First of all we know it can be a little intimidating to walk into a church for the first time – whether you’ve been to others or this is the first time anywhere. So to ease your mind and to help you know just what you’ll experience we thought we’d give you a little overview of what you can expect if you come to check out GCCN3.

1. Before You Leave Home:
If you’re coming to GCCN3, feel free to wear whatever you want. Most people wear casual clothing, shorts, jeans, flip flops or whatever you are comfortable in.  Same thing for the kids!  The service starts at 10:45, but you’ll want to get here earlier so you can park, check in your kids (if you have them), find the Education Gym and grab a coffee.

2. Arrive and Get Parked: 
Plan to arrive 10 - 15 minutes early to find parking and get to the Education Gym. There’s parking all around the building. The front parking lot on the south side of the building is closest to the Children’s Ministry locations and check-ins.  If you don’t have kids... parking in the back of the lot on either side of the building is the closest parking to the Education Gym, which is where GCCN3 is located.  The easiest entrance to the Education Gym... enter the building  from the parking lot through the doors that say “Grove City Christian School” above them. If handicap parking is a need, you can find most handicapped spots located in the south lot between the 2 buildings.

3. Find a Place for Yourself and Your Kids:
There will be numerous greeters all around. You can ask them to point you to the Education Gym where the “Third Service” takes place (or to Children's Check-in if you have kids).  There will be signs posted to direct you to GCCN3, so keep an eye out for them. We have an Information Desk in the main lobby with volunteers who can help you with directions, questions or whatever you might need. You can also look for greeters with t-shirts on that say “Ask me about GCCN3”

We have awesome children’s and youth ministries!  Of course, you are free to keep your kids with you if you want, but in case you want them to have an experience designed just for them... our kids ministries breaks down as follows: First Steps (infant-age 5), Kids Matter (k - 4th grade), IGN!TION (5th & 6th grades).  You can click HERE to learn more about these ministries.

SH!FT Student Ministries (grades 7-12) is available on Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 9:00.  Click HERE to learn more about the SH!FT.

4. Children's Check-in:
For the safety of your children, infants – 4th grade need to check in to classrooms. 5th and 6th graders will be required to check in to the MPB.  See map for location.  We will need to collect a little info from you the first time you are here, but after that, you will just provide the last four digits of a telephone number and check in electronically. The child, and person who is checking them in, will receive sticky tags with matching numbers. The child wears their tag while the adult must keep their tag in a safe place. When it is time to pick up your child, the adult must have the matching tag number before the child will be released from the classroom. We value the fact that you are allowing us to care for your child for a short time and will do our best to be safe, secure and provide them with a meaningful experience!
 
5. Coffee, Tea or Lemonade & Restrooms: 
On your way into the Education Gym which is where GCCN3 occurs, be sure to grab a complimentary drink.  You can bring your drinks right into the Gym with you. Restrooms are available in the lobby just outside the Gym.  There are also changing stations available in the restrooms.
 
6. Enjoy the service:
Each service lasts about 67 minutes. The overall vibe of services is high-energy, casual, and encouraging. Greeters will welcome you into the Gym and hand you a Weekly with a message outline and a quick overview of what's coming up at the church. Ushers can help you find a seat. Each service begins with a few songs that are led by a live band with lyrics on the big screens so you can sing along with the team if you want to. After the music there is a quick greet time that gives you a chance to say “hey” to a few people around you. Then a short video clip will play that leads into the weekend message. The communicator usually teaches for about 25-30 minutes and uses an outline where you can fill in the blanks and read any Biblical references as he speaks. You can also download these notes to your smart phone if you are the “techie” type! At the end, we take our offering which is when we’ll collect your Connection Card or sign the Friendship Pad and the band will lead us in one more song and dismiss us.
 
6. Relax and Be Our Guest: 
Greeters will welcome you into the Gym and hand you the Worship Notes with a message outline and a quick overview of what's coming up at the church. At the Help Desk on your way out you will find The Weekly Update which details all of the activities of the church, free devotional materials, and friendly folks who can answer any questions you might have.
 
Still have questions? We’re happy to help! Just call the GCCN office at 614.875.2551 or e-mail GCCN3@gccn.org.