. There are materials (coloring pages, stickers, fidget toys) available in the narthex for their time in the sanctuary.
Liturgy: We maintain a pretty standard Presbyterian order of service, which may seem a bit formal to non-denominational folks, and a bit free-form to Catholics. Between the screen, the printed worship bulletin (program), and the worship leaders, we hope it is easy to follow. The one thing that sometimes surprises people is the candor and transparency of our pastoral prayer time. Our members share a deep connection with each other and joyful invite each other to share in our good times and stand beside each other in our difficulties.
Social Hour: Following the service we traditionally have a time of fellowship in the adjoining hall with coffee and snacks. During COVID we have continued this practice, but on a scaled back basis. We hope visitors that feel comfortable will stay for this casual time. But if you prefer to run out immediately after the service ends, we understand.
Parking: The address is 832 32nd Ave, 98122, at the corner of 32nd & Marion. There is no parking lot, but you shouldn't have to walk very far. The best street spaces are by the park behind the church on 33rd.
Connecting with the Church: During the service we encourage visitors to fill out a visitor's card so that we can know a bit about you. You don't have to fill out the whole thing--there is even a box to check for "please do NOT contact me" if that is your preference. If you want to keep tabs on church events, you can use this form to sign up for the weekly email newsletter. Or you can sign up now by clicking here.
Learning and Growing Together Small groups and classes for adults occur throughout the year. Watch the weekly bulletin and website for more information.
Feedback: If you have thoughts you would be willing to share about the service or the church in general, we would love to hear them! You can call the church office: 206.328.2704 or email admin@madronagrace.org
Church Shopping & Other Questions: Are you new to the area and could use some direction on where to find your kind of church? We recognize that our community may not be the best fit for everyone, but if we can help point you towards a better fit, please let us know. You can contact us about this or any other pastoral need: 206.317-4641; admin@madronagrace.org