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What to Expect

 
At Woodbridge Church of the Nazarene, we take a more contemporary approach to worship. Our desire is for visitors to come in and find instruments and a music style that are familiar and words that minister to their heart. We allow much freedom in the response during our worship. Some clap their hands; others stand and sing, or lift their hands in honor of their Lord and Savior. We desire to include video and computer presentations to enhance understanding of the morning’s message, which is simple, direct, thought provoking, and down to earth.

There is much freedom in our dress style as well. Some dress “up” while others dress “down.” Although casual might describe our dress attire, it does not represent our attitude toward worship of the one true living God and Savior. We believe that clothing does not bring us closer to God, nor keep us from Him. We want you to feel comfortable as you worship, so we encourage you to dress in whatever way suits you best. We only ask that your attire be modest, so as to respect each other and God.

Where Should I Park and Which Entrance Should I Use?
Our parking lots can be accessed from either Smoketown Rd. or from Nazarene Way. Our facility is long, with a rectangular building on one end and an Octagon building on the other.
Our English speaking service worships in the main sanctuary, which is located on the upper level of the octagon building. Park in the large parking lot at the rear of the building (the side with the drive-thru overhang) and enter through the doors located in the rear (beneath the overhang) or through the Smoketown Rd. entrance.
The Iglesia del Nazareno de Woodbridge worships in the rectangular building, closest to Nazarene Way. Park in the front or rear parking lots or in the spaces on the side of the building closest to the rectangular end of the facility and enter through the doors on either side of the rectangular building.
If you are attending the Harbor Community Church gospel service or visiting the church offices, park in the front lot (on the Smoketown Rd. side) nearest the Octagon building and use the lower level entrance next to the wooded area.

What Should I Expect as I Enter the Facility?
When entering the building through any of these entrances, you will be greeted at the door with a friendly smile, a handshake, and a worship bulletin from one of our greeters. These individuals can assist in directing you to the appropriate worship sanctuary, to the “Ranger Station” to drop off your children, or to answer any questions you may have about our church.

What time should I Arrive?
We suggest that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to the start of Sunday School or Worship Service so that you can arrange for your child’s care and locate a place in the sanctuary to prepare yourself for the service to begin promptly at 10:45am. We are sensitive to people’s needs and the Holy Spirit of God as He leads the service, but services typically close with a Benediction reading around 12:00pm.

What About My Children?
Quality childcare is available during Sunday school and all worship services. You can enjoy the service knowing that your child will be in a fun and safe environment! Of course, children are welcome to attend services with their parents, if that is preferred.
Upon entering the building, a greeter can direct you to the “Ranger Station.” Here you will register your child and receive a numbered card that corresponds with a label placed on your child’s back. Infants through pre-school age children will remain upstairs in one of our age-appropriate classrooms. Kindergarten through 5th grade children will remain upstairs during the Sunday school hour, then be guided downstairs for a children’s worship service. When picking your child up after services, the numbered card corresponding to the number on your child’s back MUST be returned to the teacher before we can release your child.

What Should I Expect as I Enter the Sanctuary?
No one will put you on the spot or ask you to do or say anything that will make you feel uncomfortable. Our worship service includes live music from our worship band, scripture readings, and prayers. Most participants are not paid staff; they are real everyday people just like you. Pastor Athan always has a meaningful message that addresses topics that are relevant to our lives and spiritual development. During the worship service, we have a short greeting time to strengthen our relational unity. For your first couple visits, you are our guest! Please do not feel obligated to do anything other than stand and receive a few more friendly handshakes while we greet one another. We will also receive an offering from those who are committed to supporting the work of God through this local church. Again do not feel obligated; just do as the Lord your God leads you.

First Sunday of the Month
The first Sunday of each month is Family Worship Day at Woodbridge Church of the Nazarene. Kindergarten aged children and above will join their parents for worship. We believe it is important for our children to have periodic worship experiences with their parents.
We also serve Communion (The Lord’s Supper or Eucharist) on the first Sunday of each month. The Table of our Lord Jesus is open to anyone who has confessed their sins and has received Jesus into their heart and lives. You do NOT have to be a member or regular attendee of this or any other Church of the Nazarene to receive communion.
We typically serve Communion in one of two ways. In both approaches, those who wish to participate will stand and come forward prayerfully. 
  • Sometimes you will take a cup and a piece of bread back to the pew with you. We ask that you hold the elements prayerfully until we have all received them and then we partake of these elements together.
  • Other times we serve through a form called “Intinction.” The participant takes a piece of bread and dips it into the chalice and immediately eats the bread. Then you return to your pew in prayer and reverence.