You are welcome here!

At ECC, we welcome first time guests almost every week.

• Some are searching for a new home church that’s close to home
• Some are looking for exceptional opportunities for their kids or teens
• Others are seeking a thoughtful and non-condescending environment to explore Christianity
• Others desire comprehensive Bible teaching and a community where they can develop a deeper walk with God
• Some are hoping to find a safe place to piece their lives back together

If this week will be your first visit, rest assured that we’ll do everything we can to help you feel right at home right away.

When you say, “we welcome first time guests every week” does that mean I’ll be singled out?

Absolutely not!  During the service we promise not to do anything to single you out or place you in an awkward situation.  ECC is a great size.  We’re large enough for you to remain anonymous, but small enough for you to get to know people as quickly as you’d like.

Where and when is the weekend service?

We meet every Sunday morning at the Shoreview Community Center.  Our service times are  9:00 am and 10:45 am.  Click here for directions.

So…  ECC doesn’t own a building?

Nope – and it’s been great!  The Shoreview Community Center is an incredible facility – one that was built for community right in the heart of the community that we’re calling home.  Being facility-free also enables us to focus our attention on and invest our resources in that which matters most.

During the week we lease an office/meeting space at 513 Tanglewood Drive in Shoreview and we rent a local Christian camp for youth group. We also meet in homes, coffee shops, restaurants and parks. At ECC, you’ll quickly discover that the church really isn’t the building.

Will my first visit feel awkward?

We hope not!  No one likes feeling awkward, so we’ll do our best to keep your experience awkward-moment-free from start to finish.

We have easy to read signs, easy to find info areas, easy to understand brochures and handouts, and friendly (but not OVERLY-friendly) people who are ready to help if asked.

The service itself is easy to follow and, as we mentioned earlier, you won’t be singled out or put in a position where you’ll be asked to do something that feels goofy.

Is there an unwritten dress code?

No.  There are no unwritten dress codes at ECC. We put our dress code in writing. Click here for… (Just kidding)

Outfits inspired by Lady Gaga would be over the top, but there’s really no one “right” way to dress for our Sunday service. Some choose to dress up in their Sunday best as a way to show reverence, some are guided by the “it’s what’s on the inside that counts” principle, and others just put on whatever’s clean. There’s no need to dress up or down. Come as you are.

What about kids?

Our Kids Church is amazing! We offer a safe environment with fun-filled, Bible-based lessons that capture kids’ attention and captivate their hearts and minds. We also have a teen ministry that provides outstanding opportunities for Middle School and High School students.

What about the music?

We have a fantastic Worship Band. They play a wide variety of songs ranging from vintage hymns to the best of the new. Each week you can count on musical excellence, God-honoring lyrics, ear-honoring volume levels, and an environment that doesn’t feel like a concert. We believe that God – not the Worship Band – should be the focus of our worship.

How about the teaching?

At ECC, we believe Biblical and practical aren’t oxymorons. We also believe it’s possible to be both relevant and reverent. The teaching portion of our service is generally part of a series designed to help us better understand the Bible and apply it to our lives.

There’s also an attentiveness on our part to the historic church calendar, an aversion to simplistic answers and an appreciation for authenticity. Click here for a sample of our Sunday Sermons and click here to get a feel for the types of topics we cover.

If I show up, am I going to get put on nursery duty or anything?

That depends…  Are you good with kids? (Just kidding – again)

We hope you find us to be really friendly, not really intrusive.  You’re our guest – we won’t ask you to do the dishes…

How’s the coffee?

We ask our coffee lovers to only brew the good stuff.  Each week we also offer fresh donut holes and homemade goodies at no charge.

Should I bring anything?

Some people bring a Bible from home – but there’s nothing you’ll need that won’t be provided.  Please come as you are.

PS.  If you don’t have a Bible at home, please take one of ours home as a gift.  You’ll find a stack of Bibles on the Welcome Table inside the Worship Center.

Is there anything else I should know?

Our early service begins at 9:00 am and our second service begins at 10:45.  We do our best to start on time and our services usually last 70-75 minutes.

When we come to the offering portion of the service, please feel no obligation to give.  However, we do hope that you’ll fill out a Connection Card and place it in the offering basket.  Don’t worry, we won’t give away your info or show up at your door.  The Connection Card simply allows us to thank you for coming and answer any questions you have.  We’ll also use your Connection Card as a reminder to pray for you throughout the week.

Let us know how we can help!

Let us know if you have any other questions or if there’s anything else we can do to make your first visit a great one.

info@emmanuelcovenant.com

See you Sunday!