Going to a church service for the first time can be a bit intimidating. It's pretty easy to feel like an outsider. We want you to know that you are very welcome here at 2nd Parish. There is no dress code. Just show up. We have people from all walks of life and backgrounds. None of us are super saints, just a bunch of ordinary people who have put their faith in Jesus. It’s okay if you don’t have your life altogether yet, neither do we.
We’re not big on gimmicks at this church. We don't pretend to be something that we're not. And so our goal is not to entertain you, but to connect you with Christ and with a loving group of people who also need forgiveness.
Our FAQs section below will provide some straightforward answers to common questions about Second Parish OPC and the church in general. If there is a question that's not answered here please feel free to reach out to us. We want everyone to feel comfortable when visiting. You can call (207) 772-0848 or email us at info@second-parish.org
WHAT DOES ORTHODOX PRESBYTERIAN MEAN ANYWAY?
"Orthodox," is derived from a Greek word that means straight/true thinking or teaching, emphasizes our denomination's desire to be true to what the Bible, as God's inspired, inerrant, and authoritative word, teaches and commands. Second, the term "Presbyterian", which means "elder led" reflects our belief that Jesus governs his church through elders, as well as our conviction that the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms are an accurate summary of Biblical teaching (you can read these at www.opc.org).
WHAT IS WORSHIP?
Every human being worships. It is the human response to what we value most. Our lives are constantly lived serving the things that matter most to us.
True worship is the response to the reality that God exists and that he has revealed himself in the Bible. This reality demands our attention and calls us to respond.
Therefore, worship in Spirit and Truth is a response of those who have been called out of the darkness of sin and into the glorious light of God's salvation in Jesus Christ. It is a time for Christians to meet together, to be a body, a family, and to express the fact that they are God's people by his glorious grace. We meet to exalt the name of our glorioius and gracious God, and to sing the truths about who He is and what he has done in Jesus.
Worship matters because it is always and forever about ultimate things. It addresses the most important and essential aspects of our existence and is the single greatest determiner of your eternal joy or eternal woe.
WHAT IS THE WORSHIP SERVICE LIKE?
Just like anything we try for the first time, it may take you a couple of Sundays to feel comfortable observing and/or participating in our worship service. A greeter will hand you a bulletin on your way into the sanctuary. You can choose any seat you would like. Our bulletins will outline the service for you. The bulletin will list the songs, prayers and the Scripture readings for the day. The theme of the sermon will be listed also. All of the songs can be found in our hymnals or supplemental songbooks. Feel free to join in as you feel comfortable.
IS CHILDCARE PROVIDED?
Second Parish provides a nursery for infants through 4-year-olds during our services. Because we desire to promote the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each child in nursery by providing a safe environment, we have established policies and procedures for conduct. Copies of these policies and procedures are available at the nursery check-in desk. We look forward to the privilege of caring for your children.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
People wear everything from suits and dresses/skirts to casual clothes during our worship services. There is no dress code. Come as you are!
