What To Expect

School   The surroundings are comfortable because it is an elementary school.   Every week we transform the cafeteria and the gymnasium of Athens-Chilesburg Elementary School into a church building.   We pull two trailers to the site hours before the worship begins and move all the sound equipment, video equipment, preschool and nursery rooms, and everything that is necessary to be good hosts to the public. You will feel at home because it is a public space.

Comfortable   The seats are not (they are metal folding chairs) but you will feel at home as you are greeted at the door and allowed to make your way to the hospitality area where you will find fresh coffee.   If you have preschool children, they can go directly to the Kid’s Place and you can wander into the worship area and find a seat.  

Worship   We have a praise band that plays both contemporary and old standards of the faith.   We use a projection screen, so there is no need for hymnals or complicated worship bulletins.   The order of worship is simple and easy to follow.   Often we will have a time of personal confession of sin as we receive the forgiveness that God is eager to give.   We also have a Body Time, when prayers and requests are shared as well as items of praise.   We take communion every Sunday and it is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ.   We come forward to receive the bread and wine which is taken by dipping the bread wafer in the cup of wine.   This time is both a time of celebration and community.   The service closes with songs and an opportunity for anyone to pray with a counselor.

Children   Grades K-5 are encouraged to go to children’s church.   They begin with the parents in the worship service and leave after the opening songs.  

Time   The Gathering worship lasts one hour, but people often stay longer to connect with each other.