FAQ

Is your service traditional or contemporary? Yes! Our service focuses on praising and worshiping God. We use a mix of traditional hymns and contemporary songs. We have a worship band that plays every Sunday night and for the morning service on the last Sunday of the month.

I don't know what to expect. I am afraid I will be embarrassed by not knowing when to stand or when to kneel. I don't know the recitations that you use. Our service is very unstructured. We do not have a set protocol that we follow. There are no recitations but we do sometime read bible passages which are convenitently found in our hymn books.

Does your church practice communion? How is it served? We practice an open Communion on the the first Sunday of every month. It is not limited to members of the church but is open to all who have accepted Christ as their savior. The elements are served by the elders of the church to the congregation in the pews. If you do not wish to partake or do not feel comfortable partaking, simply pass the plate to the next person in the pew. The will be no judgement as to why you have not taken the element.

What is the dress like on sunday mornings? You will see some men in suits and women in dresses and heels. You are just as likely to see people in jeans shorts. If you are not sure, you will not feel out of place if you dress business casual (khakis and a polo shirt).

What is the average age of your congregation? We have a wonderful balance in our congregation. We have some very senior saints and some very young families. You are sure to find someone in the same phase of life that you are in!

I have tattoos or piercings. Will people accept me? Absolutely! You may be surprised to learn who has tattoos at our church.

Didn't your church building burn down? Yes, on May 6, 2007 we had a fire at our property on 17th street (across from Lowes). The building was a total loss but the church remained strong. Because the size and shape of the property, combined with the regulatory restrictions for new construction, rebuilding on that site was not practical. We have met in various locations and are currently meeting in the First Presbyterian Church at 1314 12th St in Altoona.

What is the church's position on the Bible? Which version do you use? We believe that the Bibile is the inspired written word of God. We use the NIV generally during services but may people still use the King James Version.

 What about children? A nursery? What about my elementary school age children? Children are important to our church. We provide a nursery for children under the age of 2. We have a program for children ages 2-5 that lasts for the whole service. Finally children in Kindergarten through 6th grade remain in the main sanctuary for the first part of the service then are dismissed to their own class for the sermon.