What to Expect
First and foremost, let us tell you that you are always welcome at Jackson Park! We know visiting a church can be a little intimidating. "What should I wear?" "Will I find a seat?" "Will people speak to me?" "Is there something for my kids?"
Here are a few things to keep in mind...
- We do not have a dress code. Some people dress up, some come casual. Dress for comfort exercising sensible modesty.
- Sit anywhere you like; there are no assigned seats. We have a balcony that seats fewer people if that would make you more comfortable.
- We are not after your money! We do pass collection plates, but these are for our members. You have no obligation to give so do not feel pressure about it. During the collection, our ushers collect both members attendance cards and visitors cards. We would very much appreciate you filling out one of the green visitors cards and pass it to the center aisle.
- During the final announcements we recognize any visitors who have turned in a visitors card. But do not worry; we do not ask you to stand.
- Jackson Park is far from a perfect church. We really do think of ourselves in terms of family. We have "stuff" just like the rest of humanity, the only difference is that we depend on Christ and each other in the midst of it, knowing that Jesus makes us perfect in the eyes of God.
- We have parking for our visitors and members behind the main building. The parking lot entrances are off Virginia Avenue.
Facility information for our Guests.
Visitors Center
Philippians 4:21
As you enter the main entrance from the parking lot, feel free to stop by the visitors desk in the front lobby. One of our members will be there to greet you and offer help with directions or the answering of any questions that you may have. The visitors center is also stocked with information that describes the work and activities of Jackson Park Church of Christ members and missions points. If you enter the auditorium from one of the other entrances, you will be greeted by one of our ushers, who will be happy to assist you with information or directions.
Childcare
Acts 9:36, 37.
We value your children very much at Jackson Park. We are not inconvenienced by children at all, no matter what the issue. For the parents of infants through toddlers, we have a fully staffed nursery that provides care during the entire serivce, Sunday morning and evenings services and on the Wednesday night mid-week devotional and Bible classes. For parents who bring their children to the auditorium, if a problem arises during the service, in the back of the auditorium is a cryroom, which is also serves as a changing room. This room is part of the womans restroom.
Sunday Morning Service
Here is a rundown of things we do during a typical Sunday morning worship service.
The Place
John 4:23, 24.
We worship in a room referred to as the auditorium. There are no reserved seats, so sit anywhere and remember there is also a balcony available. Currently, you can expect between 280 to 300 of us meeting with you. The doors on each side of the pulpit give access to restrooms. Also, there are restrooms at the back of the auditorium which faces Gallatin Road. For the convenience of adults with children who need special attention, there is a cryroom with connecting restroom for women in the back of the auditorium.
Singing
Ephesians 5:19.
We love to sing! We sing songs of glory and honor to God and His Son Jesus Christ, and songs of encouragement to each other. We use a projection screen to display all the words and music. If you have trouble seeing the screen, we have songbooks in the racks where you sit. Feel free to use them. You are welcome to join in the song service with us or just sit back and listen.
Praying
Acts 2:42.
We, as a church, believe in the power of prayer and we pray for specific needs and requests of your members and guest. We will have several public prayers during our service, led by men. Again, you will not be required or asked to do anything.
Lord's Supper (Communion)
I Corinthians 11:23-26.
We observe this memorial every Sunday. The Lord's Supper is a way of remembering the sacrifice Jesus has made on our behalf. During this time, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread (they look like crackers) will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Each participant will break off a piece of the bread and eat it; spending a moment remembering Jesus in any way they choose. They will also pass trays filled with small cups. The cups will contain grape juice, symbolizing the blood of Jesus, and participants spend meditative time remembering that our sins have been forgiven. Once again, with the exception of passing the tray as it comes down your row, you are not required to participate. At some time, you may want more explanation concerning the Lords Supper.
Preaching
Romans 10:14, 15.
While we have special services or guest speakers periodically, we have a time after the communion that is dedicated to teaching and preaching. Jim Olive witnesses through his life and teaching as the preacher for Jackson Park Church of Christand has served in the capacity for 36 years. Jim is an open and honest lover of God, who seeks to become more like Jesus every day, and believes that this is the best possible life for you.
Invitation to Respond
Acts 2:38.
Inviting worshippers to take their "next step" towards Jesus is a part of every service. Don't feel ill-at-ease during the invitation; you will not be singled out in any way. At the close of the lesson, the speaker will encourage those who wish to respond publicly to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings. This is completely voluntary. Some may respond for baptism, some to confess sins, some to ask for prayer for a specific need or to share some special gratitude or praise. Some may come to say they want to join this church family. If anyone responds for baptism, you will get to witness the baptism during the service.
Bible Classes
After the Sunday morning service, we have Bible classes for every age group. Our class time starts after the worship service, approximately 10:15 and ends at 11:00. Please visit our Bible Classes page for more information and class locations.
Our evening service begins at 6:00 and meets in the auditorium. This service lasts for one hour. This is an excellent time to become better acquainted with the folks at Jackson Park. We have a program on Sunday evening for toddlers through third graders. The nursery is also available during this time.
Wednesday - Mid-Week Devotional & Bible Class
We offer a mid-week devotional service that takes place in the auditorium. This service begins at 6:30. We offer Bible classes for all ages. They begin around 6:40 and end at 7:30. See our Bible classes page for more information and class locations.