Your first Sunday
No surprises. Here's the whole morning.
If you've never been to church, or haven't been in years, this page is for you. It tells you exactly what happens, from the parking lot to the last cup of coffee.
Tell us you're coming
How the morning goes
Times are approximate. Nobody minds if you arrive late or leave early.
Doors open, coffee's on
Coffee, tea and something baked in the front hall. If you told us you're coming, someone will be at the door looking for you.
Kids check in
First visit? Check-in takes about five minutes at the kids' desk on the left as you come in.
We start with music
Three or four songs with the words on the screens. Sing, listen or just sit. All three are normal here.
A talk, about 30 minutes
Usually Pastor Dana Whitfield, working through a book of the Bible in everyday language. Questions are welcome afterwards.
Prayer and a closing song
People who'd like someone to pray with them can come to the front. Nobody is called up.
Pick up kids, stay or go
Collect your kids upstairs with your tag. Coffee stays on until noon.
Getting here
Parking and the front door
We're at 220 Tannery Lane, the red brick building with the big windows, between Mill Street and the river path.
- Free lot on the east side of the building, about 60 spaces. Two spots by the door are kept for families with strollers.
- Four accessible parking spaces right beside the main door (marked D on the map).
- When the lot is full, park on Mill Street. It's free on Sundays.
- Bus routes 18 and 47 stop at Mill and Tannery, a two-minute walk.
- Bike racks by the side door, under cover.
The main entrance faces Tannery Lane.
Kids check-in
Your kids are safe and busy upstairs
Kids start the morning with their family, then head upstairs for their own program after the music. Every leader has a police and vulnerable sector check and there are always two adults in each room.
We take a few details
Your child's name, age, any allergies and your phone number. It takes about five minutes the first time, seconds after that.
A matching sticker for you
Your child wears a name sticker and you keep its matching half. Only the person with that half picks them up.
We text you
If your child is upset or needs you, a leader texts your phone and you can slip out. Many parents stay with little ones the first week.
The building
- Step-free entrance from the parking lot and the street.
- An elevator to the upstairs kids' rooms.
- A gender-neutral, accessible washroom on the main floor, with a change table.
- Space for wheelchairs at the end of several rows, not tucked at the back.
- Hearing loop in the main room, and large-print song sheets at the welcome desk.
- A quiet room off the hall with the service on a screen, for anyone who needs a break.
Questions people ask us
What should I wear?
Whatever you'd wear to meet a friend for coffee. Jeans are the norm. In January, most people keep their boots on.
How long is it?
About 75 minutes, from 10:00 to around 11:15. Coffee stays on until noon.
Will there be an offering? Do I have to give?
No. Guests are not expected to give. People who call this church home give by e-transfer to give@riversidecommons.example or put an envelope in the box at the back. Nobody passes a plate.
I'm not sure what I believe. Is that okay?
Yes. Plenty of people here are still working it out. You're welcome to come, listen and ask anything.
Can I bring my baby into the main room?
Of course. There are also two rocking chairs in the quiet room off the hall, with the service on a screen.
Want someone to meet you?
Tell us which Sunday you're coming and we'll have someone at the door who knows your name.