What to Expect
Maybe you are returning to church or coming to church for the very first time. Or perhaps you’re an active church member new to the area and looking for a church home. Whatever your story, you are welcome at The Sanctuary. Below you’ll find some basic information about our church; please don’t hesitate to ask us about any questions you may have.
WHAT IS SUNDAY LIKE?
Sundays are a special time at The Sanctuary. You can enjoy donuts and coffee from 9:00-9:45 am while everyone begins assembling. At 10:00 am you can join in a number of age-specific classes to study the Bible in a small-group setting. The welcome team can assist you in finding children’s classes, the youth class, and a number of adult elective classes. At 10:45 am everyone begins transitioning into the auditorium for worship service. The service begins at 11:00 am with a time of prayer followed by worship through song. During the service we take time to greet one another and make connections. After the music concludes, we receive the sermon followed by a time of prayer around the altar, the area at the front of church we have designated for prayer. You are welcome to participate in the service in whatever way you feel comfortable.
WHAT IS WORSHIP LIKE?
The Sanctuary is home to worshipers from every walk of life. Just listening to the stories of how God has rescued men and women from overwhelming odds and transformed them into a new creation is exciting. As a result, the auditorium fills with people on Sunday who are passionate about expressing their thanks to God for His miraculous intervention. You’ll see a variety of expressions of worship as people lift their hands in prayer, clap, and even dance in exuberant praise to God. We are a diverse church family where everyone expresses worship in their own way. You are welcome to express your worship to God however you are comfortable as His presence beautifully fills His house.
WHAT IF I WOULD LIKE PRAYER?
We would be honored to pray with you. At the beginning and end of the service you will notice ministers from the congregation around the front of the auditorium near the steps. These caring ministers would gladly pray for any need you may have. Following the Bible’s instructions, ministers are available to pray with you in faith for God to do the miraculous in your life (James 5:14-15, I Timothy 4:14). Please feel welcome to ask someone near you for prayer at any point in the service as well, and we invite you to speak with a pastor if you would like counsel about your need.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Come as you are. You’ll see people in everything from casual clothing to suits on Sundays. Everyone is welcome.
IS THERE ANYTHING FOR MY CHILDREN?
From newborns to seniors, The Sanctuary is a place for everyone to belong. Every Sunday morning at 10:00 am all ages of the church take part in Bible classes with age-specific teaching. Our nursery and toddler classes remain in session during the 11:00 am worship service.
Our welcome team would be pleased to assist you in locating the appropriate class. On Wednesday our children, youth, and college group (Hyphen) have additional classes at 7:00 pm while the adults have Bible study. Special children’s programs are held throughout the year to minister to kids.
B3 GROUPS
At 10:00am (Sundays), The Sanctuary hosts B3 groups where the church family comes together in small groups for a time of connection and discussion in an interactive setting. B3 groups connect us to one another (for belonging), help us grow in the study of God’s Word (for becoming), and prepare us for service in the church and community (for going beyond).
Ministries to Serve You
CHILDREN
Children are an important part of The Sanctuary fam- ily. Classes are offered on Sunday mornings as well as Wednesday nights for infants to eleven-year-olds. Special events like Vacation Bible School, monthly children’s church, a Christmas musical, and more are highlighted throughout the year.
YOUTH
The youth of The Sanctuary are an active, thriving group. Each Wednesday night ages 12–18 gather in the youth center
for service, and social events are held throughout the year. The group takes part in community service and evangelism as well.
HYPHEN
Young adults ages 19–30 join together each Wednesday night in the annex to have a Bible-based group discussion. They also meet for social activities throughout the year as they navigate this unique season of life to- gether as Christian community.
DEAF MINISTRY
The Sanctuary provides interpreting for the Deaf and the hard of hearing for all services.
GRIEFSHARE
A grief recovery support group provides help and healing for the hurt of losing a loved one. This program is offered frequently as a Wednesday night elective.
RIDE PICKUP
Need a ride to church on Sunday or Wednesday? Our vans would gladly provide a ride. Call the church office at (314) 731-5577 to share your location and coordinate a time.