Sunday worship, 5:30 p.m. every week. Children's Church provided.

Whether you're a longtime church-goer, or visiting this crazy thing called "church" for the first time, we want you to feel welcome at Hope Church. Here's an overview of what to expect.

What to expect when you arrive

We hold our worship services in the building of Roslindale Congregational Church (see directions). When you come through the front door, there will be a few friendly faces there to say hello, hand you a bulletin that outlines the order of service, offer you a nametag, and answer any questions you may have.

Children are invited to proceed upstairs for our Montessori-styled Children's Church (ages 3-10) or downstairs to our nursery (for under 3), but children are also always welcome to attend the service with their parents.

Before the worship service begins, Hope's musicians will play something suitable for reflection, prayer, or just letting go of the week's worries. Right about 5:30 p.m., our welcome statement is read and the worship service begins.

What to expect during worship

Our pastor and each week's worship leaders will guide things as they go, and your bulletin will give you a rundown of that week's order of service. At Hope, we borrow from a wide variety of traditional Christian worship styles -- and we like to think we infuse these traditions with a little funk and a lot of spirit.

Each Sunday, we run the gamut from lyrical classical music to hand-clapping gospel, from silent prayer to stirring preaching. And each service concludes with Communion, a simple meal of bread that is broken and a cup that is shared, forming the center of our life together.

What to expect after worship

The service usually lasts a bit over an hour, then afterward, people usually stick around for a snack and to visit together as a community.

Special Sundays

On certain Sundays we have special events before or after church. Every first Sunday of the month, we share a potluck dinner at 4 p.m. After church there are various educational events and group meetings. See the church calendar for what's coming up. Newcomers are always welcome.