Frequently Asked Questions

What is the worship service like?
Worship at Parkwood leans casually traditional – we sing from a hymnal most Sundays, we have a printed bulletin, and we have a choir during the school year. We value participation in worship, and invite every person to engage with singing, prayer, and blessings.

How will I know what to do?
When you arrive, our greeting team will welcome you and give you a bulletin, which contains the service order for the day.

Most of the time, we give pretty clear directions when to stand and sit. Our services usually include some prayers that we say together, and some call-and-response portions, too. In all of those circumstances, the part said by the pastor or the liturgist (reader) is printed in normal text, and the congregational response is in bold type.

At the end of the Prayers of the People, the pastor leads us into the Lord’s Prayer, which is also printed in the bulletin each week.  Presbyterians typically say “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”  But, if you grew up saying “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” or “forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us,” say either one.  Pray as you are comfortable.

What should I wear?
Whatever you’re comfortable in! Some folks love to dress up, and wear ties or dresses. Others prefer jeans or shorts. Flip flops and dress shoes are equally welcome!

Is there anything I shouldn’t do?
There is nothing that happens during a worship service that visitors are not welcome to do with us.  In fact, we hope you will join us in every aspect! We hope you’ll sing with us, pray with us, laugh with us – and after the service – eat with us.

This question often comes up because some churches limit participation in the celebration of the Lord’s Supper (also called Communion or The Eucharist).  At Parkwood, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of every month. We truly believe this supper belongs to Christ, and therefore absolutely everyone is welcome to participate as they feel comfortable. The opportunity to eat and drink with Christ is not a right bestowed upon the worthy, but a privilege given to all who come in faith and love. 

How long is the worship service?
We strive to get as close to one hour as possible, but occasionally we may go a few minutes shorter or longer.

Is there anything before or after worship?
After worship, we enjoy a space for fellowship and conversation, including coffee, lemonade, and snacks.

Why does the pastor wear a robe and/or stole? What does that mean?
The black robe is a throwback to European academic regalia, signifying that the pastor has studied hard and been deemed qualified to preach and teach. Not all pastors wear them, even in the Presbyterian church, but many choose to. The robe also helps avoid wardrobe malfunctions, and ensures we always have pockets!

The stole (the long piece of cloth a pastor wears around their neck) is a remembrance of the towel Jesus wrapped around him when he washed the disciples’ feet – and so we wear it as a reminder of the pastor’s call to serve as Jesus served.

Do you have small groups?
Yes! Most of our small groups are interest-based, and focus on a particular activity or project. Check out the Calendar page to find out when each group is meeting.

Do you have other programs, like Sunday School or Bible Studies?
We do not have weekly Sunday School currently, due to a lack of interest. We do, however, have seasonal Bible Studies and other learning opportunities.

What about kids programs?
We do have a nursery available each week for kids age 0-3. We encourage older kids to enjoy worship with us, in whatever way they can! We also provide activity bags for kids up to age 12.

Coming Soon

Who do you partner with?
Parkwood has a long history of collaborating with and supporting nonprofits in Ottawa County and Grand Rapids, including Kids Food Basket, Hand2Hand, Love Your Neighbor, Safe Haven Ministries, Dégagé Ministries, SEED of Hope Global, and more.

How do you support these partners?
In a lot of ways! The Together in Service group hand-crafts items for these ministries to give away or use in their programs. Ruth Circle hosts a twice-yearly jewelry sale where the proceeds benefit Kids Food Basket. We also have multiple opportunities to donate items like school supplies, Christmas gifts, and summer snack items to benefit our nonprofit partners.

Do you support international mission?
We support a wide variety of programs across the world through the four Special Offerings we collect each year. More info on these offerings and where they go is available here!

Can I rent the church building or outdoor space for my event?
Parkwood does offer building rentals to community groups and individuals for a modest fee. To inquire about building use for a private event, contact the church office using the information at the bottom of the page.

Do you do weddings?
Yes! Contact the church office as soon as possible to get more information, rates, and requirements.

Do you do funerals or memorial services?
Yes! We often host funerals and memorial services, for both our members and for members of the community. Contact the church office as soon as possible to inquire about dates, space availability, fees and requirements.

Does the church have an industrial kitchen I could use?
No. We have a small galley kitchen, often referred to as a ‘warming kitchen.’ It’s not possible to cook large quantities of food in the kitchen space.

Can my group use the soccer fields?
Parkwood has an agreement with Georgetown AYSO, and they maintain the soccer fields for their use in the fall and the spring. Parkwood does not own any of the equipment, including the nets. To inquire about using the soccer fields and equipment, please contact AYSO directly.