First Congregational Church of Cheshire

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the church services last?
What do people wear?
May I sit anywhere?
May we bring children to church?
Do I need to subscribe to a certain set of beliefs before I can come to a worship service?
Will I know what to say and do during the service?
Do you kneel?
What are your customs with communion (the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper)?
My eyesight and hearing aren’t what they used to be; does the church take that into consideration?
How do I become a member of the First Congregational Church?
Is there a membership fee? Will I be assessed for membership?
Can non-members get married in your lovely church?

How long do the church services last?

About an hour.

Please see the Worship Schedule page for more information.

What do people wear?

There’s quite a bit of variety at the First Congregational Church. Some people put on “Sunday best,” while others are comfortable in more casual clothes – sweaters, sport shirts, and everyday blouses. God doesn’t care what we wear, but church isn’t just about worshipping God; it’s about worshipping God together. So out of respect for others in this fellowship of faith, we don’t encourage very casual clothes (shorts, tank tops, torn blue jeans, etc.).

Gentlemen are asked not to wear hats or caps in church. Ladies may wear hats.

May I sit anywhere?

Yes, either on the main floor or in the balconies.

May we bring children to church?

Certainly. We’ve found that parents of infants and toddlers are more comfortable if they leave their children with our supervised nursery care in the basement of the church at both services (just ask anybody how to get there). For children three years old and up, attendance at worship depends on whether it’s the 9 o’clock or the 11 o’clock service.

At 9:00, children three years old through 2nd Grade stay for the beginning of the service, then are dismissed to their own chapel service and church school. Children 3rd Grade and older leave for church school at the last hymn.

At 11:00, all children attend the opening and then leave for church school.

Do I need to subscribe to a certain set of beliefs before I can come to a worship service?

No. It’s our hope that you’re seeking a better relationship with Jesus Christ, even if you don't know Him very well, but we are all seekers. For more information on the general beliefs of our church, see What We Believe in the “Who We Are” section of the website.

Will I know what to say and do during the service?

Yes. The bulletin (handed to everyone) lists all responses, unison prayers, and so forth. At certain points, those who are able are asked to stand, and those occasions are marked too.

Do you kneel?
No.

What are your customs with communion (the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper)?

We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month and on a few other occasions during the year. Anyone who seeks a new relationship with Jesus Christ, including children, may partake of the bread and the cup, which worshippers serve to one another in the pews. Out of respect for those who do not drink alcohol, we use unfermented grape juice instead of actual wine. We eat the bread as we are served, and we hold the cup for a sign from the minister to drink together. No one is required to partake.

My eyesight and hearing aren’t what they used to be; does the church take that into consideration?

Yes. Both large-print bulletins are hearing-assistance devices are available; ask an usher.

How do I become a member of the First Congregational Church?

See Becoming a Member in the “Worship With Us” section.

Is there a membership fee? Will I be assessed for membership?

No. Although our budget amounts to several hundred thousand dollars annually, giving money to the First Congregational Church is entirely voluntary. No assessment is made. Once a year, members (and worshipping non-members) are invited to pledge to contribute funds to the church, but the decision to pledge, and the amount pledged, are entirely up to them.

During each Sunday service, we “pass the plate” for a collection.

Can non-members get married in your lovely church?

If neither party is a member nor related to a member, usually not. Weddings at the First Congregational Church are performed within the context of this faith community. That is, we perform weddings not as a wedding chapel would, but as an integrated part of our larger ministry. In the spirit of community outreach, we do sometimes make exceptions, when our church and ministers’ schedules permit, for those who live in Cheshire or who have family ties to this church. Ask one of the clergy.