Frequently Asked Questions
If you've thought about attending a service at Arlington Community Church, you might have questions about what to expect(or what would be expected of you). Here are answers to some common ones.
How long do services last?
The service usually lasts for one hour.
Who Preaches?
Pastor Frank Gallo preaches most Sundays. Sometimes, an elders from within or who are friends of the church will bring a message from the Bible for the Arlington Community Church family of believers.
What do people wear?
We cover the whole spectrum. Most wear what can be described as casual, some go with T-shirts and jeans. What's comfortable for you is what we suggest you wear.
Are your facilities accessible?
Yes. The Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall are accessible through a ramp by our side entrance. Additionally, there is a chair lift specifically used for people with disabilities to participate in any activities on the ground level. There are accessible bathrooms on both levels. We own a wheel chair if people need help getting into and out of our building.
Is it okay to sit anywhere?
Absolutely!
Is it okay to bring children to worship service?
Yes, and we also have child care available in the nursery for your convenience if you choose. Additionally, there is a point in the service before the message when K- 5th grade-school children are given the opportunity to leave the sanctuary for “Arlington Kids” and go to supervised activities designed especially for them.
Do I have to say anything during the service?
You won't have to stand up and say anything by yourself. We do occasionally have some unison prayers or call-and-response pieces as well as singing, but participation is not mandatory.
Will I be able to share requests for prayer?
There are times in the service where we pray and you can share your request then. Additionally, we have a prayer chain ministry that you can request specific prayer be added to. Special prayers are included on the bulletin each week at your request. We invite you to ask the minister or members to pray with you after service. Prayer is a vital part of ARC ministry.
Do you kneel?
As a general rule, no.
How do you do communion?
We celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of each month. The Lord's Supper is by individual cup and bread at your seat. We use grape juice instead of wine.
Do you take up a collection?
At Arlington Community Church there are Offering Plates at the front of the sanctuary for your financial donations for the working of the church and it's outreach in our community. We don't pass an offering plate. As our guest, you are welcomed to give, but not expected-no one is watching, your giving is between you and God.
Do you expect your members to come every Sunday?
It is certainly not a requirement, but most of our members actually find that regular worship is a very meaningful part of their spiritual lives. People who are unable to make that kind of a commitment are still warmly welcomed to participate when they are able.
What about music?
Our desire is that our music making will be a joy to God's people and will reflect God's glory. Like the rest of creation, music is designed by God for His own glory (Isaiah 48:11, Romans 48:11, Romans 11:36). Music should be used as a tool to facilitate worship, not as an end in itself. Music enhances our expression of adoration of God beyond that of the spoken work alone (Psalm 147:1).
Our music worship uses different styles of composition, different instruments and vocal soloists or groups. Typically, we use guitars, piano, and vocals. Sometimes we include flute, clarinet or a violin. We might use background tapes for groups or soloists.
During our worship we hope to accomplish two things: to worship our great God and to lead people into doing the same. We do this by seeking to play music that is true, good and beautiful. We attempt to lead with songs that are not only musically pleasing but also teach people the truth of the Scriptures, who God is and what he has done in Jesus Christ.
Is Arlington Community Church a part of the Reformed Church in America?
For more information about the RCA, click here and follow the various links: RCA
How many people are at the service? Are you so big that I'll feel lost?
We don't think so. We think ours is an excellent size for a church-large enough to offer quality ministries, but small enough to feel like family. We are a friendly group, so as a church we are growing--- its important to us that you feel welcomed.
Will someone call on me(or us) after we visit?
We try to make contact with first-time worshipers by phone call, email, or mail. The Elders are available to make visits, but no one will ever contact you or come to see you without making prior arrangements and scheduling a time that is wanted and convenient to you.
Can I just visit without joining the church?
Of course. You may participate in any activity of the church without becoming a member.
How long do services last?
The service usually lasts for one hour.
Who Preaches?
Pastor Frank Gallo preaches most Sundays. Sometimes, an elders from within or who are friends of the church will bring a message from the Bible for the Arlington Community Church family of believers.
What do people wear?
We cover the whole spectrum. Most wear what can be described as casual, some go with T-shirts and jeans. What's comfortable for you is what we suggest you wear.
Are your facilities accessible?
Yes. The Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall are accessible through a ramp by our side entrance. Additionally, there is a chair lift specifically used for people with disabilities to participate in any activities on the ground level. There are accessible bathrooms on both levels. We own a wheel chair if people need help getting into and out of our building.
Is it okay to sit anywhere?
Absolutely!
Is it okay to bring children to worship service?
Yes, and we also have child care available in the nursery for your convenience if you choose. Additionally, there is a point in the service before the message when K- 5th grade-school children are given the opportunity to leave the sanctuary for “Arlington Kids” and go to supervised activities designed especially for them.
Do I have to say anything during the service?
You won't have to stand up and say anything by yourself. We do occasionally have some unison prayers or call-and-response pieces as well as singing, but participation is not mandatory.
Will I be able to share requests for prayer?
There are times in the service where we pray and you can share your request then. Additionally, we have a prayer chain ministry that you can request specific prayer be added to. Special prayers are included on the bulletin each week at your request. We invite you to ask the minister or members to pray with you after service. Prayer is a vital part of ARC ministry.
Do you kneel?
As a general rule, no.
How do you do communion?
We celebrate the Lord's Supper on the first Sunday of each month. The Lord's Supper is by individual cup and bread at your seat. We use grape juice instead of wine.
Do you take up a collection?
At Arlington Community Church there are Offering Plates at the front of the sanctuary for your financial donations for the working of the church and it's outreach in our community. We don't pass an offering plate. As our guest, you are welcomed to give, but not expected-no one is watching, your giving is between you and God.
Do you expect your members to come every Sunday?
It is certainly not a requirement, but most of our members actually find that regular worship is a very meaningful part of their spiritual lives. People who are unable to make that kind of a commitment are still warmly welcomed to participate when they are able.
What about music?
Our desire is that our music making will be a joy to God's people and will reflect God's glory. Like the rest of creation, music is designed by God for His own glory (Isaiah 48:11, Romans 48:11, Romans 11:36). Music should be used as a tool to facilitate worship, not as an end in itself. Music enhances our expression of adoration of God beyond that of the spoken work alone (Psalm 147:1).
Our music worship uses different styles of composition, different instruments and vocal soloists or groups. Typically, we use guitars, piano, and vocals. Sometimes we include flute, clarinet or a violin. We might use background tapes for groups or soloists.
During our worship we hope to accomplish two things: to worship our great God and to lead people into doing the same. We do this by seeking to play music that is true, good and beautiful. We attempt to lead with songs that are not only musically pleasing but also teach people the truth of the Scriptures, who God is and what he has done in Jesus Christ.
Is Arlington Community Church a part of the Reformed Church in America?
For more information about the RCA, click here and follow the various links: RCA
How many people are at the service? Are you so big that I'll feel lost?
We don't think so. We think ours is an excellent size for a church-large enough to offer quality ministries, but small enough to feel like family. We are a friendly group, so as a church we are growing--- its important to us that you feel welcomed.
Will someone call on me(or us) after we visit?
We try to make contact with first-time worshipers by phone call, email, or mail. The Elders are available to make visits, but no one will ever contact you or come to see you without making prior arrangements and scheduling a time that is wanted and convenient to you.
Can I just visit without joining the church?
Of course. You may participate in any activity of the church without becoming a member.