We want your visit to Maranatha to be as pleasant of an experience as possible. With that in mind, we have assembled this list of “Frequently Asked Questions” that our guests ask:
- What does “Maranatha” mean?
- What denomination is Maranatha Community Church?
- What are your beliefs?
- Are non-Christians welcome at Maranatha Community Church?
- Do I Have To Wake Up Early?
- When should I arrive?
- What is this week’s message?
- What are your weekend services like?
- What will happen when I visit for the first time?
- What do I wear to attend your services?
- Where do I go once I get there?
- Are there programs for my kids?
- What should we expect the first time we register our children for KidsZone?
- What does MCC offer teenagers?
- Some churches push for donations, does yours?
- Why is it important to go to church? Can’t I worship God on my own?
- So how can I meet others and get connected?
- What are small groups?
- How do I get involved in ministry at Maranatha?
- What if I need something or have questions while I’m there?
- Wait! I Have More Questions!
The single Biblical use of the word is found in 1 Corinthians 16:22. The word itself is a hybrid word consisting of two Aramean words, “Maran” and “athah“, and means both “Our Lord has come” and “Come Lord!” depending on the context.
[Back to Top]
What denomination is Maranatha Community Church?
Maranatha Community Church is an autonomous church. We are associated locally with both the Riverside Seventh Day Baptist Church and nationally with the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference, a group of churches dedicated to biblical Christianity and world missions. We welcome people from a wide variety of Christian denominations.
[Back to Top]
What are your beliefs?
Click here to view a statement of our beliefs.
[Back to Top]
Are non-Christians welcome at Maranatha Community Church?
Yes! We exist to provide a friendly, welcoming environment to those who have not yet crossed the line of faith in Jesus Christ. Here you can check out what it means to be a follower of Christ without worrying about people coming to your house uninvited, or us trying to guilt you into giving. Feel free to come, relax, and experience God at a level that makes you feel comfortable. We won’t pressure you, but will be available to answer any questions you may have.
[Back to Top]
Do I Have To Wake Up Early?
Today’s society is fast-paced. People are working longer and longer hours. It’s increasingly becoming more and more difficult for many people to participate church. With that in mind, the folks here meet together on Saturday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. for our celebration worship service and at 3:00 p.m. for Bible Study.
We suggest arriving 10 minutes before the service begins if you are not bringing children with you, or 20 minutes early if you are bringing children. Be sure to look for our Guest Parking, located in the front of the building. When you arrive please visit us at our Information Center to get information about the church and a cup of coffee and refreshments.
[Back to Top]
You can view our message schedule by clicking on the SERVICES link.
[Back to Top]
What are your weekend services like?
Each weekend at Maranatha Community Church you’ll find a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with exciting, contemporary worship music. A printed outline for notes and a large-screen PowerPoint presentation help you make the most of the practical and relevant message. Children are well-cared for in a loving, quality nursery and fun-filled KidsZone. Click here for service times.
[Back to Top]
What will happen when I visit for the first time?
Some churches, with good intentions, ask visitors to stand up and introduce themselves in front of everyone. While we applaud their desire to know you better, we do things a bit differently at Maranatha.
We believe that you will be more comfortable meeting a few people who are seated around you and who are genuinely interested in getting to know you better rather than introducing yourself to hundreds of people but not really meeting anyone. At the end of most of our meetings, we provide a few moments for people to meet and chat with one another. In that way, genuine friendships can begin in brief conversations.
We know that many people want to check out the church and “be anonymous” for a while – and that’s fine with us! Come in, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and see if this is the church for you.
[Back to Top]
What do I wear to attend your services?
You’ll find everything from casual clothes to business suits at our services. You’ll see people wearing jeans, shorts, and t-shirts. There may be some folks doing the ‘business casual’ thing – khakis and button down shirts. And if you work real hard, you may even find someone with a tie! Come in what is comfortable for you, because MCC is not about what you look like or what you wear.
[Back to Top]
Where do I go once I get there?
Look for our greeters (they will be wearing nametags and are located at each door). They are always available to assist you and to find answers your questions.
[Back to Top]
Are there programs for my kids?
Absolutely. We know that your kids are looking for a place that rocks! And the last thing you want to be concerned about is whether or not your kids are safe while you are at church. We’ve invested a lot to make sure that both of these goals are reached. We want church to be the best hour of the week for your kids. You’ll see that in the rooms your kids meet in, and even more in
the amazing volunteers who work with your kids each week.
[Back to Top]
What should we expect the first time we register our children for
KidsZone?
For the first time guest you will greeted by volunteers who will ask you to complete a guest check in card. Later, if you continue visiting us, your children will be photographed so we can make them a name badge. These badges provide a level of security that we know is important to every parent.
[Back to Top]
What does MCC offer teenagers?
LIFE Groups are offered for students during the week. Seasonal events include a mission trip to Jamaica, camp, retreats, paintball adventures, etc.
[Back to Top]
Some churches push for donations, does yours?
The folks who are a regular part of our church voluntarily give to help pay for the various expenses we incur for rent, utilities and on-going ministries. But if you join us at one of our meetings, you are our guest … and we don’t ask guests for money.
[Back to Top]
Why is it important to go to church? Can’t I worship God on my
own?
Yes, you can worship God by yourself, wherever you are, and, in fact, the Bible instructs us to do so. However, the Bible also teaches us that we are created for community – to be joined with other believers to honor God together, and together to carry on the ministry He has given us to change the spiritual landscape of our community and beyond.
[Back to Top]
So how can I meet others and get connected?
There are many ways to get involved. You can begin by attending our Newcomer’s Reception and the 101 Membership Class. Small groups are another great way to connect. In each of these, you can build friendships, learn more about the life of our church, and have the opportunity to grow in your faith.
[Back to Top]
To be a member of MCC is to commit to participation in a small group, which is God’s design for our growth (1 Corinthians 12). MCC is structured around small groups for every age. Our small groups are called “LIFE Groups”, which are 6-12 people meeting in a home each week to pray, care for each other, and share lessons they are studying together.
[Back to Top]
How do I get involved in ministry at Maranatha?
We have several ministry areas, from media and set-up to teaching and
leading small groups. The quickest route to involvement is to talk to a staff person who leads a ministry that interests you. The best preparation for service is to attend our 301 Ministry Class where you’ll be given tools to determine your God-given design for ministry, and you will be interviewed to match your profile and interests with a suitable ministry.
[Back to Top]
What if I need something or have questions while I’m there?
We want you to feel at home the minute you pull your car into our driveway. We have nice folks wearing clearly marked ID badges, and there’s an Information Center right inside the front door.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be more than happy to answer any questions you might have!
[Back to Top]