What to expect

Welcome!

We’re so glad you’ve found United Presbyterian.

Whether you’re a lifelong Presbyterian, brand new to church, or somewhere in between, visiting a new faith community can be confusing. Where do I sit? Where do my children go? What do I do with the little cup after I drink the juice? It can seem like there are a lot of rules to follow, and every church does it a little bit differently.

We want to reassure you that we welcome you as part of our community, for one Sunday or for a lifetime, no matter where you are on your faith journey.

We worship every Sunday at 10 am. Here’s what you can expect when you join us, from parking to communion and everything in between.

Find Us

Our church building is located at 330 5th Ave SW Albany, OR 97321.

Park

UPC has ample parking available. The entrance to our parking lot is located on 6th and Ferry St. The lot is shared with city hall across the street. A sidewalk leads from the parking lot to the middle level of the church. Street parking is also available on the surrounding streets.

Come Inside

When you enter the church, follow the signs to make your way upstairs to the sanctuary. Outside the sanctuary, an usher will greet you warmly and offer you a bulletin outlining the order of service. You may ask them any questions at this time, as well.

Find a Spot for Kids

Children (and their voices!) are welcome in worship at United Presbyterian, and families are encouraged to worship together. We have activity bags available with crayons, coloring books, and other materials for children. We also provide a fully staffed nursery all morning for infants through age 3. After the passing of the peace, children ages 4- 5th grade are welcome to go to Godly Play or Creative Minds. We encourage families to do what works best for them. You can find more information about these groups in our Ministries page.

Prepare for Worship

After you receive your bulletin, enter the sanctuary and sit wherever you like. You’ll hear prelude music before the service begins. Find hymnals and Bibles on the back of the pew in front of you.

Commune

United Presbyterian practices open communion. This means we welcome every person to the table to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, regardless of age or faith journey. You don’t have to be Presbyterian, to receive communion. Anyone who trusts in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is invited to receive communion.

In our church, we commune by coming up to the table. An usher will indicate when it is your row’s turn to receive communion. Make your way down the center aisle. A pastor or communion server will offer you a small wafer or piece of bread, which you can take in your hand. You may eat the bread or wafer. A gluten free option is available—just ask the server. Once you’ve eaten the bread or wafer, another pastor or server will offer you grape juice.

You can also commune in your seat if you are more comfortable with that. You can ask an usher for the materials.

Snack & Chat

After the church service, we gather for coffee and conversation in the Fellowship Hall right behind the Sanctuary. Help yourself to treats and drinks and make yourself at home—we are eager to meet you!