What to Expect - epikos church | Eastside
I'm New so I Have Some Questions???
What should I wear to church?
We invite you come to epikos just as YOU are. We are generally casual, in fact our pastors preaches usually preach in jeans. You’ll see all kinds of people at epikos so if you have a funky hair style or tattoos don’t feel like you need to change that or cover them up before you come.
What should I bring?
If you have a bible at home, you are encouraged to bring it along. That way, you can take notes or underline things right within your own bible for your later reference. If you don’t have a bible, there are plenty available in the pews for you to use and/or take home as a gift!
Where should I sit?
Once you arrive and have parked (unfortunately we don’t have a parking lot, so you’ll need to find a spot on the street), you’ll be greeted at the door with a smile and a bulletin. From there, you are welcome to sit anywhere you like in the sanctuary. If the sanctuary is full or if you are just looking for something different, check out our café in the back where a video of the service is projected on a screen. You can actively participate, but it’ll feel a little like watching church on TV with a group of new friends.
Will I stand out in the crowd as a new person or be asked to do anything weird?
In the past year or so, we have been averaging about 10-15 new people per week, so rest assured you won’t be the only one. We’ve been growing quickly but actively trying to maintain our sense of smaller community so don’t be surprised if somebody introduces themselves to you if you don’t look familiar to them, but outside of that, we are confident that you will blend in right along with the rest of the congregation. We want your time with us to be enjoyable and we will not do anything to put you on the spot, make you feel uncomfortable or cause you to stand out in the crowd.
Is there a Children’s Ministry?
Yes, at both our 9:00AM and 10:30AM Sunday At this time the 5:30PM service doesn't have any Children's Ministry or Nursery. If the 5:30 service is the only one you can attend, then bring the kids and if they get noisy or rambunctious then you can watch the sermon from the café area. When parents arrive at either one of our Sunday morning services, they bring their child or children upstairs to “HERO Central”, our safe and secure children’s ministry area. At the Eastside, our children’s ministry serves children, infant through five-years-old. Once checked in, children will learn about Jesus in a fun and interactive setting with qualified and trained adults, while their parents are allowed to participate in the worship service—carefree and without any distraction. Following the service, moms and dads pick up their children upstairs.
HERO Central’s mission is to come alongside parents and their children on the journey to knowing and following Jesus Christ, the greatest HERO. Every Sunday HERO Central strives to create a safe, fun and biblical environment for children from infants to 5th grade. The goal is to provoke discovery, inviting kids to live out their new understanding of how to grow in relationship with God and with others. Throughout the week we provide resources and encourage parents to continue this discovery as a family.
What does the worship service look like?
Our services always begin with musical worship followed by a teaching from God’s Word with relevant application to your daily life. You will also hear some general announcements and learn about upcoming events or opportunities to get involved. The total worship service lasts about one hour.
Do I have to believe in God/Jesus to come to church at epikos?
The short answer is, NO! We have people at all points in their spiritual journey sitting in our pews. Some have been Christians all their lives, some brand new in their walk with Christ and others still who are just exploring faith and aren’t sure yet what they believe. You are welcome no matter where you are at. Please know that it would be our honor and privilege to answer any questions you might at any point have about church, the Bible, or Christianity in general. That’s a huge part of what epikos is all about!
Still have more questions or want to get involved?
Usually you will see a pastor or ministry volunteer around. Don’t hesitate to ask one of these people. But lets say you’re too shy or can’t find that person, then send an email to info@epikos.org and we’ll do our best to answer your question. See you soon!