In-Person and Livestream Worship

Welcome!

We aim to make our worship service as welcoming and understandable to the newcomer as we can. Here is some information that you may find useful in planning your visit. We hope to see you soon!

What is the feel of the 9:30 am worship service?

We worship in a gorgeous sanctuary that evokes the glory of God and the intimacy of a true community. We love to laugh and praise. Every service promises a time to experience God’s grace with the encouragement of fellow travelers on a spiritual journey. There is time for prayer and contemplation and the opportunity to be moved by music that stirs the soul. We blend the best of traditional worship with a lively and easy-going attitude.

What are the messages like?

Our pastors deliver inspirational messages that apply scripture to everyday life. The messages touch the heart and give you something to think about all week. They are always engaging, thought-provoking, and filled with a natural sense of humor. The pastors are down-to-earth and give positive messages that uplift rather than speak down to people. All this in 15-20 minutes!

What kind of music do you have?

The music is always moving and beautifully prepared at Bay Shore Church. We employ a variety of musical genres (classical, gospel, spirituals, jazz, etc.) The music is designed to underscore the scripture and message for each Sunday. Our Chancel Choir, Bay Shore Bells, and Children’s Choir lend their musical offerings to worship on a regular basis.   Congregational singing is accompanied by our majestic pipe organ or piano.

Even if you don’t think you like organ music, you owe it to yourself to give a listen to our world-class organist, Robert York. His artistry and innate musical brilliance may just change your mind. Be sure to stick around at the end of the service because his postlude presentations are always crowd pleasers!

For more information about our music programs, please visit the Music Ministries page.

Plan a visit

The best way to experience Bay Shore Church for the first time is to plan a visit! Let us know when you will be visiting so we can host you. We’ll show you around our campus and answer any questions you might have, all in time for you to make it to your weekend worship service.

• Reserve a parking spot for you
• Introduce you around
• Help you get your kids checked in to Kids Church
• Give you a tour of the church
• Save seats for you in the service of your choice

So schedule your visit right now – we can’t wait to meet you!

First–Time Visitor Parking

We have a spot reserved for first-time visitors in the city-owned lot at the corner of Granada and E. The Toledo. Bay Shore Church leases this parking lot from noon on Saturday to noon on Sunday.  A parking permit is required to park in the lot during this time period. An usher will be happy to get one for you when you arrive so that you can avoid getting a ticket from the city.

Otherwise, parking is available on surrounding streets and in the city-owned lot at the corner of Livingston and The Toledo.

Are children welcome?

Children are always welcome to stay for all parts of the service. We have religious-based coloring sheets upon arrival and there is a special Children’s Time during the service where children are invited to come forward for a special message for them. Of course if it’s more comfortable, you can come forward with your child. Parents are welcome, too! Worship often features our children’s choir and theatric productions.

The children and youth of Bay Shore Church are involved in many activities that all begin with an engaging Sunday school program. Following Children’s Time in the worship service, they move to the Sunday school classrooms where they are led in fun lessons on faith by our stellar teachers. For more information about our educational ministries for all ages, please visit the Children’s Ministries page.

Is there a nursery?

Nursery care is provided for infants and children up to age 3 during the entire service. Our nursery caregiver, Felicity Miller, and her team of attendants are there to take care of our youngest ones every Sunday. A paging system is available so you may be reached during worship if need arises. The nursery is located in our Christian Education wing and one of the ushers would be happy to show you where it is when you arrive.

Am I welcome to receive communion?

We typically celebrate communion the first Sunday of the month and at other special services during the year. Everyone is invited to receive communion (you need not be a member of our church or any other; even if you aren’t sure what you believe, you are welcome at the Lord’s Table. Our communion elements are bread and grape juice (gluten-free options are available).

How should I dress?

You’ll find a bit of everything at Bay Shore (from very casual to items that are more formal—many wear “business causal”). We are all about being comfortable and embracing diversity.

What happens after the service?

Donuts! Don’t leave without saying “Hi!” After the service, stop by the Fellowship Hall; we’d love to meet you and help you get connected to amazing people from all sorts of backgrounds who can become great sources of strength and support for your personal journey.