Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What denomination are you a part of?
We are part of the largest Presbyterian denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA), with approximately 3 million members throughout the country. (For more information, check www.pcusa.org.) We believe that God has been revealed to us through the Bible as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are part of the Reformed church tradition that affirms that we are saved by God’s grace through our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ ministry of preaching, teaching, healing, hospitality, justice and prayer sets the pattern for the church’s work and ministry in the world. Our beliefs are contained in a number of historic confessions of faith, including the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Westminster Confession of Faith, he Confession of 1967, and the Brief Statement of Faith. Our church is governed by elders elected from among the people and we affirm that both women and men are called to church leadership and ordained pastoral ministry.
How long has Colesville Presbyterian Church (CPC) served the community?
CPC will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2009. We are proud that our church was founded as an intentionally integrated church, and we continue that tradition by welcoming all of God’s children who wish to worship and have fellowship with us.
Where are you located?
Colesville Presbyterian Church is located at 12800 New Hampshire Ave. (Rt. 650) We are on the southbound side of the road, approximately one mile south of the intersection with Randolph Rd. As you travel south on New Hampshire, turn right just past the Meadowwood Shopping Center. If you are coming northbound on New Hampshire, we are 1.8 miles from the intersection with Rt. 29. From 29, go through four traffic lights. Just past the fourth light (Venice Dr.) get into the left hand lane and turn left at the first street past Hollywood St. We have special “visitor” parking spaces if you’re coming for the first time.
Is the church handicapped accessible?
We have handicapped parking spaces in both our upper and lower lots. There is ramp access on both levels of the building, an elevator between floors, and accessible rest rooms on both levels.
What are your worship services like?
We follow a traditional Presbyterian order of worship with hymns, prayers, scripture and sermon. Our 8:45 service averages approximately 50-60 people and has fewer families and children in attendance than our 11:00 service. The later service (averaging 140-150) includes a Word with Children, after which children up through 4th grade depart for either Enrichment (scripture based crafts and activities) or Cherub Choir rehearsal. Our Adult Choir sings regularly at the 11:00 service and occasionally at 8:45. Congregational singing includes traditional style hymns and some contemporary music. The sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of every month.
I’m not Presbyterian; can I receive communion if I worship with you?
We practice “open communion”, that is, all those who believe in Jesus Christ are welcome to the Lord’s table, regardless of denominational background.
What if I’ve never been to church before?
We provide a bulletin each Sunday that contains the order of worship and which helps you follow the service, including when to sit and when to stand. Congregation members are very willing to help you locate and find hymns in the hymnal or otherwise help you feel at home!
Is child care provided during worship?
Yes, we have child care, staffed by two paid employees, during both worship services and during the Church School hour.
How should I dress?
Some members choose to wear “traditional church clothes”, (jacket and tie for men), while others are more likely to wear business casual.
Will I be asked for money?
We do take an offering during our worship services. This supports the program life of the church, staff salaries, building maintenance and mission in the community and world. Everyone is invited to contribute as they are able, as a sign of thanksgiving to God, but no one is required to do so.
What are your educational programs for children?
We have church school for all ages at 10:00 a.m. and our “Sunday Night Live” program for children in third through fifth grades. During the summer months, we offer a one-week Vacation Bible School. Check the Nurture Team link for more detailed information and a schedule of events.
What are your programs for youth?
We have a Middle School Youth Group (grades 6 through 8) and a High School Youth Group (grades 9-12). Confirmation class is offered for 7th and 8th graders during the Church School Hour, and a Senior High Church School class meets at that time, also. There is a regular Tuesday evening Senior High Bible study that meets at members’ homes. Both Middle School and High School Groups participate in retreats, summer youth conferences, and summer mission trips. Check the Youth link for more details.
Do you have mission and outreach programs?
We support the mission work of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as well as many local and national missions that focus on hunger, housing, and other critical issues.
We are committed to our community and reach out in a variety of ways. We provide both financial support for mission causes and hands-on opportunities for Mission.
Be sure to check the Mission link for more details.
Are there opportunities for Bible study for Adults?
We have a Thursday morning 9:00 a.m. Bible reflection group and a Thursday evening 7:30 p.m. group that uses the Kerygma materials. An Adult Class meets
Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m., and there are Pastors’ Bible studies offered on Tuesday evenings during Advent and Lent.
I’d love to sing; do you have to audition for the church choir?
No. The Adult Choir, directed by John Stevenson, welcomes all those who feel they have musical gifts to share, and you don’t necessarily have to be able to read music.
The Choir is an important part of our worship experience, helping to lead our hymn singing and offering inspiring anthems. We also have a handbell choir that welcomes adults and youth.
| 
