What to Expect as Our Guest

We want to make visiting RHBC an enjoyable experience.  We try to make Raleigh Heights a place where people feel at home, regardless of their background.  I'd like to give you an glimpse of what to expect so your first visit with us won't feel awkward.  When you arrive at Raleigh Heights (on Crowell Ave., off Bainbridge Blvd.in South Norfolk) for either our 8:30 or 11:15am celebration services, you'll park in the lot in front of the church, or around the corner to your left to the back parking lot.

At the front door, there will be some "greeters" to say hello, answer any questions you have, and direct you to the "sanctuary".  At the “ Welcome Center” we hope you’ll get a “Guest Packet” which contains some information about our church and an “Information Card” for you to fill out—give us as much info as you are comfortable with or none at all—it’s totally up to you.  There’s even a place for you to mention anything we might be praying with you about.

 If you have kids, they're welcome to attend the service with you, or they may like to go to "God's Team"; a fun, Bible-centered time designed just for them.  Our Primary and Intermediate students and our Middle and High school students meet on Sunday mornings at 10:00 and on Wednesday evenings at 7pm.  I have two kids, so I know how important it is for kids to enjoy church.

In the 8:30am service you'll notice that everyone is dressed comfortably, in anything from "office casual" to jeans and tennis shoes, and you may see a suit or two.  If you see some guy with curly hair and glasses, that's probably me.  At 11:15 we’re a little more formal, many of the guys wear suits, and the women wear dresses or pant suits, but you still may see a few pairs of tennis shoes. 

When you come in the sanctuary, you'll be given a copy of the "Bulletin" which has an outline for the day's service, including the lyrics and song titles and the day’s “message” (sermon).  On the back you’ll find the week's calendar and some announcements of upcoming events.

The service usually begins with some upbeat music and a time to welcome and greet others in attendance. In the 8:30 service there will often be a video, or occasionally a drama, to introduce the theme for the day.  At 11:15 we usually begin with some songs, or the choir may sing, and someone will offer a prayer. 

We do receive an offering at about the middle of each service, but don’t feel obligated to give—we want you to feel welcome as our guest, with no pressure to give. Our regular attenders will put their contributions (we hope) in the “plate” as it goes by, and we hope you'll drop the information card in the offering plate so we can send you any information you request or pray for any concerns you may share. 

After the offering we’ll usually have someone (or group) present a song and then I will begin the message. I usually speak for about 30 minutes, and I do my best to make these Bible-based messages interesting and relevant to daily life.A prayer and song will follow the message. On the first Sunday of each month we celebrate the “Lord’s Supper” (also known as communion or the Eucharist) which is a Christian celebration of the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. If you're a committed Christian, you're welcome to share in The Lord's Supper with us, and if not, you can just sit back and enjoy the music during this time.