What to Expect
During this time, we gather Sundays at 10:30 A.M. outside on the practice field behind Alexander High School. At Brookfield, we know that going to a church for the first time can be an intimidating experience full of questions like, “What’s going to happen?” “Will I be dressed right?” “What will the music be like?” “Will there be people there like me?” Plus, things are looking particularly different these days due to COVID-19. We don’t want you to be unsure about what it’s like to visit Brookfield Church, so here is what you will want to know.
We gather Sundays at 9 & 11 A.M. uptown at 5 N. Court Street. At Brookfield, we know that going to a church for the first time can be an intimidating experience full of questions like, “What’s going to happen?” “Will I be dressed right?” “What will the music be like?” “Will there be people like me?” Plus, things are looking a little different these days due to COVID-19. We don’t want you to be unsure about what it’s like to visit Brookfield Church, so here is what you will want to know.
We gather Sundays at 10:30 A.M. uptown at 5 N. Court Street. At Brookfield, we know that going to a church for the first time can be an intimidating experience full of questions like, “What’s going to happen?” “Will I be dressed right?” “What will the music be like?” “Will there be people like me?” We don’t want you to be unsure about what it’s like to visit Brookfield Church, so here is what you will want to know.
BEFORE THE SERVICE
There is no need to dress up, so feel free to come in casual clothes. Hats, sunscreen, and bug spray are all welcome! Since we'll be outside, make sure to come dressed for the weather. When you arrive, our Parking Team will direct you to the parking lot closest to our meeting space. Feel free to set up your lawn chair or blanket anywhere on the field that's at least 6 feet away from others. People will be friendly and greet you, but won't break the 6-foot social distancing recommendation. Everyone will be wearing masks to protect others; if you don't own a mask, that's okay! We have disposable masks available at the green Brookfield tent. It's okay if small children are unable to wear masks.
There is no need to dress up, so feel free to come in casual clothes. People will be friendly and greet you, but won't invade your space. Because of the City of Athens mask mandate, we ask that everyone wear a mask during our service. If you don't own a mask, that's okay! We have disposable masks available at the door. Free coffee, tea, and donuts are available, and you are welcome to bring your food and drinks into the service.
There is no need to dress up, so feel free to come in casual clothes. People will be friendly and greet you, but won't invade your space. Some people will be wearing masks; others may not be, but only if they are fully vaccinated. We ask that if you have not been fully vaccinated, you wear a mask during service. If you don't own a mask, that's okay! We have disposable masks available at the door. Free coffee, tea, and donuts are available, and you are welcome to bring your food and drinks into the service.
Because of the virus, we are seating people by the number of people in their "party," similar to a sit-down restaurant. When you get to the auditorium, our host will ask you how many people are with you, and then they will give you a section number ("B5," for example). The chairs in the auditorium are spaced out and labeled with these section numbers, just like at a sporting event or concert. You can find your seat and sit down until the service begins.
There is no need to dress up, so feel free to come in casual clothes. When you walk in, people will be friendly and greet you but won't invade your space. Free coffee, tea, and donuts are available, and you are welcome to bring your food and drinks into the service.
KIDS & YOUTH
We have an excellent Kids Program with trusted and trained workers where your children can learn about Jesus in an age-appropriate way and in a safe and fun environment. Read on for a brief introduction, and visit the Kids Church and Youth pages for more information.
Important note: We'll resume our usual 9 & 11 AM service schedule on Sunday, January 26th. Until then, while we have one service over winter break, all Kids Church classrooms will be open for our 10:30 am service.
Babies & Toddlers
Kids Church is open to babies and toddlers at both services. They may be checked in 15 minutes prior to each service. A host will meet you outside of the Kids space to help direct you where to go.
3-Year-Olds – 4th Graders
Kids Church serves 3-year-olds through 4th grade during the 9 AM service only. You can begin checking in your kids 15 minutes prior to each service.
Middle School
Our middle schoolers (5th–8th grade) meet during the 9 AM service. They join the regular service for worship and announcements, and then meet their leader in the lobby for the middle school service.
High School
High school students are encouraged to attend the regular church service and check out our high school program that meets on Sunday nights. Check out our Youth page for more information.
DURING THE SERVICE
Worship
We start our services with worship by singing songs to God. The worship music is current, ranging from modern hymns to contemporary worship songs. Some people respond naturally to God’s presence by raising hands, kneeling, or clapping, but we just want you to worship in a manner that’s real. At Brookfield, this means low-key, non-hyped, heartfelt responses to the Living God.
Worship & Offering
We start our services with worship by singing songs to God. The worship music is current, ranging from modern hymns to contemporary worship songs. Some people respond naturally to God’s presence by raising hands, kneeling, or clapping but we just want you to worship in a manner that’s real. At Brookfield, this means low-key, non-hyped, heartfelt responses to the Living God. We also offer the opportunity during our Sunday services for those who would like to give financially to God’s Church, but if you are visiting, there is absolutely no obligation to give.
Teaching
After announcements, a pastor will teach from the English Standard Version of the Bible (if you don’t own a Bible, we would love to give you one when you visit). Because we believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, we teach it as it is, rather than teaching our own opinion. We aim to teach the Bible in a way that is clear and understandable to all, regardless of church experience, and that challenges us to put it into practice.
Prayer
As the last worship song plays at the conclusion of each service, those who would like to receive prayer will be invited forward, and someone from our prayer team will pray for them. We find it important to have an environment without the pressure to go forward to receive prayer, but with the opportunity for anyone who would like God’s help with specific things to have an opportunity to ask Him.
AFTER THE SERVICE
Each service lasts for about an hour and 15 minutes. Once it ends, please feel free to hang out and meet people afterwards. We would definitely like to meet you! For parents, please pick up your kids within 15 minutes of the service ending.
