Here is a short video about what to expect when visiting the 10:30 service. The video also mentions a 6pm service, which we are not currently offering.
Here are some commonly asked questions…
What Are the services like?
It is our hope and prayer that you will find the services engaging and life-changing! When you enter the parking lot you will find plenty of parking. Once you enter the sanctuary you may sit wherever you like. While the order of the services can vary, they typically begins with singing some great songs that are focused on Jesus Christ. You are welcome to sing along (the lyrics will be on the big screen) or you can just listen and enjoy the music.
After the singing, we will take an offering and people who call Island Pond their church home will give to support the ministries and outreaches. Don’t worry, you will not be asked or pressured to give any money!
During the morning service, the elementary aged kids will then be dismissed to the children’s program (nursery kids go at the beginning of the service).
The main part of the service is the sermon. During this time, the pastor presents an engaging message that is based out of a passage from the Bible.
Lastly, the service usually closes with one final song and then announcements. The service typically lasts about 60-70 minutes.
What should I wear to church?
There is no dress code here. People wear anything from shorts to jeans to suits. As long as you have clothes on you should be fine! When preaching, the pastor typically wears jeans or khaki pants and a collared shirt.
How long is the service?
The service typically lasts about 60-70 minutes though occasionally goes a little longer when there are baptisms or a choir singing.
How’s the parking?
We have a massive parking lot that is eager to meet your car!
Will I be singled out during the service?
There are volunteers ready to answer any of your questions and it is likely some friendly people in the congregation will say hi, but you will not be singled out or embarrassed in any way during the service.
Are there any “rules” that I need to know if I have never been to church before?
There are no unspoken rules here! You will find us to be friendly and easy-going folks. A leader will let people know when it is time to stand or sit.
What is your “style” of singing?
The typical Sunday morning includes a worship team with percussion, guitar, piano, and other instruments. The team varies each week depending on the availability of the musicians and vocalists. You will find we love singing songs that are Christ-centered and theologically sound. We try to maintain a balance between contemporary worship songs (such as certain Elevation or Chris Tomlin songs) and other more reflective songs or hymns (such as Getty Music or hymns with a contemporary arrangement like Amazing Grace and Come Thou Fount).
Click here for a blog post written by the pastor on some of the thinking that goes behind our music selection.
If you have any musical talents, we would love for you to join our worship team! Here is some more information on getting involved.
Is child care available?
We have friendly, trained, and screened volunteers that are excited to meet your kids! For the 10:30am service, if your child is under the age of 4, then you can drop him/her off before the service starts. Children between the ages of 4 and fifth grade can be escorted to the lobby by their parents to meet their teacher after the singing (we’ll announce when it is time). We also offer a class for 6th-8th grade that is dismissed at the same time as the other children.
Will my kids be safe?
Absolutely. The safety of your kids is our highest priority. All volunteers have been trained and passed a background check. We also have a security person in the hallway throughout the service. If you have any questions or concerns, let the volunteers know or contact the office ahead of time.
What Bible translation do you use?
There is no “official” Bible translation at Island Pond. Different members of the congregation bring different translations to church, such as the King James Version (KJV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), and New International Version (NIV). Pastor Kyle typically preaches from the ESV but also uses other translations at times. The main text of the sermon will be on the projector screen so you can follow along more easily.
Do you ask for money during the service?
You will not be pressured to give money in any way. We do take an offering each week during the service, which is a brief time where people voluntarily give toward the needs of the church as well as the ministries and missionaries supported by the church. For those that do choose to give, we have wooden giving boxes by each of the doors (in the sanctuary) that you can drop money in on your way in or out. You can also give online here.