Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.
When you come to Bay Shore you can expect to feel welcomed and accepted. 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!
When you arrive
Bay Shore Church is real church for real people – which means it’s for you. You’ll find people from toddlers to senior adults worshiping, learning, and laughing side by side. When you walk through our doors, you can expect smiles and a warm welcome — because we’re excited to see you.
When you arrive, an usher will hand you a bulletin to let you know what will happen during the service. Then you’ll head into our sanctuary, where we’ll worship with beautiful music, prayers, and an encouraging, life-giving message. Our worship services typically last around 65 minutes. Afterward, we encourage you to stick around and enjoy a fresh donut, cup of coffee and conversation.
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 play?
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 his service because he postlude presentations are always crowd pleasers! For more information about our music programs, please visit the Music Ministries page.
Will I be singled out?
We have visitors every week and we appreciate that you may want to just come and check us out anonymously. You won’t be made to stand up and introduce yourself or pressured to give. We’re glad you are checking us out, so you will not be singled out. However, you’re invited to stop by our Welcome Table after fellowship if you’d like to meet some of us or have your questions answered. We’d love to meet you.
What do you have for children?
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. See more on children’s ministry 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 the 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.
How should I dress?
We’re a church for everyday people, where you can come as you are to connect with God in a way that makes sense. There’s no need to dress up, pretend to be perfect or worry about the past. You’ll find a bit of everything at Bay Shore (from casual to “business casual”). 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 have a welcome table with a friendly volunteer who is happy to introduce you around and answer any questions you might have. 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.
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).
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 lots.
Plan a visit
The best way to experience Bay Shore Church for the first time is to schedule 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 Sunday School
- Give you a tour of the church
- Answer any questions you may have
So schedule your visit right now – we can’t wait to meet you!