Pound Ridge Community Church

3 Pound Ridge Road
Pound Ridge, NY 10576

ph: 914 764-9000

FAQ's

Here are a few questions we've heard more than once, along with some answers...
 Where do I enter the church?
You can enter any door and get to where you need to go.  If stairs are difficult for you, enter through the middle door under the portico.  Our elevator is steps away and can take you to any of 4 levels.  The sanctuary where church service is held is located at stop 2S.  If stairs are not a problem, you may enter the building by ascending the outdoor steps and enter the door on the far left of the building.  This will take you into the Narthex (a churchy word for foyer) where you'll be greeted and welcomed by someone and shown to a seat in the sanctuary.
Do I drop my kids at Sunday School first?
Children enter the sanctuary with their parents and sit with them for the first 15 minutes of the worship service.  Then they are called to the front where Pastor Lori speaks to them for a short children's message, we call it Children's Time.  Then they exit the sanctuary via the side door and proceed to their Sunday school classes.  There is always an adult there who can help them find the correct classroom.  You don't need to go with them, but of course, you are welcome to come with them and get them to the right place if you'd prefer.  If you are brand new and your child wants you to stay with them, you are welcome to.  Teachers could always use an extra pair of hands.  But know that your children will be cared for by our caring volunteer staff of teachers.  Our Sunday School coordinator also monitors the hallways.  Our church has a "Safe Sanctuary Policy":  All classroom doors have glass windows.  Two adults watch over the kids.  Teacher references have been checked.  Our curriculum is age appropriate and supplemented with crafts or puzzles (for the younger kids) and a snack of pretzels and water to drink.  Please tell us if your child has a food allergy.
What if my kids are antsy and can't sit still for the first part of church?
We hope you and your children feel welcomed and included in our worship.  All children are fidgety at one time or another.  We've all been there!  We believe children are vital to the health of our church community, for they bring liveliness and a fresh perspective to worship.  We are blessed to have them.  We encourage you to have them stand up at the appropriate times (Stretching is always a good thing!)  Even if they can't read, they can hum along to the hymn.  And you should always feel free to whisper to them to explain what is going on, or how much longer they have to wait before Children's Time.  We also provide clipboards, a puzzle worksheet and crayons.  These are located in the narthex (foyer) as you enter.  Please pick one up.
Feel free to bring a much loved quiet toy as well.  And don't worry if your child is acting up.  We've all been there!  After a few weeks, they will know the routine and all will go smoothly. 
I have a baby or toddler.  Should I bother coming to church?

We love babies and toddlers!  Of course you should come!  You're welcome to bring your baby to the worship service.  But we also provide childcare in our nursery located on the first floor.  (If you enter the door on the right side of the building closest to the parking lot, descend a few stairs, and then turn right in the hallway.)  The door is clearly marked Nursery.  Our caregiver is an experienced, much loved nanny.  She is helped by a teenage girl, so there are always two people in the room.  We also have a person serving as a hall monitor.  If we have more than 6 or 7 babies/toddlers, we'll pull another person out of church to help out.  Our nursery room is clean, cheerful and filled with age appropriate toys and books.  (The room is used during the week by our Play School 2's program.)   Please bring a diaper and wipes, but no drinks, food or pacifiers.  We've found that it is best to bring your child to the nursery prior to the start of the worship service.  It gives everyone a chance to settle in.  Plus, it gives you a chance to relax and enjoy the worship service.  If there is a problem, don't worry, someone will come find you. Most young children love their playtime in the nursery.

 

I was raised in another faith - can I still come to church?

Everyone is welcome, regardless of any or no religious upbringing.  Our congregation has varied backgrounds.  Come learn with us! 

What can I expect when I enter the church?

You'll likely be greeted by a person standing in the narthex (foyer).  You'll be given a bulletin (church program) by an usher.  You can either choose a seat or an usher can help you find one.  No one will single you out or make you feel uncomfortable.  After church, hopefully, you can join us downstairs in the Common Room for coffee and treats and get to know some of us.

I've driven past the church on Sundays and your parking lot is full!  Where do I park?

We are fortunate to be located next door to the Pound Ridge Elementary school.  Parking is available there and there is a walkway and stairs that connects their property with ours.  The church also has 2 handicap spaces in the front.

I've seen some ads - something about . . . "Rethink Church.  What if church were a verb?"   What's this all about?

Church should be a verb because it's about doing, about learning, about going into the world and making it a better place.  Yes, sometimes churches get bogged down with the day-to day or the traditions, but our true mission is to fulfill the spiritual needs of the people and to be Christ's hands in the world.  Come and see.  Come and help.

I really don't want Christianity jammed down my throat, but yet, I sense that my life is missing something . . . I'm not sure what.

Millions of people out there have a spiritual "longing" but are unhappy with the the faith expressions they've been part of or seen.  For many, church customs are a turn-off.  Many of these people don't want to join anything, whether it's the bowling league, the fire deparment or the church, but they are interested in activities that motivate them.  They want authenticity, not just traditions.  They want to see some passion, commitment and involvement in the spirituality they observe.  We are certainly not the perfect church, but you will see faith, commitment and the hands of Christ at work here.  You will see that real friendships have been made here and that church has made our lives more meaningful and it's a place that helps us to make a difference in the world.  Come and see.

Are you helping Haiti and how can I help?

We are lucky through the United Methodist church to have the organization UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) already up and responding to the disaster.  You may donate money to UMCOR by sending it directly, or to the church.  We are also putting together health kits.  (See the missions page for a detailed discription.)

Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! 914-764-9000.  We look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

All floors in both church and education wing are wheelchair accessible

 

Copyright Pound Ridge Community Church (2009). All rights reserved.

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3 Pound Ridge Road
Pound Ridge, NY 10576

ph: 914 764-9000