What to Expect at Cityview Church
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to expect when you’re visiting a church for the first time. This is especially true for those who have never been to church.
Our Sunday service starts at 10.00am and runs for approximately 90 minutes. You are welcome to arrive from 9:30am. The cafe will be open for hot drinks and lunch pre-orders 9:30am-9:55am.
This service is in English. After the service, you are welcome to stay for a chat. Our café is open most Sundays, where you may purchase a delicious lunch.
What to expect Walking in the door
You’ll be warmly greeted by someone from our congregation wearing a welcome badge.
If you are new or visiting for the first time, they’ll give you a “Welcome to Cityview” pack and ask for your name. If you need to know where the amenities are, these are the people to ask.
Finding a seat
If you know someone, you might like to sit with them. Otherwise, feel free to choose where you want to sit, nothing is reserved. If you’re in a wheel chair, the people with welcome badges will point you to the most comfortable position.
How does the service begin?
Our service always begins with lively music! Cityview has a great band which plays contemporary Christian music and invites everyone to join with them in singing praises to GOD. The words of the songs are shown above the band, so everyone can follow the music. You’ll enjoy the variety of instruments played and the integrity of the worship. The Cityview band write a good portion of what they sing.
Do you have children’s ministry?
Our creche (GLO or ‘God’s Little Ones) begins at 9.55am, just before our service. This ministry is for children walking age to 4 years. All children must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian.
At the commencement of our service (10.00am) our older children join with the entire congregation singing praises and worship songs to God. This is followed by Meet and Greet where everyone is invited to say hello to each other. This is also the time for parents to take their children into the adjoining hall for their own ministry. Again, all children must be signed in and out by a parent or guardian.
Our Cityview Children’s Church (ages 4-12 years) is a unique program, as it offers the same spiritual message spoken to the adults in the main service but, delivered in a way the children will understand. Most Sundays we also run LIT (Lord’s Ignited Teens) for 10 years and over. This programme runs concurrently with our Children’s Church. They receive their own unique messages as well as participate in games and activities.
What do I do if my baby is a distraction in the church service?
If you find your baby to be a distraction to others in the service, to the left of our main auditorium, there’s a ‘parents viewing room’ with a window and sound speaker. Please feel free to use this room, you will still feel a part of our service while catering for the needs of your baby. This room provides two comfortable leather sofas plus extra seating, change table, microwave, and a range of baby toys.
What to expect during welcome & announcements?
This is the time Cityview Church keeps everyone informed of our programs and future events. During this time all new people are given a warm welcome. You would have been given a Welcome Pack at the door. This includes a voucher for a free cappuccino from our café, a letter from our Pastor and a welcome card, which we invite you to fill out and place into our offering bags or give to an usher.
May I take Communion?
Cityview Church regularly includes the ceremony of Communion in its main service. This ceremony symbolizes the key message of what Christianity is all about – Jesus Christ died on the cross, He took our punishment upon Himself so that we may have the forgiveness of God. He then rose from the dead, conquering death and hell, so we can spend eternity with Him. Everyone who believes that Jesus Christ is their LORD and Savior is invited to participate in Communion.
Ushers will offer you a communion cup which includes a dry wafer, and grape juice.
The wafer is the ‘bread’ that symbolizes Jesus’ body on the cross.
The grape juice, is the wine that symbolizes Jesus’ blood that was poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Usually, you will be invited to wait until everyone has their communion cup before eating and drinking.
What do I do when the offering is taken?
This part of the service, is where everyone has an opportunity to give a financial offering to God. Usually a song is played, while the offering bags are passed through the church by the ushers. If you are new or visiting, we do not expect you to give. The money collected is used to pay our ministers, administration staff, leasing of the building, operating costs and various ministries.
What kind of sermon is delivered?
All sermons preached at Cityview Church are totally Bible based and have the aim to inspire people to live their lives according to the way of the LORD. Jesus is THE answer and it is Jesus who we preach.
Our service usually finishes in prayer and then everyone is encouraged to stay for some sweet fellowship over a cuppa or lunch even. Cityview Church has a well-equipped café (including baby high chairs) and Cityview Church also provides, for your leisure, a beautiful grassed back yard with children’s play equipment.
Come & experience, for yourself, our beautiful community!