First time visitor? We would love to have you join us!
Here are some answers to common questions.
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Where are you located?
Our street address is 1138 Putnam Pike Chepachet, Rhode Island 02814. We are located right in the heart of the historic Chepachet Village directly off of Putnam Pike/Route 44. We are right across the street from the Glocester Library and Town Hall. Also here is a link for getting directions to us on Google Maps. |
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Where should I park and enter the building?
Our building and parking lot is shaped like a giant "U" with the Fellowship Hall (Greenhalgh Hall) near our parking lot's entrance, the classrooms in the middle section, and the office and sanctuary wing located near our parking lot exit (See our building/parking map on this page for more details). You can follow the entrance/exit and one-way signs to drive around the building. Guest parking is available on all sides of the building, though many people prefer to park closer to the sanctuary/office entrances for Sunday services. All the main doors are usually open for our major services, though only certain entrances (like the office entrance) are open during business hours or for smaller events. |
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Do you have handicap accessible entrances?
Yes! The best entrance/parking for handicap access is our "Side Entrance" located near the sanctuary. There is a special driveway near the sanctuary that leads to that entrance. There you will find a ground level door as well as a chair lift and elevator (coming 2025!) for getting up the stairs and into the sanctuary. Feel free to talk to any of our ushers or members when you arrive for help getting into the building. |
When are your services and what are they like?
Unless we have a special event Sunday (you can check our calendar here), our Sunday worship services are usually at 9:00 am (and last about an hour). Our services usually include a mix of prayer, congregational singing, special music, scripture readings, and preaching as we seek and worship God together. Our "atmosphere" is somewhat traditional. We meet in a beautiful historic building and use a few "liturgical" responsive elements in worship (like saying the Lord's prayer together). We do love the best of both older and newer music, and use a blend of both traditional music (hymns, choir, and organ) and more modern music (guitar and piano). You are welcome to preview some of our recent services online on YouTube. Most services are followed by a "coffee hour" (around 10:00 am) which is a fellowship time for connecting with others and enjoying free coffee and snacks. We also often have an "education hour" after service (at 10:30 am) when special Bible studies or other classes run. Our classes and fellowship groups on Sundays and during the week change throughout the year, so feel free to ask about what we are currently offering.
Unless we have a special event Sunday (you can check our calendar here), our Sunday worship services are usually at 9:00 am (and last about an hour). Our services usually include a mix of prayer, congregational singing, special music, scripture readings, and preaching as we seek and worship God together. Our "atmosphere" is somewhat traditional. We meet in a beautiful historic building and use a few "liturgical" responsive elements in worship (like saying the Lord's prayer together). We do love the best of both older and newer music, and use a blend of both traditional music (hymns, choir, and organ) and more modern music (guitar and piano). You are welcome to preview some of our recent services online on YouTube. Most services are followed by a "coffee hour" (around 10:00 am) which is a fellowship time for connecting with others and enjoying free coffee and snacks. We also often have an "education hour" after service (at 10:30 am) when special Bible studies or other classes run. Our classes and fellowship groups on Sundays and during the week change throughout the year, so feel free to ask about what we are currently offering.
Do I need to dress a certain way, do anything while I am here, or prepare in any way?
No preparation required and come as you are! All are welcome and we (and Jesus!) would love to spend some time with you. While those running the service are usually dressed up, people come in a variety of outfits and styles, from casual, to dressy casual, to their Sunday best! Do what is comfortable for you. We don't have assigned seating so feel free to sit wherever you are comfortable. There are some participatory elements in service (some responsive statements, congregational singing, and some standing and sitting), though we try to provide clear guidance for these and you should not feel required to participate. We do discourage bringing food and drink into the sanctuary (besides bottled water), but we welcome it in the fellowship hall!
No preparation required and come as you are! All are welcome and we (and Jesus!) would love to spend some time with you. While those running the service are usually dressed up, people come in a variety of outfits and styles, from casual, to dressy casual, to their Sunday best! Do what is comfortable for you. We don't have assigned seating so feel free to sit wherever you are comfortable. There are some participatory elements in service (some responsive statements, congregational singing, and some standing and sitting), though we try to provide clear guidance for these and you should not feel required to participate. We do discourage bringing food and drink into the sanctuary (besides bottled water), but we welcome it in the fellowship hall!
How do you do communion and can I participate?
We usually celebrate communion on the first Sunday of the month during our worship service. We practice "open communion" meaning participating is up to your own discretion, though you should feel no pressure to take part. We pass trays with small servings of bread and wine (we use grape juice) among the church and then all eat and drink together with the leader. In trying to help people follow the biblical guidelines for taking communion, we recommend that those who take communion have repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ, have been baptized, and are seeking to live in obedience to Christ. You don't have to be perfect to take communion (or no one would!), but it is good to take it seriously as we remember the body, blood, death, and love of Christ and proclaim our commitment to him. If you have any questions about communion or its meaning, feel free to talk to the pastor. We often end our communion time with the singing of the first verse of "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" and we invite people to briefly join hands with those around them as a symbol of our unity in Christ. You are welcome to join in with that if you are comfortable or to just observe.
We usually celebrate communion on the first Sunday of the month during our worship service. We practice "open communion" meaning participating is up to your own discretion, though you should feel no pressure to take part. We pass trays with small servings of bread and wine (we use grape juice) among the church and then all eat and drink together with the leader. In trying to help people follow the biblical guidelines for taking communion, we recommend that those who take communion have repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ, have been baptized, and are seeking to live in obedience to Christ. You don't have to be perfect to take communion (or no one would!), but it is good to take it seriously as we remember the body, blood, death, and love of Christ and proclaim our commitment to him. If you have any questions about communion or its meaning, feel free to talk to the pastor. We often end our communion time with the singing of the first verse of "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" and we invite people to briefly join hands with those around them as a symbol of our unity in Christ. You are welcome to join in with that if you are comfortable or to just observe.
Do you offer programs for children and teens?
Yes! We love kids at CUC and have a large ministry with many wonderful programs and resources for children and youth from nursery age through college. We have a nursing mother's room as well as a supervised nursery for children ages 0-3, both of which are equipped with audio so you can still listen to the service. We also have a Sunday School program during the school year with classes from Pre-K through 12th grade where children will worship, learn from the Bible, and engage in fun activities in a safe environment during our Sunday morning 9:00 am service. All of our teachers are verified members, go through criminal background checks, and many of them are also professional educators and parents themselves! After registering (you can register at this link), parents are welcome to drop off their children or stay with their children in class. Parents are also welcome to bring children of all ages into service with them. When Sunday School is not being run during the summer or holidays, we often offer special activities for children. We also provide regular special events for our older youth (Middle School through college) as well as a yearly Summer Vacation Bible School Program. You can learn more about our children's programs here.
Yes! We love kids at CUC and have a large ministry with many wonderful programs and resources for children and youth from nursery age through college. We have a nursing mother's room as well as a supervised nursery for children ages 0-3, both of which are equipped with audio so you can still listen to the service. We also have a Sunday School program during the school year with classes from Pre-K through 12th grade where children will worship, learn from the Bible, and engage in fun activities in a safe environment during our Sunday morning 9:00 am service. All of our teachers are verified members, go through criminal background checks, and many of them are also professional educators and parents themselves! After registering (you can register at this link), parents are welcome to drop off their children or stay with their children in class. Parents are also welcome to bring children of all ages into service with them. When Sunday School is not being run during the summer or holidays, we often offer special activities for children. We also provide regular special events for our older youth (Middle School through college) as well as a yearly Summer Vacation Bible School Program. You can learn more about our children's programs here.
How do I register my children for the Sunday School program?
Our children's classes are located in the middle "long hallway" section of our building between the fellowship hall and the office/sanctuary wing. The younger grades are located upstairs and the oldest class (middle school and high school) is located downstairs. We recommend for your first Sunday you arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to service so you can speak with a teacher, provide your information, and get your child settled. You can pre-register your children for Sunday School at this link. You can also reach out to our church office during the week for more information ([email protected], 401-568-2518). Feel free to talk to an usher, leader, or other member when you get to our building and they will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Our children's classes are located in the middle "long hallway" section of our building between the fellowship hall and the office/sanctuary wing. The younger grades are located upstairs and the oldest class (middle school and high school) is located downstairs. We recommend for your first Sunday you arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to service so you can speak with a teacher, provide your information, and get your child settled. You can pre-register your children for Sunday School at this link. You can also reach out to our church office during the week for more information ([email protected], 401-568-2518). Feel free to talk to an usher, leader, or other member when you get to our building and they will be happy to point you in the right direction.
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What do you believe?
We seek to be a church that is faithful to Jesus Christ in our beliefs, staying rooted and grounded in scripture and the historic Christian faith. The teaching of the scriptures is our final standard for faith and practice. Of course, we are also continually seeking to learn and live out what it means to faithfully follow Jesus Christ in our world today. You can learn more on our website about our history as well as our values and beliefs, which also includes our statement of faith. |
Are you associated with any particular denomination?
We are an independently governed church with elected leaders. Our congregation/members have the final say over all our affairs. Since our church came about from the union of a Baptist church and a Congregational church in our town, we also have historic roots and ties with both of those denominations.
We are an independently governed church with elected leaders. Our congregation/members have the final say over all our affairs. Since our church came about from the union of a Baptist church and a Congregational church in our town, we also have historic roots and ties with both of those denominations.
What if I am interested in learning more about the church, your programs, church membership, getting involved, etc.?
We would love to answer your questions! Feel free to ask members and leaders for more information during your visit. We also encourage you to connect with our pastor either in person, by email ([email protected]), or by calling the church during office hours (401-568-2518). We do regularly offer membership, baptism, and confirmation classes as well as other ways to get more connected to our church, grow, and serve.
We would love to answer your questions! Feel free to ask members and leaders for more information during your visit. We also encourage you to connect with our pastor either in person, by email ([email protected]), or by calling the church during office hours (401-568-2518). We do regularly offer membership, baptism, and confirmation classes as well as other ways to get more connected to our church, grow, and serve.
What if I am interested in baptism, confirmation, or dedication for myself or for a child?
Like most churches, we regularly practice baptism of adults and children who are ready to publicly proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ and commit their lives to him. Since our church was formed from the union of a Baptist church and a Congregational church, we have some members who are comfortable with the tradition of child baptism (often followed later by confirmation) and others who are not, preferring something like child dedication followed by baptism when the child is old enough to personally commit to their faith. Since we feel it is important people understand the meaning behind the rituals of baptism, dedication, or confirmation before participating, the first step is to set up a time to talk with our pastor ([email protected]). He would be more than happy to help answer any questions and guide you through what that process would look like. Because an essential part of the meaning of these rituals is committing ourselves to following Jesus and being a part of his church, we usually only do them for regular attendees of our church. We also regularly offer classes preparing for steps like membership and baptism. We think the best way for anyone to prepare for these acts is to start getting connected to a good local church, and we would be happy to help you do that here or to help you find another good church family close to you.
Like most churches, we regularly practice baptism of adults and children who are ready to publicly proclaim their faith in Jesus Christ and commit their lives to him. Since our church was formed from the union of a Baptist church and a Congregational church, we have some members who are comfortable with the tradition of child baptism (often followed later by confirmation) and others who are not, preferring something like child dedication followed by baptism when the child is old enough to personally commit to their faith. Since we feel it is important people understand the meaning behind the rituals of baptism, dedication, or confirmation before participating, the first step is to set up a time to talk with our pastor ([email protected]). He would be more than happy to help answer any questions and guide you through what that process would look like. Because an essential part of the meaning of these rituals is committing ourselves to following Jesus and being a part of his church, we usually only do them for regular attendees of our church. We also regularly offer classes preparing for steps like membership and baptism. We think the best way for anyone to prepare for these acts is to start getting connected to a good local church, and we would be happy to help you do that here or to help you find another good church family close to you.
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What are the church's office hours?
Our church office is open for business most Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (excluding holidays or inclement weather), meaning that a staff member is on site and ready to help. You are more than welcome to stop by or call (401-568-2518). Our pastor also keeps some office hours that often overlap with our church office hours where people are welcome to visit. Feel free to call our office for his current schedule. He would love to connect with you! Since the pastor's schedule can vary with visitations and meetings, it might not hurt to call or email ahead of time to make sure he is available. |
Church Office Entrance
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How do I get in touch or ask other questions?
Feel free to reach out to us via our website, give us a call at (401-568-2518), send our church office an email ([email protected]), or reach out to our pastor ([email protected]). Church office hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (excluding holidays or inclement weather). Of course also feel free to visit us in person at 1138 Putnam Pike Chepachet, Rhode Island 02814 or write us at PO Box E 1138 Putnam Pike
Chepachet, Rhode Island 02814.
Feel free to reach out to us via our website, give us a call at (401-568-2518), send our church office an email ([email protected]), or reach out to our pastor ([email protected]). Church office hours are Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (excluding holidays or inclement weather). Of course also feel free to visit us in person at 1138 Putnam Pike Chepachet, Rhode Island 02814 or write us at PO Box E 1138 Putnam Pike
Chepachet, Rhode Island 02814.
Copyright Chepachet Union Church
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PHONE:
401-568-2518 EMAIL:
[email protected] |
LINKS: |
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