What You Might Expect
When You Visit Pilgrimage

What time are services?

We have two worship services every Sunday. The first begins at 8:30 a.m. The second starts at 10:00 a.m.

What time should I arrive?

It’s best to arrive about 5 or 10 minutes before the service begins. If you're attending the 10 a.m. service, please consider arriving about 30 minutes early to join us for coffee, juice and snacks in our Fellowship Hall.

What time is worship over?

The 8:30 a.m. service will end by 9:30. Our 10 a.m. service runs a bit longer but should be over by 11:15 p.m.

What style is your worship service?

Traditional with a few contemporary elements thrown in. Regardless of the style of worship, the service always focuses on the biblical text for the day.

What should I wear?

Some people wear "Sunday clothes" to our worship services, but most folks wear nice casual wear.

What kind of music will I hear and sing?

At Pilgrimage, we believe that God speaks to us in lots of different ways and through many different styles of music. The congregation sings from the hymnal. The outstanding Sanctuary Choir sings a wide variety of selections, from classical to contemporary. Occasionally, the handbell choir plays in worship.

So, musical instruments are used in worship?

All the time! All congregational singing is accompanied by piano. At times, other solo instruments are added to worship. On occasion, we even use guitars and drums in worship.

How often is communion served?

Communion is served at every 8:30 a.m. service. At the 10 a.m. service, Pilgrimage practices communion once a month on the first Sunday of the month.

Who is welcome to receive communion in your church?

Anyone who professes belief in Jesus Christ is welcome to the table, regardless of their church membership (or lack thereof).

How is communion served at your church?

Most often, we practice communion by intinction. That means that everyone is invited to come to the communion table at the front of the sanctuary, tear off a piece of bread that is offered, and dip the bread in the cup of grape juice before returning to his or her seat.

How long are the pastor's sermons?

Our pastor usually preaches for 10 to 15 minutes.

What kind of sermon does your pastor preach?

Sermons at Pilgrimage almost always focus on the biblical text....for the purpose of seeing what connections we might make between the Bible and our lives. At Pilgrimage, we believe that “God is still speaking.” One of the places God speaks to us most clearly is from the Bible and in the midst of our lives. Our pastor directs her sermons toward that intersection.

What are the differences between the 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. services?

Both services include common elements that we have found our congregation enjoys. The 8:30 a.m. service always includes Communion. Pilgrimage began our second service in October 2006 and we expect slight differences to emerge to create a unique worship experience.

Are there any other worship practices that are unique to your congregation?

Two things bear mentioning. First, there is a time in every service we call "Joys and Concerns." During that time, all present are invited to share their prayer joys and concerns with the congregation. "Joys and Concerns" is followed by the Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer. Also, the congregational song, "Let There Be Peace on Earth," is sung at the close of every worship service. Most of the congregation holds hands when the song is sung.

Is your worship space accessible for physically disabled persons?

Our sanctuary is a one-level building located on level land. Currently, worshipers sit in folding chairs...so there is a lot of flexibility in making the worship space accessible for whomever comes to worship. The church also has bathroom facilities that are accessible for the disabled.

Is there a time for Sunday School?

Sunday School begins 15 minutes after the 10:00 service has ended -- so around 11:20 a.m. 

Who can attend Sunday School?

Anyone and everyone! Pilgrimage offers Sunday School classes for all ages of children, youth and adults.

Is there a fellowship time?

Fellowship is also available between the worship services. For those who do not want to attend a Sunday School class, please join us in the Fellowship Hall for coffee, juice and snacks. If you do go to Sunday School, your class will usually adjourn by 12:15 p.m.

Do you have a nursery?

Yes, Pilgrimage has a nursery to care for babies and toddlers. At the 10 a.m. service, there's also a children's sermon and activity time for our youngest attendees.