For New Visitors - What to Expect in Worship
Sunday Worship at East Congregational Church begins at 10:00 AM in the Fall, Winter and Spring. Beginning on the 3rd week of June through Labor Day, the Worship Service begins at 9:30 AM.
If you haven’t been to East Church, this photo illustrates parking opportunities and entrances (including the handicap entrance).
We know it can feel a little funny to walk into an unfamiliar sanctuary as a first time visitor. East Church is an exceptionally warm and welcoming community but it’s normal to feel conspicuous and uncertain about how the order of the worship service goes, what to do and when to do it — especially if you aren’t coming from a UCC background. Following is a brief description of what you can expect. We hope you will decide to visit!
When you arrive you will be welcomed by ushers at the entrance to the sanctuary. They will provide you with a bulletin outlining the order of service. Children’s bulletins are also available for the youngsters, who normally remain in worship until after the Children’s Message when they leave for their Church School classes. New children are welcome to join one of the Sunday School classes. Christian Education classes for all ages are located in the same building as the Sanctuary. Parents are welcome to bring toddlers and infants directly to our Nursery downstairs. An usher will be happy to direct you. They are also welcome to stay with you through the service if that would make them more comfortable.
You may look at the order of worship for a typical Sunday service, or for a service during which Communion is celebrated. (If your browser can’t display PDF files, you may download the sample bulletins to read off-line by clicking this link).
As you enter the sanctuary, you may sit anywhere you wish. Hymnals and Bibles are available in each pew as well as brochures telling you about East Church and the United Church of Christ. Feel free to take a pamphlet. Complete Visitor Packs are available near the entrance to the church for your convenience.
During the service a voluntary Offering is taken. Should you wish to make an offering, envelopes are available in the pews. The money received is used to support the many programs that make up the mission and ministry of East Church and the UCC Conference.
East Church celebrates the sacrament of Communion on the first Sunday of each month. Our invitation to the Communion Table is very inclusive. You can learn more about East Congregational Church’s observance of the Sacrament of Communion on this page.
At the conclusion of the service, you may greet the pastor at the back of the church. We also have a weekly Coffee Hour in the Fellowship Hall immediately following worship to which you are invited.
A tape of the service is also broadcast on Milton Cable Television (except for summer services). Check the Milton Community bulletin board for times.
East Church publishes a monthly newsletter. Past issues of The East Wind are available for download in PDF format here.
