*During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking extra precautions to keep you and your family safe. Everyone is asked to wear a mask to services and other activities, unless under the age of 2 or medically unable to do so. We are also practicing social distancing and using enhanced sanitizing procedures. If you have any questions specifically about how we are doing our best to show God’s love and keep our Church Family and guests safe, please do not hesitate to contact the church office.

Below are some answers to questions you might have. If you have a question not answered below, please contact the church office and we would be happy to talk with you.

 

• What is the worship style?

The worship is a blended style. You will hear the traditional hymns mixed with contemporary praise songs.

• What should I wear to church?

You may wear whatever you are most comfortable in. You will see many different styles of dress. Some people wear suits, ties, dresses, and skirts; while others wear jeans.

• Is it okay to bring my young children to the worship service?

Certainly! We welcome children of all ages during the worship service. There is a staffed nursery available for children from newborn to age 2. But we understand some parents want to keep their child with them. If you bring your child to the worship service, please do not be concerned with the little noises they might make. Children are a blessing and we delight in their presence among the congregation.

• What is Sunday School? Isn’t that just for kids?

Sunday School is a time for people of all ages to get together and study the Bible in a smaller setting. We have classes for children from the nursery to teenagers. We also have classes for adults. Check out the Ministries pages for a list of the classes currently available.

• How big is the church?

Average attendance is 50-100 people.

• What does it mean that the church is non-denominational?

Non-denomination means that Chemung Christian Fellowship is not part of, or governed by, a larger denomination. The church is governed by the Pastor and Board of Administration. We fellowship with other churches, denominations, and groups, but will not be ruled over by a specific denomination, association, or group.

• Where should I park when I come to church?

There is limited parking available around the church building. On Sunday mornings, and for larger events, we ask that these spaces be reserved for older folks and those who may have difficulty walking. There is a larger parking lot across the street, behind the Chemung Post Office. This lot is accessed from Railroad Street.

• How should I enter the building?

There are two main doors: a big red front door and a smaller door to the left side of the building. You may use either door. If you enter through the red doors into the foyer, you will be greeted by an usher or the pastor. There is a coat rack in the foyer. If you enter through the smaller door, there is a smaller coat rack down the stairs and the sanctuary is up the stairs and down the hall.

• From what version of the Bible does the pastor preach?

Pastor Stilson preaches from the New International Version (NIV) Bible, and the Bibles available in the pew racks are NIV. Some people in the congregation have NIV Bibles and some have other versions, such as the KJV or the ESV.

• I cannot use stairs, is the building accessible?

Yes! There are two elevators that allow those who are unable to negotiate stairs to access every floor of the church. There is one elevator located on the outside of the building that provides access to the sanctuary. There is another elevator located inside the side door that provides access to the first floor and the second floor. Both elevators require a key to operate. If you plan to visit the church and need to use the elevator, please call ahead (607-877-4033) so we can be ready and waiting to help you.

• What do you have for children during the worship services?

During the 11:00am service there is a staffed nursery available for newborn to age 2. The nursery is located in the hallway behind the sanctuary.

We also have Junior Church available during the 11:00am service, September to May, for children in kindergarten to grade 4. Junior Church meets in a classroom in the hallway behind the sanctuary. Children join their family for the first half of the service and are dismissed just before the message.

• How do I become a member of Chemung Christian Fellowship?

If you have been attending church regularly for at least six (6) months and are 16 years of age or older, you may complete a written application to join the church membership. To be a church member you must have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior with your life showing evidence of that relationship; you must have been baptized; and you must read and agree to abide by the By-Laws of the church. New members will be interviewed by the Pastor and will be approved by a majority vote of the Board of Administration.