What should I wear?
You should wear whatever is comfortable.
You may find people wearing anything from shorts to jeans to a
suit!!I don't "do"
church. What can I expect?
If you've ever been to a 12-step meeting,
the service will feel very familiar to you. You can sit in the back
and observe or sit up front and be fully a part of everything.
Who are you people?
We are all in recovery for something. If
you are suffering from addiction, depression, guilt, you name it,
you will find someone else who has walked the path before you and is
willing to help you find some peace through their own experiences.
Will I have to talk in the
service?
No!
Will I have to stand up and be
recognized or share my addiction or story or give you my name and
address?
No! We would love to get to know you, but
your anonymity and confidentiality will always be respected.
Do I have to give you money?
No! We believe in the tradition of being
self-supporting and you will be given an opportunity to contribute
to our support but there is no expectation or obligation. What we
have to offer one another is free!
Do I have to believe in Jesus,
God or anything to attend?
No! We have all found that our belief in
Christ strengthened our recovery. Some of us have come from very
hurtful pasts where religion is concerned, so we understand. We will
not force anything ill-fitting or uncomfortable on you. We are,
however, always ready to talk and share one-on-one if you have
questions.
Do you serve communion?
Yes, every service!
What is communion?
Communion comes from the same root word as
community. It is a celebration of the community we all share through
our common experience in recovery (and what brought us to recovery).
Greater than that, it is a celebration of the community that our
belief in Christ brings.
Do I have to take communion?
No!
Do I have to believe like you
do to take communion?
No! The table at Serenity Church is open
to everyone who wants to share in community through communion.
I've been told that as an
addict, I'm not welcome at the communion table. Are you sure you
want me to participate?
Absolutely!
I've never taken communion
before, how will I know what to do?
We take communion by intinction. That's a
church word that means we are given a piece of bread and dip it into
the cup of juice. We'll explain it all before communion starts.
I'm an alcoholic. Do you use
wine in communion?
No! We use grape juice for that very
reason.
I'm still using. Am I still
welcome at your service?
Absolutely! Come as you are!
I slipped and am starting over
in recovery. Will I be welcome?
Yes! We believe (and are thankful for) the
God of second chances (and third and fourth and ....). You'll find
that many of us needed (and still need) the second chance that God's
grace offers.
You mention "Grace". What is
that and how is it different from "Mercy"?
Pastor John puts it this way - "Mercy is
not getting what we deserve. Grace is getting what we cannot earn."
Put another way, we believe that God, through Jesus, does not punish
us for our wrongs - that's Mercy. We also believe that God
offers us serenity no matter what we have done (be it good or bad) -
that's Grace.
Do I have to attend an
Overcomer or 12-step group to come to Serenity Church?
No. Most of us have found that attendance
at a 12-step group in addition to our attendance at Serenity is best
for our recovery, so we do recommend it for others.
Can I bring my kids to Serenity
Church?
Yes! We believe that all children benefit
from attendance at church. We will provide age appropriate worship
related activities for them while you are in the service. And, after
the Saturday night praise and worship service, that child care
continues so you have an opportunity to attend the Overcomers group
immediately following.
I have restrictions placed on
me by my PO. Can I still attend?
Yes! If you need to check in with someone
first, please click the email link and someone will contact you. We
will be glad to help you get approval from you PO to attend.
EMAIL
If I share something with
someone at Serenity Church will my confidentiality be respected?
Absolutely! Many of us are part of 12-step
recovery groups and understand the meaning and purpose for
confidentiality. We guard the confidentiality of members and
visitors rigorously.
I don't have a Bible but would
like to study. Can I get one?
Yes! We have yours waiting for you. In
the mean time, we recommend the
Bible Gateway site. It is
a great place to study.
I have more questions not
answered here. Where can I get some answers?
Email us, we'll be glad to answer any and
all questions!
EMAIL
