What to Expect
Our worship service is held on Sunday mornings at 10:30AM. This is our most important gathering of the week! The service usually lasts until 12 Noon.
To see what we are studying on Sunday mornings, click here.
We enjoy being together in the presence of God and it shows. We want you to get the most out of your visit so we've provided a few tips to ensure an enjoyable visit:
- Dress comfortably. Dress is casual. You may wear a suit or coat and tie if that is what you're accumstomed to, but even our Pastor preaches in khakis and a polo.
- Plan to arrive a few minutes early. Refreshments are provided on the Fellowship Porch until the service begins. This is a great opportunity to meet our church family and register at the Hospitality Table for events and special studies.
- Bring your Bible and prepare to take notes. Pastor Joe preaches expositorily which means that he teaches "verse-by-verse" through whatever book of the Bible we're currently studying as a congregation. Bibles are available in the chair racks if you do not have a copy or left yours at home. Sermon outlines are included in the Sunday bulletin which you will receive when entering the worship center. You may want to check out one of Pastor Joe's sermons to see if we are in the middle of a series. Just click on the MEDIA page.
- Sing your heart out. To prepare our hearts to receive God's Word, we usually sing five to six songs of praise and worship. Lyrics are projected onto flat screen monitors, large enough for all to see. Our music is best described as "blended" with contemporary choruses and timeless hymns.
- Leave your wallet or purse at home. Giving is for members only. Do not feel obligated to put anything in the offering plates when they are passed. Your gift is your presence with us. Church members believe that the offering is a vital part of their worship experience.
- Children are welcome! We believe that children need to have authentic worship modeled for them so all children join the church family in our time of musical praise. Children, ages birth through 12 leave after the final "offertory" song with workers for a special age-appropriate message in another building. Parents may register their children prior to the beginning of the service at the Hospitality Table. Ask for a tour of the children's area and meet the workers!
- Get BAGGED! Make sure that you receive a Gulf Coast Fellowship logo bag as a token of our appreciation for your visit. You get one when you register your first-time visit at the Hospitality table.
The Lord's Supper
The Lord's Supper (a.k.a. Communion) is held approximately every six weeks and is a part of the Sunday morning service. A weekly e-newsletter from our Pastor and announcements in the Sunday bulletin will alert the congregation to prayerfully prepare for this special ritual of remembrance.
Sanctification U
Sanctification U. is our midweek gathering held on Wednesday evenings. The evening begins with a short time of prayer followed by Bible Study (the dinner has been suspended until further notice). Many of our studies use DVDs. Sometimes we break into small groups to discuss what we've seen. In the past we have used the following studies: The Truth Project produced by Focus on the Family, Louie Giglio's Passion Talks, and Dr. David Jeremiah's "Captured by Grace." The times sometimes change with the season and around holidays so it is best to check the church CALENDAR for the current schedule. Due to space limitations, Sanctification U. currently takes the place of our small groups ministry. Childcare 7-8PM is available upon request (RSVP to church office by Tuesday Noon).
To see what we are currently studying...