Get to Know Us
Love God & Love Others
When you come to Kirk of Kildaire, we want you to be comfortable and know you’re entering into a safe and gracious community that welcomes you to explore your faith. On this page you’ll find everything you need to know about what you can expect when you visit Kirk of Kildaire.
FAQ
What to expect
You can reach both the upper and lower parking lots from High Meadow Drive. The Sanctuary (where we worship) is closest to the upper lot. Look for “VISITOR” spots set aside for our newest guests.
If you park in a visitor space, walk under the portico and enter the doors to your left under the covered patio. If you enter on the lower level near the community garden, take the elevator upstairs to reach the Sanctuary.
You’ll find Greeters ready to welcome you to worship or guide you to other parts of the campus, including the Nursery and Sunday School areas. If you are a first time visitor, please take a welcome bag from the table near the entry door.
Yes! Visitors and members are encouraged to “drop off” passengers under the covered area/portico leading to the main Sanctuary entrance before parking in the upper parking lot. A greeter is available to open the door for those in need of assistance.
The Kirk is a multi-generational congregation with an average worship attendance of 300 on Sunday mornings. Sunday School classes are held at 9:15 am for children and adults and at 5:30 pm for high schoolers.
Children of all ages are always welcome to join us in worship.
About 15 minutes into the service, all children will be invited to gather at the front of the Sanctuary for the Time with Children. They’ll sit on the steps during an interactive message. Grown ups are welcome to join the children at the front of the Sanctuary.
Our nursery is open for infants and toddlers during Sunday School and worship. The Nursery is located on the main level in the classroom building and is staffed with nurturing and loving childcare workers and volunteers. Ushers can direct you to the Nursery.
We love sharing God’s love with our children in the nursery.
While we have a variety of styles of dress at the Kirk, business casual would probably best describe the dress style of the majority of worship attendees. You will see fancy dresses, suits and ties, as well as jeans or shorts and flip flops.
Come as you are comfortable.
The Kirk has a more traditional style of worship, led by one or more ordained Ministers of Word and Sacrament (pastors) and often including lay leaders reading scripture and prayers. A typical worship service includes a welcome, announcements, several corporate prayers (read in unison, such as The Lord’s Prayer), a reading of key scripture passages related to the sermon, a sermon, collection of an offering, several hymns sung by the congregation and choir, and a benediction/blessing by the worship leader to close the service.
We include a variety of music styles in worship and have a folk music group that offers their gifts in worship at various times throughout the year. We also have several handbell choirs, a brass ensemble, string quartet, dulcimer and ukulele groups that add to the rich variety of the music programming at the Kirk. On special occasions, we celebrate our Scottish heritage with a bagpiper!
All are invited to participate in the Sacrament of Communion regardless of age or understanding.
The Kirk celebrates the Lord’s Supper, Communion, on the first Sunday of each month as well as at other special worship services throughout the year.
Pastors will be in the Narthex to greet members and visitors as they exit. During warmer months refreshments are served just outside on the covered patio for an additional time of fellowship.
Presbyterians believe that Baptism is a sign that we are a part of the community of believers throughout the world and through all the ages. When joining the Presbyterian church, individuals who have not been baptized will receive the sacrament during the worship service when new members are presented to the congregation.
When Christian parents present their infant children for Baptism, they consecrate themselves to the task of bringing up their child in the faith of the church.
Those who are being baptized upon profession of faith declare their intent to participate actively and responsibly in the church’s worship and mission.
How to Join the Church
Exploring the Kirk Class
Attending this class is a prerequisite to membership and a wonderful way to meet new people and learn more about our church. Classes are half day sessions, generally held on Sunday mornings, and are offered 2-4 times per year.
Session
All participants are invited to join our congregation after completing the class, but there is no pressure or obligation. Participants who wish to join will be received by the Session and recognized in worship on a Sunday after the class.
Questions?
For more information or to sign up, please contact the church office at:
919-467-4944 or churchoffice@kirkofkildaire.org
You are welcome to contact the church and a member of our staff will be in touch soon!