I’m new to Celebration! What can I expect?
We’re glad you’re thinking about visiting Celebration! Visiting a new church can be a daunting if you don’t know what to expect, so we’ve answered some common questions below. Don’t see an answer to your question? Email us at info@click2celebrate.com or send us a Facebook message!
When and where is the worship service?
We worship Sundays at 3 pm at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, Cypress, Texas 77433. The service lasts about an hour.
Why is worship at 3 pm?
For multiple reasons:
1. St. Aidan's uses the worship space on Sunday mornings.
2. We're kid-friendly and many kids nap earlier in the afternoon.
3. We want to ensure people who don't drive at night can attend worship all year and be home before dark.
4. We want to ensure people who work on Sunday mornings can worship with us.
What should I wear?
Whatever makes you most comfortable! We have people who wear their Sunday best and others who wear hoodies, shorts, and flip flops.
What is a typical worship service like?
We usually sing contemporary music played on guitars and other instruments, pass the peace (shake hands with or hug people and say "peace be with you"), say prayers, receive communion (aka the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper), hear a Bible reading and sermon based on it, and end with a blessing. On the first Sunday of each month, we usually collect a Noisy Offering (loose change collected in tin cans, though we welcome silent dollars too) for one of our ministry partners. We also have Workship Sundays where we live out our faith by serving the community in some way.
Who can take communion?
At Celebration we believe that this is God’s table and all are welcome. Jesus made no restrictions, and neither do we. Anyone who wants to may come forward and receive a small piece of bread to dip in their choice of grape juice or wine. They also have the option to receive a blessing instead. Those who don't want either simply remain seated. If you are unable to come forward but want to receive communion (or a blessing), let us know and we'll come to you.
What will my kids be doing?
Kids are welcome to attend worship with you (we're used to and happy to have kids who talk, run, dance, etc. during worship and the service usually includes a children's sermon). They can play in the sanctuary (we provide some toys but they can also bring theirs) or the area just outside of it. That area has tables and chairs, paper and crayons, etc. and is visible from the sanctuary.
We also offer "Godly Play," an interactive and entertaining way for kids in kindergarten through middle school to learn more about Jesus and stories from the Bible, during the school year. Godly Play is on Sundays from 1:45-2:45 pm (right before worship at 3) from September - May.
How will I/we be treated as a LGBTQ+ individual/household?
Like any other individual/household at Celebration! We know well the harm and spiritual violence that LGBTQ+ individuals and households have experienced in some religious communities. Celebration has been intentional in our inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals and households as vital and beloved siblings in every part of our life as church together. Diverse sexual/romantic orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions are parts of God’s vibrant creation, so please be encouraged to come as you are.
Is there coffee?
The beverage station is located at the back of the room you enter to get to the sanctuary. There's a Keurig with several pod options. We usually have bottled water and snacks, too. We do ask that you bring only water into the sanctuary, because it's carpeted.
How can I get connected as a first-time guest?
When you enter the worship space, you will see a QR code. Take a picture with your smart phone and it will take you to the Virtual Connect Card.