I'm New
Thinking about coming to GUM Church for the first time? We realize trying something new can be a little scary. We want to do everything we can to put you at ease. Here’s a snapshot of what to expect on a typical Sunday morning...
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
Where can I park?
Where do I go once I'm inside?
What should I do with my children?
How do I find the right worship experience for me?
What will I be expected to do during a worship experience?
I want to explore more about GUM Church... what is the next step?
What should I wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable in. Even our most formal members wear "business casual" during the summer, and our least formal folks are known to wear shorts, jeans, flip flops, whatever. Right from the start we want you to know GUM is about who you are on the inside, not what you look like on the outside.
Where can I park?
Parking is available on both sides of the building, but even if the "good spots" all look taken, there is always room in the 28th Ave. lot. If you have special needs, we've blocked off quite a few handicapped spaces close to the entrances.
Where do I go once I'm inside?
Start by exploring the welcome center. This large open area is in the middle of our campus. From here you can easily access our main worship venue, browse the childcare areas, grab a cup of coffee in the gym, visit the information desk, or even sit and talk with a new friend. Volunteers will be available to greet you and answer any questions you may have.
What should I do with my children?
GUM offers a full range of age-appropriate programs for children birth through fifth grade. In the middle of the welcome center is a desk. Volunteers there can direct you to the appropriate part of our children's area where our loving volunteers are ready to provide a fun, safe environment for your little one so you can concentrate on enjoying the worship experience. (Learn more about our focus on child security). Be sure to introduce yourself to your child's teacher or caregiver so that if for any reason your child needs you, a volunteer will seek you out immediately.
How do I find the right worship experience for me?
Do you prefer high energy, passionate rock music from an on-stage band? Do you enjoy the fresh sense of doing things in new and innovative ways? You probably want our 11am Contemporary Worship experience in the Sanctuary.
Would a choir, organ, hymns and choruses be more your speed? Do you enjoy the deep-rooted sense of doing things in time-honored ways? You may prefer our 9:15am Traditional Worship experience in the Sanctuary.
Either style is designed in its own way to inspire you and give relevant direction to your life.
What will I be expected to do during a worship experience?
- First, we promise you won't be embarrassed or pressured to give money or to join the church, so relax and focus on experiencing worship.
- We'll be singing songs to express our love for God, and the words will be on screens so you can sing along if you want to.
- You may also see Christian sacraments such as baptism or communion, and we'll be sure to explain what they mean so you won't feel out of the loop. If, for any reason, you don't understand something that happens, don't hesitate ask the pastor to explain more (yes, even in worship!), use the in-sanctuary WIFI to check it out, or ask someone after the gathering ends.
- Our pastor or a lay speaker will share a relevant message, often combined with thought-provoking drama or video clips, to enable you to discover new paths and ideas that help you see life from God's point of view. We encourage you to take notes on the commentary provided, and check what we are saying against the Bible for yourself. After the gathering is over, you can continue the conversation by visiting our facebook page and offering your thoughts and revelations along with discussing those of others.
- We'll be done in an hour so you'll be ready to go pick up your little ones, socialize in the gym, meet new friends for lunch, or just head home for that afternoon nap.
I want to explore more about GUM Church. What's the next step?
Worship gatherings are just the beginning at GUM. To really begin connecting with new people and taking the next steps in your spiritual journey, visit the welcome center to discuss how you can locate a small group and/or volunteer opportunity that is right for you.