Plan Your Visit

We know it can take a lot of courage to check out a new church, and we want to make your visit as stress-free as possible.

Do I have to check in with someone before I attend?

Absolutely not - just come! If you would like someone to meet you at the door to show you around, this can easily be arranged.  Or attend a service 9:30 online service here or check our YouTube channel for past livestreamed services here.

Where do I park?

You may park on any of the surrounding residential streets.  The church also has a long-standing relationship with Sendik’s and you may also use their parking lot.

What should I wear for summer services?

Whatever feels comfortable for that morning’s weather! Make sure to check the weather beforehand. It’s often windier and cooler by the lake. You might want to bring sunglasses and/or sun hats — most of the worship area is shaded, but some spots aren’t. As for summer style, people come in everything from khaki shorts to sport coats, capri leggings to sundresses. Most of the time kids make it out of their pajamas. We are so glad you are here, and we’ll take you just as you show up.   

Is there nursery care at Christ Church during the summer?

Yes! On most Sundays, our two nursery workers staff the outdoor kids’ play area adjacent to the worship space. Parents/guardians are welcome to drop their kids off with them for the duration of the service. (Please note: Parents/guardians are responsible for taking children to the restroom.)

Our indoor nursery begins September 7. Learn more here.

What do you have for children during the summer services?

Children can pick up an activity bag and carpet square to sit on — both are located by the greeter stations. If children need more space to move around, they are welcome to play quietly in the (usually staffed) kids’ play area adjacent to the outdoor worship space.

Once a month, we have Handing Down the Faith Sundays — all-age services geared especially toward children. They involve youth readers, a children’s sermon, and interactive songs. This summer’s Handing Down the Faith Sundays are as follows:

• June 1

• July 13

• August 3

• September 7

Our formal children’s programming begins September 14. Learn more here.

What should I expect during a service at Christ Church?

Both services are centered in the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Mass, Holy Communion, and the Lord’s Supper. 

Sunday 8:00 a.m.  This service is smaller and quiet (no music).  We meet in the side chapel year-round, and it lasts around 45 minutes. 

Sunday 9:30 a.m.  From June-August, join us for worship in our church garden with more contemporary- and folk-style music led by guitar, keyboard, and small worship team. From September-May, we have a traditional choral service, led by the organ and other instruments.

Who may receive Holy Communion at Christ Church?

Holy Communion may be received by anyone who was baptized in any Christian tradition.  Children are allowed to receive communion at any age because we want everyone to have a seat at the table, and because we believe that no one truly understands the meaning of the holy sacrament (not even us adults!). Clergy often work with families to give them more information about children receiving, and we have short classes for children to learn the deeper meaning of the sacrament.  

What happens after?

You’ll probably end up greeted by a member of the clergy, someone from the newcomer committee, or a friendly parishioner eager to make your acquaintance! Once we move indoors for the year, many folks meet in the Good Shepherd Room for coffee and donuts. We often joke that coffee is like another sacrament of the church. During indoor months, we often also have adult education with the FORUM programs, from Marquette theology professors to local columnists like Philip Chard.  

Christian formation begins in worship, where people of all ages and abilities offer gifts of reading, prayer, acolyting, singing, and more!

Before the 9:30am service, children ages 3 through 5th grade start Sunday School in their classrooms at 9:15am. Children rejoin the service during Announcements. More info here.

After the 9:30 service, Christian Formation continues. After our 15 Minute Feast Coffee hour, we offer several formation opportunities that vary throughout the month and year. We offer Forums, led by parishioners or outside speakers. We also have community formation for all ages, when all members of the parish explore a topic of faith or service together. Middle School and High School youth meet twice a month on Sunday evenings.

No payment is required for Sunday School, but registration is encouraged.
 

The feast that begins with the Eucharist spills out into the Great Hall after the 9:30 service – where donuts, coffee, juices, and other treats await! The atmosphere often includes young children running around, music playing over the sound system, and jovial conversation.