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What to Expect
A visit to a new church can be exciting! It can also be perplexing! Where should I enter? Where should I park? How can I find the Sanctuary or desired classroom? First Baptist Westfield is a caring congregation that welcomes anyone and everyone. We want you to discover the joy that we share when we come together to worship God in our sanctuary. If you are planning to visit on a Sunday morning, here are some hints to help you find your way around and to know what to expect.
Getting Here
First Baptist Westfield is located in the heart of downtown Westfield at 170 Elm Street, across from Trader Joe’s. Parking is not a problem. We have several lots that surround the church and parking is free on Sundays. If you park in the lot behind the church off of Orchard Street, you'll be close to the back entrance to the church, where the majority of people enter. Handicap entrance and parking is located on the downtown-side of the church building.
» map and directions to First Baptist Westfield
When You Arrive
Sunday mornings, you will be greeted by a smiling face when you enter our building. These greeters can direct you to the Sanctuary, adult Christian education opportunities, youth classes, or “coffee in the kitchen.” Volunteers will also help you find childcare that is appropriate to your child’s age.
» Learn more about Christian Education opportunities
Worship
Our morning worship begins at 10:15 in the sanctuary. Our members will be happy to help guide you there. Please take the opportunity before the service starts to turn off all audible pagers, cell phones, and watch alarms.
As you enter the sanctuary, you will receive an order of worship. The pews in the room face the center in a "U" layout that we call "the church in the round"- feel free to sit wherever you feel comfortable. The service usually begins with an instrumental prelude when you can prepare your heart for worship. Near the beginning of the service, you will be welcomed by one of our ministers, but not singled out in any way. Please give us the opportunity to know you better by filling out the registration pad found in each pew. During the service, you can find the hymns that we sing in the hymnal in the pew rack under the seat in front of you. The hymn numbers are printed in the order of worship. Our Minister of Music will usually indicate when it is time to stand up or you may simply follow the choir’s lead. We strive to keep the mechanics of our service at a minimum so that you can focus your heart on the reason we're there - to worship. We recite the Lord’s Prayer together at the conclusion of the Opening Prayer (it is printed in the bulletin).
Young children often join the minister in the open area for Children’s Moments, after which they go downstairs for their own activities. Those who wish will share prayer requests before the pastoral prayer. One of the ministers offers a 20-minute sermon each week, applying a passage of the Bible to everyday life.
Our music style in worship is what we refer to as “blended.” Blended worship is our honest attempt to unify the best of both traditional hymns and contemporary or modern music into our corporate worship. We pride ourselves on being a multi-generational church, and our worship style aims to reflect music that touches the heart of all the various generations. So, one Sunday will even include a hip band ensemble led by the youth choir, and the next week may be a string quartet playing revered classics. We hope that you will find your connection to God through our blended approach.
After Worship
Worship ends about 11:30, and folks gather in the lounge just outside the sanctuary, where coffee, juice, and cookies are served.
Our ministers are always in the main lobby after the service and would love to greet you personally.
Once you've visited, we hope that you'll choose First Baptist Westfield to be your church home.
