What to Expect
We understand that visiting any church for the very first time can be a difficult experience. We want to help put you at ease! Your first visit to Markham Bible Chapel will be refreshing, friendly, and enjoyable for your whole family. We want you to experience inspiring music, helpful teaching and preaching, friendly people, and a place where you feel welcome and “at home”! Here are a few answers to your questions and what you might expect on your first visit.
What can I expect on my first visit to the Family Bible Hour (11AM-12:15PM on Sundays)?
When you come into our building, one of our greeters will meet you and direct you to the right classes and services. They can also answer other questions you may have. You are welcome to join us for tea, coffee and a snack before the service, which commences at 11:15am. We believe you will enjoy our Family Bible Hour which starts with congregational singing and announcements. The music is always followed by a clear, helpful, and challenging Bible message.
Where do I take my Children?
At the same time as the Family Bible Hour, our Sunday School meets downstairs in the gym at 11am. There will be singing, Bible lessons and activities for each age group. These classes are staffed with trained, friendly, and well-qualified teachers and helpers who will make learning from God's Word exciting and memorable for your child. Here is more information about our Sunday School.
We also have a safe and clean nursery for children under three years old that is staffed with nursery attendants. If your infant or toddler should be in need at any time during the services, nursery attendants can easily contact an usher who will come and get you from the service.
We want your whole family to feel at home at Markham Bible Chapel, so if your child would rather stay with mom and dad - that's ok too!
How should I dress?
There is no dress code at Markham Bible Chapel for those attending. Our ministry leaders and many of our church family dress in business-casual to more traditional "Sunday" dress; however, our main goal is that you would feel welcome and comfortable on your visit here! You will notice that many of the ladies at Markham Bible Chapel wear a head covering during the service times while in the main auditorium. This is because we believe that 1 Corinthians 11 instructs this "because of the angels". If you're visiting with us, or do not feel comfortable wearing a head covering, you are still more than welcome to attend our services!
Am I Expected to Participate in the Offering?
No. We want our service to be a gift to you. We hope you will find in this place a warm family spirit, truth from God’s Word, and a place where you can grow in God’s grace. Please don’t feel any obligation to participate in the offering as a guest. An offering is not taken during the Family Bible Hour.
What is the Breaking of Bread Service (9:30AM)?
Every Sunday at 9:30am we gather to remember the Lord's sacrifice for us on the cross. This service lasts around 90 minutes and is designed as a remembrance service. Men, who feel led by the Holy Spirit, share short passages of scripture, pray or give out a hymn for the congregation to sing. Near the end of this service we partake of the emblems. This includes bread and wine/grape juice. We ask that only believers in the Lord Jesus Christ take part in the bread and wine. An offering is taken at the end of the service, and those who feel led to do so, can take part, but there is no obligation.
Other questions?
If there’s something we've missed, just give us a call, or ask someone when you arrive. Whether you’re new to the area and looking for a church home, or if it’s been a long time since you’ve attended church at all, we hope your first visit at Markham Bible Chapel will be very positive! We are here to serve you and your family, and we are looking forward to meeting you personally. We hope you’ll feel right at home from the very first moment you step into our building! Let us know how we can serve you better, and we hope to meet you this Sunday!