Serenity Church

 

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Common Questions

Serenity Church IS NOT ....

Serenity Church Is ....

It’s Not What You Might Think

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 may sit in the back and observe or sit up front and be fully a part of everything. Either way, we are a friendly bunch - we hope you will feel how welcome you are.

 

Who are you people?

 

We are all in recovery for something. If you are suffering from addiction, depression, grief, difficult family situation, 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 experience.

 

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 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 willing 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 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 Jesus 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 our community through communion.

 

I’ve been told before 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 then dip it into a cup of juice. We will 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 will find that many of us needed (and still need) the second chance that 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 appropriate worship related activities for them while you are in the service. And after the Saturday night praise and worship service, the child care continues so you may have an opportunity to attend the Overcomers group immediately following.

 

What about my teenagers?

 

Most of our teenagers enjoy the regular worship service and we encourage them to be a part of Overcomers but we also have a youth group with activities just for them.

 

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 your PO to attend.

 

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 need 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 your’s 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!