We are currently attending worship both in-person and online. We do our best to create the same extravagant welcome in our online environment.
What to expect at kcucc
For many people, the scariest part of visiting a new church is not knowing what to expect or what to do. We understand that apprehension, and want you to feel the embrace of God’s extravagant welcome when you join us for worship at Kansas City United Church of Christ. Here are few tips to help you navigate your visit to KCUCC.
1
EXTRAVAGANT WELCOME
Our ushers will graciously welcome you, and don’t be surprised if they ask you if you are visiting for the first time. Near the start of our service there is time for people to stand and greet one another. At this time, people sitting near you, church members and regular attendees, will welcome you.
2
SIGNING IN
We don’t make visitors stand and we won’t single you out. At the end of each pew, there is a black notepad where you can sign in. Of course you don’t have to sign in, but it’s an easy way to request more information and let us know you visited. It’s a very safe thing to do, and we promise we won’t show up at your door!
3
WORSHIP STYLE
While the philosophy of our church is quite progressive, our worship has the feel of a traditional Protestant service. The ministers wear robes, and classic hymns are set to music from a pipe organ (although some of the words have been revised to reflect a more inclusive worldview). Most of the time soloists will sing accompanied by organ or piano, but on occasion an acoustic guitar, a violin, harp or other instrument may make an appearance.
4
SITTING, STANDING, AND SINGING
Our order of worship will tell you when to sit, when to stand, when to sing, and where to find the lyrics to the songs. Our service is reverent but it is also relaxed, so no one is expected to get all the cues correct all the time–even if you have been coming to KCUCC for a long time.
5
SUNG BLESSING
At the end of each service, we join hands and sing a short blessing, “God be with you ‘til we meet again.” We do this so that every person in the room knows that her or his presence matters to God and to the community. So don’t be freaked out when some stranger tries to grab your hand! We know not everyone is comfortable holding hands, so hand holding is optional but please know your presence matters to us.
6
WHAT TO WEAR
Our ministers wear robes, but people in the congregation come in a variety of clothes. Some people wear suits and ties and some people wear nice dresses. Others come in t-shirts and wear jeans or shorts depending on the weather. We don’t think going to church on Sunday mornings should be a fashion show, so whatever clothes you are comfortable in are fine with us.
7
COMMUNION
KCUCC celebrates Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. We practice open communion, so all are welcome to the table. No faith is too weak or doubt too strong. Whether you are a member of our church, another church or no church, there is still a place for you at the communion table. Jesus didn’t turn people away, and neither do we!
8
COFFEE AND CONVERSATION
If you feel so inclined, please join us in the social hall after worship for a cup of coffee, some sort of yummy treat, and friendly conversation.
9
CHILDREN
KCUCC values children. Children take part in worship during the Children’s Time at the front of the sanctuary with Pastor Jessica. On the first Sunday of the month, we celebrate communion and children may take communion whatever their age. Special worship bags containing activities just for them are located in the back of the sanctuary. We have a “Safe Child” policy at KCUCC, which means two adults are with children at all times they are in our care. All teachers have participated in “Safe Child” training and submitted to background checks.
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We currently only hold Sunday School once a month.