NEW VISITORS GUIDE

Thank you for considering a visit to our church! You are welcome to join us at any time, and we hope that the information below will be helpful to you:

 

Service Times

Sunday worship is offered at 8:30 or 11:00 AM.  The service will last approximately one hour.  Our services start on time, so it is suggested that you arrive 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the service.  IN SUMMER WE CHANGE:  Worship is held at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM from Memorial Day Sunday - Labor Day Sunday.

 

Directions

4700 Locust Lane

Harrisburg, PA 17109

View our Map & Directions page for detailed directions

 

Where should I park?

The main parking lot is on the Houcks Road side of the building.  There is parking along Locust Lane side of the building, with most of those spots being reserved for handicapped parking.  If our lot is full you may park on Constitution Avenue (to the north of the building) or on Rutherford Road (on the east side of the building.)  Parking is also available in the lot of the Central Dauphin Middle School across Houcks Road.

 

What is the service like?

Our worship style blends the traditional elements and music of United Methodist worship with a modern flare.  We are fully equipped with the technology to incorporate pictures and videos into worship, we have wonderful music - both traditional and contemporary, and we most often read our scripture lessons from The Message (the Bible in easy to understand current language.)  Elements of worship include music, prayers, reading of scripture, a children's message, a sermon (the pastor's message), and the offering. 

 

What should I wear?

You may wear whatever you wish to worship.  Some folks will be wearing business style attire (suit & tie or dresses) but many also "dress down."  Pastors Ron & Jeff encourage all to dress down in the summer, with Hawaiian shirts being a favorite style of choice in June, July & August!

 

Are the facilities accessible to all?

YES - Calvary has recently completely renovated its facilities and is fully accessible to wheelchairs.  We recommend those with mobility issues enter via the entrance that faces Locust Lane (under the portico) which is closest to the Sanctuary, and is located closest to most of our handicapped parking spaces.  Please ask the ushers if you are in need of any type of assistance.

 

Where can I get information when I arrive?

We suggest that visitors stop at the Welcome Center in the Square (the reception area located between the Houcks Road side lobby and the back of the Sanctuary.)  Folks will be on hand to answer your questions, and to provide you with information about our church.  Ushers are also on duty at various locations around the Sanctuary who would be happy to assist you.

 

How will I recognize the ushers?

Calvary's ushers wear name tags with a special "Usher" label.

 

What do I do with the kids?

Children are an important part of the Calvary family.  We welcome them in worship, but also provide child care for the little ones in our education wing for parents who desire such services.  We also have a "cry room" behind glass, so you may stay with your noisier little ones while observing the service if that is your preference.  This is located in the rear section of the Sanctuary on the left side (if you are facing the stage/altar.) Child care is provided for infants and preschoolers year round.  During the summer, those in grades K-6 are dismissed to Sunday school after the children's sermon or they may remain in worship with their parents.  Please ask the ushers if you need assistance in finding any of our child care facilities.

 

Will I have to wear a name tag?

If you are visiting, you do not need to wear a name tag, but we'd love for you to do so.  We encourage all persons joining us for worship to wear a nametag so that we may greet one another and learn each other's names.  Members and regular visitors have name tags on lanyards that are returned in a basket following each service to be re-used.  You can get your name tag at the Welcome Center.

 

What happens after worship?

Methodists love to eat and to visit!  We cordially invite you to attend our Friendship Break following worship.  There are goodies, coffee and juice and an opportunity to meet and mingle.  Friendship Breaks are held in Fellowship Hall on the Constitution Avenue side of the building.  If you exit the Sanctuary at the rear, turn right in the Square and Fellowship Hall will be across the hallway.

 

What about giving money during worship?

Christians believe that all that we have is a gift from God.  Christ calls us to share our time, talents and money in response to His grace.  We therefore receive an offering at each worship service - it is not a requirement, but it is an opportunity for worshippers to respond to God's grace in a tangible way.  These offerings are used to support the ministry of the church.

 

What about Christian Education opportunities?

Learning our faith is critical for living our faith.  There are Sunday School classes and other educational opportunities for all ages.  Click here to visit our Christian Education page and learn more.

 

What exactly do United Methodists believe?

Great question!  Our most basic belief is that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.  To learn more about the United Methodist form of Christianity please click here.  

 

What other things are happening at Calvary?

Calvary is committed to sharing the gospel in our community and the world at large.  Please browse through the rest of our website for information about the many things going on at Calvary!