Sundays at City Awakening
Visiting a new church can be pretty intimidating! We know because we’ve all been there. We’ve designed this page to help you prepare for your first visit to City Awakening Church so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
On a typical Sunday morning at City Awakening Church, you’ll find many different kinds of people on different parts of their faith journey. Chances are, there will be many other newcomers just like you. Whether you’re new to church and faith, or a longtime Jesus-follower, we have a place for you.
Here are some questions people have frequently asked when considering a visit:
When & Where are the services?
SERVICE TIMES AND LOCATION
City Awakening Church meets at the International Community School, 4800 Howell Branch Rd., Winter Park, FL 32792
Our service begins at 10:30 AM every week. We would encourage you to arrive by 10:15 AM to have time to check your kids in and meet some people. To best prepare for our guests, we’d love for you to RSVP if you will be attending our service in person.
Our services are also being streamed online each week for those unable to attend in person. You can watch those here at 10:30 am on Sundays.
When you arrive…
PARKING
As you enter the parking lot, signs will direct guests to special spots in the front reserved for families with small children and those with a disabled permit, and spots in the back for first-time guests. After parking, you’ll notice a tent near the front door. This is our First Time Guest Tent, and we would encourage you to stop by and say hi. Volunteers will be ready to help answer any questions you might have about the church and give you a welcome gift.
ENTERING THE BUILDING
As you enter the lobby, the men’s bathroom will be to the right and the women’s to the left. Inside the auditorium, you will find the kids check-in to the right, a coffee station to the left, and the main service auditorium straight ahead.
Family Ministries
We offer Kids Classrooms for ages 6 weeks-5th grade on Sundays. Younger children will go to their classroom after being checked in, while elementary-age children will attend worship with their parents and then be dismissed to their classroom before the sermon.
WHERE DO MY KIDS GO?
As you enter the building you’ll notice signs directing you to City Kids, our Sunday morning ministry for infants through 5th grade. Someone will be available to help you check in. Each Sunday children check-in with a secure sticker system; the check-in process is quick and easy and you’ll be given a secure code where only you can pick them up. After checking in, you will have an opportunity to meet our amazing City Kids volunteers.
WHY DO I HAVE TO REGISTER MY KIDS?
We take the safety and security of your children seriously. All of our ministry volunteers have been screened and background checked for safety. By checking your child in and out of our City Kids environment, you can experience the main worship service worry-free.
CAN’T I JUST TAKE MY KIDS INTO THE SERVICE WITH ME?
At City Awakening Church our children’s ministry is much more than “childcare”. We intentionally structure our children’s ministry to help children get to know God and learn the Bible and how it relates to Jesus in an age-appropriate way. The lessons are fun and approachable and taught by committed volunteers and staff who serve Jesus by serving you and your kids. We believe your kids will love City Kids and learn a lot too!
Should you ever have any questions, any member of our staff or any of our volunteers will be happy to help you! Also, if you have any questions about City Kids before attending a service, please contact SAVANNAH ALDERMAN who will be happy to respond.
What’s a Service Like?
The service will begin with 15-20 minutes of music led by a live band. The words of the songs will be projected onto large screens. Many people will sing along and you can too. Participate as you feel comfortable. We use music as a way of expressing our love for God and appreciation for what He has done for us.
There will likely be a few times that one of the leaders will pray during the service. You might be asked to sit or to stand up during those prayers. We’ll always make sure you know exactly what to do and we won’t leave you guessing.
One of our pastors will teach a lesson from the Bible. Our goal is to help everyone understand the Bible and to apply it to their lives. The teaching will be practical and challenging, and hopefully will inspire you in your personal pursuit of God.
On some occasions we may have baptisms during the service. Other times we celebrate communion together. At every service, we’ll have a host who will explain what’s happening during the service so that there are no surprises whatsoever.
At some point during our Sunday service we take an offering of financial gifts. This offering is for those who call City Awakening Church their home church. As our guest, you’re not expected to give any money. That decision is totally up to you. We have been blessed with many opportunities to serve the needs of our community, and through the generosity of our church members, we can meet those needs. You are welcome to join in God’s work at City Awakening Church as you feel you’re ready.
One of the things that we value at City Awakening is Christ-centered exegetical Bible teaching. This means that we don’t just jump from one topic to the next, but our pastors work hard to teach the Bible and explain it in ways that everyone can understand. You can follow the link below to browse our sermon library.
About our Music (AKA Worship)
City Awakening Church services start with contemporary Christian music featuring a band with guitars, drums, and a keyboard. Our gifted musicians and singers work hard to lead the congregation in authentic worship. It’s all for one purpose—not to give a performance, but to experience God through our times of singing.
After the Service
Stop by our First Time Guest Tent to connect with one of our pastors or volunteers. We’d love to meet you and help answer any questions you might have about the church. Also, we would love to help you get connected at City Awakening Church.
Additional FAQs
What Should I Wear?
Our attendees typically dress casual so whether you come in shorts and flip flops or jeans and a t-shirt, you’ll fit right in. We’re just excited for you to join us!
Will I Have To Identify Myself or Be Called Out?
We want you to feel welcomed at City Awakening Church. But we also want you remain anonymous as you need to as you check things out. You’ll never be asked to stand up, identify yourself, do the hokey-pokey, or anything else that might make you feel uncomfortable.
Am I Expected to Give Money?
As our guest, we do not expect any money from you. We will have have an offering during the service, but we encourage you to let the baskets pass you by. The offering is a way for the City Awakening Church family to respond to God and join the mission of the church through their giving. If you’re new, we don’t expect you to give. Our service is a gift to you.
If you do consider City Awakening Church your church home, we’d love for you to prayerfully consider regular giving. You can give by check or cash at weekend services or any time during the week when you’re on campus, or you can set up an online giving account.