F.A.Q.s

"Frequently Asked Questions."

F.A.Q.s and Other Information

What is your worship like?

We have two worship services with the same content but two different styles. At 9:00AM, the worship has contemporary christian music and an informal flavor with singing led by the Worship Music Team, which has both drums and guitars. There is little liturgy and the pastors do not wear robes. At the 10:30 AM service, worship has a more traditional and formal style with responsive readings, corporate prayers, hymns, and a blend of traditional hymns and contemporary christian music.

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What do you have for children during worship?

For those under three-years-old, we offer a professional staff and quality nursery. Children age four to seven are encouraged to attend either the 9:00AM or 10:30AM service with their parents to experience worship with the congregation. Early in each of these services the children are invited forward for a prayer of blessing before being excused to attend our Kid’s Church program where trained leaders guide the children in an age-appropriate worship experience. Children then rejoin their parents in the sanctuary during the final song of worship.

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What programs do you have for children and youth?

During the school year, we have Sunday school for children two-years-old through high school from 9:45-10:45AM. During the summer, camping experiences are offered for all ages. Our Middle School Youth Group (6th-8th grades) meets for study and fellowship each Wednesday from 6:30-8:00PM. The Senior High Youth Group (9th-12th grades) meets on Monday nights from 7:00-8:30PM. The youth also go on weekend retreats and a weeklong mission trip. Click here to visit the youth ministry page.

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If I attend Marine View, will I be pressured to give money?

As a guest at our worship services, we do not expect you to give during the offering time, nor do we want you to feel pressured in any way. For those who have made Marine View their church home, financial giving is both a way to contribute to the church’s ministries and a form of obedience to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

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If I need help, whom do I talk to?

In addition to the pastors, prayer counselors are available at the conclusion of each worship service at the front of the sanctuary. For ongoing support and care, you may arrange to meet with a trained Stephen Minister by calling the church office at 927-0557, or you may set up an appointment with the Marine View Counseling Center by calling 927-0562. A Board of Deacons, which cares for members and offers assistance, also serves Marine View.

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Can I get married at Marine View?

Marine View believes marriage is a wonderful gift from God to couples. We are open to marry people who are not members of our congregation. We do, however, expect that the weddings will be consistent with the Christian faith and that the couples will be open to premarital counseling by one of our pastors and by another approved counselor. You can get information about weddings by contacting our church office and requesting a brochure that gives information about our wedding policies and prices.

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What exactly are Presbyterians?

Presbyterians are Christian women and men who identify with the affirmations of the Protestant Reformation, particularly the rediscovery of God’s grace in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Scriptures. The Church declares who and what it is, what it believes, and what it resolves to do in the creeds and confessions in The Book of Confessions, which includes “The Apostles’ Creed.” The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is a denomination governed by a representative democracy in which ruling elders are elected from and by the local congregations. We welcome into membership all who respond in trust and obedience to God’s grace in Jesus Christ and desire to become part of the membership and ministry of His Church.

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Who makes the decisions at Marine View?

As a Presbyterian church, we believe the power and authority for decision making rest in the members. Each year the members of Marine View elect representatives, called Ruling Elders, who are then empowered to lead the congregation. Our governing board, or Session, consists of 10 Ruling Elders who serve for two-year terms and, with the ordained Ministers, are responsible for the mission and government of the church. Ministers have the authority to preach and lead as a part of the congregation. A second governing body in the Presbyterian Church is the Board of Deacons. Deacons have the task of caring for the needy and offering service. There are 23 deacons at Marine View who offer care to members in a variety of ways.

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How do I become a member of Marine View?

Several times each year, the pastors lead our membership class: CLASS 101 – Discovering Church Membership. The one-day class addresses what it means to be a Christian as well as Marine View’s statements of faith and purpose and our strategy and structure for ministry? Contact the church office for dates and times.

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How do I have my children baptized?

Presbyterians affirm infant baptism as a way that God shows his love for us by claiming us as His own and adopting us into His covenant family, even before we have made a profession of faith on our own behalf. If you would like to have your child baptized, we ask that the parents be willing to profess their Christian faith and be a part of the church. Baptisms are scheduled at various Sunday worship times. Call a pastor to discuss your desire. Marine View also affirms adult baptism when adults or youth join the church.

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Can I receive communion if I am not a member?

In the Presbyterian Church, communion is open to all persons who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. You need not be a member of Marine View. Communion is normally celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. During the contemporary worship service, people are invited to come forward to receive the bread and the cup. During the late worship service, Elders distribute the bread and cup to worshippers as they stay seated.