Your First Visit
- How do I find the church?
- 60 School Street, Saco ME 04072
- 207-282-0062
- What should I wear?
- There is no dress code at our church. Depending on the season you will find sweaters and blue jeans, shorts and T-shirts, shirts and ties, pants and blazers, skirts and blouses, or “Sunday Best” attire with even a hat or two. Whatever you wear, you will find enough people dressed as you are to feel comfortable. The sanctuary may be a bit cool so dress accordingly. Children particularly should wear comfortable clothes. They may play on the floor, work with art supplies, or go outside. Our congregation is more casual in dress than traditional Christian churches.
- Where do I park?
- Street parking is available on the church side of School Street. There are two handicap spaces directly in front of the church. You may also park in the driveway across the street. Please do not park at the Oasis Club (the red brick building at the end of school street).
- Should I bring anything with me?
- Everything you will need for most services will be provided by the church. We do have some special services when we ask people to bring such things as flowers, Easter Eggs, or covered dishes. You are welcome to attend these services without bringing anything, and we always have enough extra at pot lucks!
- When should I arrive?
- To make sure you get a good parking space, and have time to settle in, we suggest you plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes before the service. However, there are always empty seats in the back.
- Is the church building wheelchair accessible?
- Yes. Most of our church is on one floor with no steps or curbs. There are two wheelchair accessible restrooms located just off the main hallway near the office. There is also a wheelchair accessible pew just inside the sanctuary entrance.
- Do you have aids for the hearing and sight impaired?
- Yes. Hearing devices are available on the table near the sanctuary doors. There are also large-print hymnals and large-print service bulletins (order of worship). Sometimes we have written copies of the sermon; ask ushers if they are available.
- May our child stay with us during the service?
- Yes. Your child may stay with you during the service. Most children attend the first part of the service and stay through the children’s story. Children are invited to attend our Lifespan Faith Development (Sunday School) classes, which are held during the worship hour. Childcare is available for younger children. Our childcare workers have had complete background checks before being employed.
- Will I have to stand up and introduce myself?
- We begin our services welcoming to our visitors. Visitors are not asked to stand. We would very much appreciate if you would wear a name tag obtained from an usher so we can greet you properly before and after the service. You are also encouraged to join us for coffee hour after the service.
- Will I meet the minister?
- Our minister is part time and will be in the pulpit generally two Sundays a month. If you particularly want to meet our minister on your first visit, check the Sunday schedule on our home page.
- What will the service be like?
- Because of the great diversity of our Sunday services, you will need to attend more than once to get a feel for who we are and what we do. Our services feature readings from many sources and traditions and there will be hymns representing these same traditions. Special musicians, both instrumental and vocal, greatly enrich our services with many types of music. Sermons and messages are also quite varied and range from the theological to the personal to the humanistic. An important part of our service is our Children’s Time. In all our services there is much good will and good humor as well as serious reflection.
- What else happens on Sundays?
- Religious exploration classes for children meet on Sundays (except in the summer). Childcare is available in the nursery during the service each Sunday.
- Do I have to join right away to participate in church events?
- No. We have a special category called “Friends,” who are treated as Members in every way but these: You must be a Member to vote at our congregational meetings, and you must be a Member to serve on our Board of Trustees. As a Friend, you may participate in every other way. We hope that you will want to join when you are ready.