FAQ

Regular Sunday Schedule:

Learning Time – 9:15 a.m.

Worship – 10:30 a.m.

Summer Schedule:

Worship – 9:30 a.m.

We are located near downtown Ames on the corner of 6th St. and Clark Ave. We are directly across from City Hall on 6th St., and across from Fareway Grocery Store on Clark Ave.

Our parking lot is on the west side of the building off 6th St. On Sundays you may also park in the lot across Clark Ave. east of the building.

Bicycles can be locked on the rack next to the southwest corner of the building off of 6th st.

On Sunday morning, please enter the “front” door that faces Clark Ave. or the “back” door that faces the parking lot on the west side of the building. On weekdays, the “back” or west door off the church parking lot is always the best.  The “front” Clark St. door leads directly into the sanctuary.

The “back” parking lot door leads into an entry where there is an elevator and stairs. To get to the sanctuary, go upstairs to the 1st floor, through the double doors and turn right. At the first opportunity, turn left, go past the drinking fountain, down a few stairs (or take the lift). The single door on the left will open up to the front of the sanctuary. Bulletins are located on the front pew for your convenience.

We say, “Come as you are… you belong!”  We care more about you than what you wear.  Wear what makes you comfortable.

When you arrive on Sunday morning for worship, you can expect to be greeted by members and friends of the church.  You may sit wherever you are most comfortable.  After a general greeting from the pastor or other leader (don’t worry, we don’t make visitors stand up or be introduced, etc.), we greet one another.  Music calls us back to our seats and worship begins, often with a responsive call to worship and opening song or hymn.  During worship there will be singing, praying, scripture, a moment for children, a message, offering and communion.  Music at First Christian varies from more traditional hymns to music from around the world, to contemporary songs.  We have an organ and piano, but you may also hear a djembe (African drum) or guitar or other instruments as well.   You are also invited and welcome to attend classes (for all ages) during our learning time from 9:15-10:15am.

Yes.  Young children receive loving care.  Parents are given a silent pager for contact should they be needed.

We have classes Sunday morning from 9:15 – 10:15am for children and adults of all ages.  During worship there is a “Children’s Time” allowing children to hear the message of the day in ways they can understand.

Yes.  We have an elevator just inside the west entry that goes to the basement, and 1st floor, and a lift from the 1st floor to the sanctuary level.  There is also a ramp on the southeast side of the building for entry to the sanctuary from Clark Ave. on the east.

At First Christian Church we put our faith into action by using fairly traded coffee and tea through Equal Exchange and trying to use ceramic mugs rather than disposable whenever possible.  For more information go to: http://www.equalexchange.coop/doc/

Yes!  There is always a vegetarian option at church-related meals, including our  yearly Community-Wide Thanksgiving Dinner.

First Christian Church is a congregation within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.  For more information about Disciples go to www.disciples.org

We celebrate communion each Sunday.  All are welcome at Christ’s table where the wall of human hostility is broken down in God’s uniting love.

Yes.

Generally, the church office is open 9-2, Monday through Thursday.  From time to time there are exceptions, so you may want to call ahead 232-5766.  The office is located on the 1st floor.  From the west parking lot entry go up to the first floor, go through the double doorway and turn right.  You’ll see the church office past the staircase on the left.