Plainville Christian Church
How can I find your church?
Take Rt. 370 west from Baldwinsville, or east from Cato or Meridian. From Rt. 690, take the exit just north of the Seneca River, and head west. In about five miles, you will come to a four corners and a small hamlet. You have arrived in Plainville! (There’s a sign.) Keep going another 100 yards or so, and you will see the church on your left (or on your right, if you are coming from the west). the entrance to the parking lot is just west of the church building. If you want a map, click on this link! (the address on the map will say "Baldwinsville, because Mapquest apparently doesn't know about Plainville, but trust us, the map is accurate!
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We mean what our slogan says: “No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here! You are welcome, regardless of your religious affiliation, or lack of one. You are welcome whether you are married, divorced, or single, or widowed. You are welcome if you are 1 week old, or 110! You are welcome if you are a single parent. You are welcome regardless of your ethnicity, your politics, your economic status, or your sexual orientation. If you are seeking a community of loving, supportive people who worship God and try to live as the people of Jesus Christ, then you are welcome!
What is your worship service like?
Our worship service is somewhat traditional, although we like a great variety of music, from the old hymns to some pretty contemporary stuff. You might call our style “relaxed traditional.” We are very “un-stuffy.” We can often be heard laughing out loud. During our prayer time, people are free to share their joys and thanksgivings, and their needs, and their concerns for others and for our world, but if you don’t want to share, that’s ok too. Although we don’t generally get too many folks shouting “Amen” or “Hallelujah” or “Praise The Lord” during the service, it’s been known to happen, and if you are moved to express yourself, that’d be pretty cool! We really enjoy worshiping and being together. We experience a real sense of Christ’s presence in the midst of our worship (after all, he did promise that, where two or more of us are gathered in his name, he would be there with us!) We would really, really enjoy welcoming you!
Is there a children’s Sunday School?
Yes, there is. Children’s Sunday School meets during the first half of the worship service, and then the children and their teachers come into worship for the second half. We have two classes, one for little ones, and one for older elementary. There is also a teacher ready to offer a class for any teens who may be present. Sometimes there are, and sometimes not. (You know how teens are!) Our teachers are very capable and dedicated. On any given Sunday, there will be from 6 to 15 children present. Of course, if your children would rather just stay with you, that’s ok too! We know it’s scary to be in a new place, and then to be separated from your family. We want everyone to be comfortable. They will start to feel at home pretty quickly.
Is there a nursery?
There is nursery care, although some Sundays there are no infants. But nursery care leaders are always on duty, and will watch after little ones at a moment’s notice. And again, your little ones are always welcome to remain with you. Our pastor has a pretty strong voice, and he doesn’t mind it in the least when little ones move around or make some noise. He was paying attention when Jesus said that thing about letting the little children come to him. In fact, when we welcome our Sunday School children into worship, we do it with a song: “This, this is where children belong; welcomed as part of the worshiping throng. Water, God’s word, bread and cup, prayer and song; this is where children belong.” We mean it!
Do you have an adult education program?
We offer adult education classes and other opportunities from time to time. At the present, there is not an ongoing, every week, adult class, but anytime a handful of people express an interest, we are happy to respond. We will probably start one up again in the fall. If you are interested in Adult classes, just mention it to our Pastor.
Does your church serve Holy Communion during worship?
Holy Communion, also known as The Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is typically served during worship on the first Sunday of each month, and also at a couple of other special times during the year. In keeping with our congregational roots, we generally serve the elements of Holy Communion (bread and grape juice) in the pews.
Who may receive Holy Communion?
In a word, everyone! Although some churches restrict Holy Communion to members, or to adults, or to baptized Christians (and we respect their theological reasons for doing so), we believe that Holy Communion is, among other things, a “means of grace.” That means that we believe that God can work powerfully in the life of an individual through this sacrament, and so we choose not to place any barriers at all between any person and the powerful grace of God! Our invitational words run something like this: “We believe that Christ calls all persons to this table, so long as they are open to the love and grace of Christ in their lives, and desire to live in peace with their neighbor.” Of course, if you choose, for any reason, NOT to receive the sacrament, we certainly respect your choice. Just pass the tray along when it comes to you, and no one will think twice about it. Children of any age may participate, at the discretion of their parents.
Is there a dress code for worship?
Since we can’t find any dress code in any of Jesus’ teachings for those who seek to follow him, we don’t have one either. Dress in whatever style makes you comfortable. On a typical Sunday, you will see suits and ties, dresses, jeans, slacks, and all manner of everything else. Since we are not air conditioned (yet – we’re working on it), lots of folks choose cool, light clothing in the summer months. We do have pretty good heat in the winter! Be comfortable.