What to Expect at Northlands

Expect to Feel Welcome

When you walk through the door into Northlands, be ready for a prompt and friendly greeting, probably more than one.  We are pleased to have you as an honored guest.  Coffee and hot tea are available before the service starts, as well as a basket of fresh bagels and cream cheese.  This is a good time to get directions to children’s classes as well as practical places like the restroom.  Children are also always welcome in the main service.

Coffee and conversation are always offered at the back of the auditorium after the service for you to have a chance to meet members of Northlands.  We look forward to the opportunity to get to know you better and answer any questions you might have.

Expect Authentic Worship

The worship team is on stage, but they are not the focus of attention.  Psalm 33:3 says, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” Expect all of that during worship.  Music at Northlands is generally contemporary.  There is a full worship team playing various instruments and leading the singing.

We believe that there is grace for every kind of worshiper.  Maybe you prefer to sit; others may be sitting during worship, too. Maybe you feel free to dance or raise your hands; there are likely to be other people doing those things as well.  Maybe you’d rather stand still; so would some of the people you will see around you.  Whatever attitude of worship you choose, there’s room for you here.

Occasionally, the Holy Spirit leads someone to share a scripture or other word from God during worship; you may notice that they first speak about this to the elder in charge of the service, who is usually on the front row.  There may be some moments of loud worship, and some quiet moments. Sometimes, worshipers might shout or cry when they sense God’s presence. Since worship at Northlands is all about God, these kinds of gracious responses to Him are not considered an interruption.

Expect to Hear from Real People

God is generous and good, and at Northlands we like to talk about it.  We believe that telling about physical or spiritual healing, financial blessings, jobs found or improved, and other answers to prayer are an opportunity for every person that hears to say, “Yes, God, do it again!”  While the people sharing stories about God’s faithfulness have been asked to speak, they are not professional speakers.  They are ordinary people talking about our extraordinary God.

Expect Prayer

We pray a lot throughout the Sunday morning service and even before it.  We pray during worship.  We pray to invite the Holy Spirit to join us and enjoy us.  We pray for missionaries being sent out.  We pray to give thanks for God’s generosity and kindness to us. The list goes on.  We also offer prayer for specific needs and individuals at the end of the service.  The prayer team is available at the front of the auditorium at the end of the service and would be honored to pray with you.

Expect an Offering to be Collected, but Not from You

Just like you would not expect a dinner guest to leave a tip, we don’t ask or expect guests to give financially to Northlands.  We consider it our privilege to have you as our guest. The offering is the opportunity for church members to give a tithe or offering.

Expect Biblical Teaching

The Bible is God’s word, and every lesson taught at Northlands is based in its truth.  We believe that the Bible is the absolute authority on Christian life and faith.  In the children’s classrooms and the main auditorium, you can expect the messages you hear to be clear, relevant, and scripturally accurate.  You can also expect messages at Northlands to be interesting and engaging.  Nothing about God is boring, and His word is good news.

Practical Details

 
What should I wear?

At Northlands, you will see people dressed in clothes that range from very casual to very dressy. Shorts or jeans and t-shirts are completely acceptable, and so are fancier clothes. Flip flops, sneakers, loafers, and dressy shoes are all common sights at Northlands. So dress comfortably for you – you’ll be welcome.

 
Where should I park? Will there be enough parking?

There are parking lots on three sides of the building, so we never run out of room. There are specially marked visitors and handicapped spaces in front of the building. The nursery and class for very young children are located at the back of the building, so some parents of young children prefer to park in the back lot.

 
Where will my children be if I don’t take them into the service with me?

We offer a nursery for children 0 – 18 months, called Little Lambs. Children 18 months – 4 years old (pre-school) typically attend Jesus and Me (J.A.M.) Club. They enjoy praise and worship time, prayer time, a Bible lesson, snacks, and play time. Children from kindergarten through the fifth grade are welcome in RiverZone. They also have time for praise and worship, prayer, and a Bible lesson. Children of all ages must be signed in by a parent and signed out by a parent. We ask that you pick up your child promptly after the service.

 
Where is everything inside the building?

The front doors lead to an lobby area where tea, coffee, and bagels are served before the Sunday morning service. Across the lobby there are two sets of double doorways (one to the right, and one to the left) that lead into the auditorium where the church service is held. To the far left are church offices and conference rooms. Straight ahead, a hallway leads to restrooms, kitchen, and classrooms. Church members will be happy to give you directions, walk with you to your destination, or find someone who can help you.