Sunday Night Church at Mynightchurch
Thinking about your first visit to Sunday Night Church in Mandeville, Louisiana? This guide covers what you may want to know before you come — what to wear, how long the gathering lasts, what happens with children, and what to expect from the worship and the message. You can reach the church at 985.626.3307 or stop by 335 Asbury Drive, Mandeville, LA.
What This Guide Covers
- What to wear and how long the service lasts
- The Fellowship Meal (dinner) that follows
- Nursery, childcare, and youth
- Membership, giving, and baptism
- Worship style and what simple gatherings, plain messages, and heartfelt worship mean
- Who is invited and who leads Night Church
What to Wear and How Long the Service Lasts
What should I wear?
Come as you are — comfort is the goal. Most people dress casual to dressy casual, and anything you feel at ease in is perfectly fine.
How long does Sunday Night Church last?
Worship and the message together take about an hour in total.
The Fellowship Meal (Dinner) That Follows
Do I have to attend the Fellowship Meal (dinner) afterward?
No. The meal is simply offered as an easy way for people to get to know one another and gather together.
How much does the Fellowship Meal (dinner) cost?
It is free, with a $5 suggested donation that is not required.
Nursery, Childcare, and Youth
Is there a safe, professional nursery?
Yes, there is.
Is there experienced childcare?
Yes, there is.
How much does childcare cost?
It is free.
Can children and youth stay in worship?
Yes. Families are encouraged to worship together, and nursery, childcare, and a full youth program for Jr and Sr High are also available at times.
Membership, Giving, and Baptism
Do I have to be a member of any church to attend?
No, you do not.
Will I be pressured to join your church or change my church membership?
No, you will not.
Is it OK if I stay in the church I'm already in but keep coming to Sunday Night Church?
Absolutely.
If I'm not sure about God or even if there is a god, is it still OK if I come?
Sure.
Will anyone point me out as a visitor?
No. Knowing you are a guest helps us meet and get to know one another, but no one is put in the spotlight.
Do I have to get baptized by your church?
No. We accept the baptism of all other Christian churches. For those who believe in Jesus and are not yet baptized, we encourage it.
Am I going to be required to take classes or something?
No, you will not.
What about an offering?
If anyone feels moved by God to give an offering or simply wants to help financially, baskets and receptacle containers are available. If you are currently supporting your Sunday morning church financially, please continue to do so.
Are you all Methodists?
We are followers of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Most of those on stage at any given time do hold the traditional Methodist understanding of the Bible, but others on stage come from different Christian traditions.
Worship Style: Simple Gatherings, Plain Messages, and Heartfelt Worship
Is the worship style traditional or contemporary?
It's a bit different. There won't be an organ in use, but there will be piano or keyboard. There will be various types of instruments, from violin to guitar and more. If you've been to large contemporary worship services, you will probably find Night Church to have less electric guitar, less heavy drums, and to lean a little more toward the "free" style of praise & worship music.
What is meant by simple gatherings?
There isn't a lot going on or "liturgical elements," as they say at seminaries that train pastors. It is simple: song, prayer, message, followed by a fellowship meal for those who want to stay. See the second chapter of the Book of Acts in the Bible.
So what do you mean by plain messages?
Messages that get to the point of who God is, what God calls us to be, and why it matters in everyday life. In other words, there's a lot of focus on how the Christian faith is meant to be a life-changing relationship with and in Jesus Christ. We also assume you want to lean in and listen, without a lot of showmanship.
What does heartfelt worship mean?
Heartfelt worship means worship that invites you to experience God. We have truly excellent and very gifted musicians and singers, but they are not meant to perform. They are called to use their gifts from God to help create a place and a space where we can step out of the stuff of the world around us and find the God of love & truth and forgiveness & mercy engaging us by the power of His grace.
Is it "charismatic" worship?
It's participatory worship. It's worship that assumes we all want to be there lifting our hearts and voices in song and prayer, but doesn't pressure anyone to do or say anything.
Who Is Invited and Who Leads Night Church
Who is invited to come to Sunday Night Church?
Everyone.
What kind of people are in leadership of Night Church?
People who have found new life in Jesus and are excited to share it with others. We are young and old, male and female, black and white. And we would like you to become a part of us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to Sunday Night Church?
Come as you are. Most people dress casual to dressy casual, and whatever you feel comfortable wearing is fine.
How long does Sunday Night Church last?
The worship and message together are about an hour total.
Is there childcare, and does it cost anything?
Yes. There is a safe, professional nursery and experienced childcare, and childcare is free. Children and youth are also welcome to stay in worship with their families.
Do I have to attend the Fellowship Meal afterward?
No. The meal is simply offered so people can get to know each other and gather together more easily. It is free, with a $5 suggested donation that is not required.
Do I need to be a member of a church, or will I be pressured to join?
No. You do not have to be a member of any church to attend, and no one will pressure you to join or change your church membership. If you are already part of another church, you are welcome to keep coming to Sunday Night Church.
What is the worship style like?
Worship is participatory and heartfelt rather than performance-driven. There is no organ in use, but there is piano or keyboard along with a variety of instruments, from violin to guitar and more. If you have been to large contemporary services, Night Church tends to have less electric guitar and less heavy drums and leans a little more toward a free style of praise and worship music.
Connect with Mynightchurch
335 Asbury Drive | Mandeville, LA | 985.626.3307 | ©2018 St. Timothy on the Northshore
HomeTwitterFacebookWhether you are exploring faith for the first time or looking for a place to worship on Sunday evenings, Sunday Night Church aims to make your visit easy and welcoming. Come as you are, bring your questions, and stay for the Fellowship Meal if you would like to meet others. If you have a question this guide does not answer, reach out to the church before you come.