What do services at FBC look like during COVID-19?

Our services are in-person and streamed on our Facebook page. Many folks wear masks as their health and the rise and fall of illness makes prudent. We keep hand sanitizer readily available, and we always sanitize our hands as part of our celebration of communion.
The priority that informs our process is inspired by our inclusive beliefs. We profess that everybody is somebody to God and to us. This is why we chose to wait to reconvene in-person gatherings until everybody was safe to return together.
You are essential—to God and to us.

Where do I park?

Our main parking lot entrance is off of Salisbury St. Overflow parking is available across the street or behind the church in the WPI parking garage. Entrances to the church are located along the main parking lot. The doors closer to Salisbury St. access the historic Sanctuary via stairs, while the main entrance down the sidewalk leads to church office and is wheelchair-accessible, with an elevator to the Sanctuary.
There is also a bike rack in the parking lot. The doors closest to the bike rack will take you to the front of the Sanctuary.
Worcester Transit buses 31 and 825 stop very nearby at Institute Park.

What will worship be like?

When you enter the sanctuary, you will be greeted by an usher who will give you an Order of Worship which includes church announcements and guidance to participate in worship. The worship service begins at 10:00 am and usually lasts about an hour.

What if I have children with me?

Children are always welcome in worship! We have baskets available at the sanctuary entrances which include children’s activities for those kids who may find it difficult to focus for the entire service. All children are invited to come up for the Moment of Wonder during the service where children receive a lesson crafted for them. Following the Moment of Wonder, children then return to their parents or have the option to go to Sunday School during select services. All adults who work with children are background checked through the state's CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) system, and FBC as a whole is Safe Church certified.

What happens during worship?

Our ministers and members participate in leading different parts of the worship service. We sing hymns, recite prayers, listen to Bible readings and special music, participate in giving and learn from a sermon. Once a month, we celebrate Communion in worship.

May I take communion?

Yes, you can. We welcome everyone to share in communion with us. We serve the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month and on other special occasions. The church practices OPEN COMMUNION, which means that anyone who wishes to may partake of the bread and the juice. You do not have to be a member to participate.

Is the church accessible to someone with disabilities?

Yes! Wheelchair users and others who cannot or would prefer not to use stairs can enter the building through the lobby and church office. There are two wheelchair-accessible, all-gender restrooms near that door. An elevator accesses the Sanctuary and Gordon Hall, our two main gathering spaces. And there is space for wheelchairs in the Sanctuary (on the Pulpit side, just to the left as you come off the elevator. An usher can help you find space for your mobility aids. During communion, you are invited to come forward for intinction (dipping the bread in the cup). If you prefer to receive communion in your seat, ask an usher for a single-serve communion cup or signal the ministers and we will be happy to bring the bread and cup to you.
Hearing assistance devices are available during each worship service; ask an usher to help you with one.
We seek to be accessible to people with all kinds of disabilities. If there is a way we can help you (or your child) participate in our services and activities, please speak with a pastor or email the church office at info@fbcwoo.org

Fellowship Hour

Everyone is invited to join us for our Fellowship Hour following worship! We love to meet visitors and greet each other after worship. Fair trade coffee, tea and light refreshments are served in Gordon Hall just outside the Sanctuary, accessible via stairs or elevator. On many Sundays, programming for a variety of interests follows the time of fellowship.

What if I'm an introvert?

If you’re nervous about visiting a new church, you can always check us out online first! Even pre-COVID we livestreamed all of our services on our website. We are currently using both Facebook Live to stream the services. We also post previous sermons on our Sermons page. We suggest coming in through the entrance closest to Salisbury St. (near our Free Little Pantry), as this will bring you into the sanctuary at the back, rather than the front. There’s always a brief time of greeting during the service, and then a Fellowship Hour in Gordon Hall after the service. Feel free to participate in those as much or as little as you’d like. If you’d rather meet with someone one-on-one first, our ministers would love to grab a coffee or bite with you.