Frequently Asked Questions
What is your Sunday worship schedule?
9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services in the Sanctuary
9:00 a.m. Youth-led service in The Refuge room of the Historic Chapel
10:30 a.m. Contemporary, coffeehouse-style service led by the Worship Band in Brigham Hall
How do the various worship services differ?
The two services in the Sanctuary are a blend of traditional and contemporary worship styles and music—including adult, youth and children’s choirs; organ; handbells; and other instrumentalists. The youth-led service includes a Biblical message or testimony; videos or dramas; and music by our youth praise band, Revelation. In the contemporary, coffeehouse-style service, the worship band leads us in praise music; coffee and cookies are available during the service; and the sermon is simulcast live from the Sanctuary.
How long are your worship services?
Our worship services are 70 minutes in length.
What do I wear to services?
You’ll see a mix of everything on Sunday morning, from suits and dresses to jeans and T-shirts. Your presence in worship is what honors God.
Where are you located?
Oakdale Emory is on the south end of Olney—on the easst side of
We have two parking lots, both of which are accessed from
When I arrive, where should I go? From the
From the Sanctuary entrance: You will enter the lobby and the Sanctuary is straight ahead, Brigham Hall is to the left, and Emory Hall (nursery and classrooms) to the right.
How am I expected to participate in the service?
Our worship services offer the opportunity to sing, participate in responsive readings and prayers, greet other worshippers, and listen to God's teachings through Scripture and the sermon.
How will I know when I should sit or stand?
The worship leader usually invites the congregation to sit or stand; the bulletin also has an asterisk next to the parts of the service where the congregation may stand; or you can simply follow the lead of others around you.
I don't know much about the Bible. Will I feel uncomfortable?
The Bible is the basis for all our preaching and teaching, but you don’t have to know anything about it beforehand—come to learn! When the pastor reads from the Bible during the service, the words are projected on a large screen. You also can follow along in the pew Bibles or—better yet—bring your own Bible.
May I take communion?
At Oakdale Emory, the sacrament of communion is open to persons of all ages who profess Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Do you collect an offering?
Offering plates are passed down the pews during the service. Guests bless us with their presence in worship and are invited simply to register their attendance by filing out the tear-off portion of the bulletin and place it in the offering plate. Giving an offering or tithe should be a joyous response to God’s love, faithfulness and generosity—not focused on the needs of the church and its operating budget.
What about my kids? Do you have childcare?
A Nursery is provided for infants and toddlers at both the 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. service times. It is located on the lower level of Emory Hall. Vibrating pagers are available for parents. eMpower Sunday School is offered for age 2–Grade 5 at 9:00 a.m. in Emory Hall.
Do you have a youth program?
In addition to the youth-led worship service on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in The Refuge room of the Historic Chapel, we also offer small groups for middle and senior-high youth during the week. These are called “D-Teams” (for “Discipleship) and they meet in The Refuge or private homes. Click here for more information.
Are children welcome in the worship services?
Yes. The 10:30 a.m. coffeehouse-style service is intended to be especially family-friendly.