What to Expect at Your First Visit
The Kirk of Kildaire is a Presbyterian church community of faith in Cary, NC. We are a Christian family where you can feel accepted, safe, and comfortable.
We are all blessed with our newest classroom building where we have more room to grow. The best way to get a taste of the Kirk is to experience us in person.
Visit Us!
Our Location
Worship Services
Watch A Service
We Welcome All
Our Location
Worship Service Times and Accommodations
Worship & Sunday School Schedule
Check the home page “This Sunday” link to confirm service times. Also see the “Announcements Page” for changes due to weather or other situations.
9:15 am Sunday School
A class-structured time for children, youth and adults.
10:30 am Service
Traditional service with music provided by the organist, the Chancel Choir and occasional soloists and instrumentalists. Additional musical groups contribute to the service, from handbells to children’s choirs. This service is approximately one hour in length.
For more information on all the music programs at The Kirk, please check out our Music and Arts page.
Accommodations
See an usher to obtain:
- Hearing units
- Large print bulletins and hymnals
- Children’s bulletins
- Children’s worship bags
More information on what we offer for children during worship visit our Learn & Grow pages.
What To Expect During Worship
Watch a Service
If the Kirk worship services were put on a scale with traditional worship on one end and contemporary worship on the other, worship at the Kirk would be closer to the traditional end.
We do include a variety of music styles in worship and have a folk music group that offers their gifts in worship at various times throughout the year.
While we have a variety of styles of dress at the Kirk, business casual would probably best describe the majority of worship attendees. You will see fancy dresses, suits and ties, as well as jeans or shorts and flip flops.
Come as you are comfortable.
Gathering and pre-service music
Our service begins with a gathering time just prior to the start of worship where everyone is encouraged to enjoy conversation with their pew neighbors.
Chiming of the trinity
The chiming of the trinity serves to bring our attention to the start of worship.
Opening sentences and time of silence
One of the pastor’s offers a few opening sentences followed by an invitation to a time of brief centering silence. This time of silence is provided as a way for all of us in worship to settle ourselves and prepare our hearts and minds to worship God.
Prelude and lighting of the Christ candles
Our musicians provide a musical greeting, during this time an acolyte comes forward lighting the Christ candles found at the front of the sanctuary.
Call to worship
We stand and say the responsive call to worship that is printed in the bulletin.
Hymn
We sing a hymn after the Call to Worship.
Prayer of confession and proclamation of mercy
Affirming our belief that grace abounds but that sin is still a reality of our daily lives we say a unison prayer of confession printed in the bulletin. This is followed by a proclamation of mercy spoken by a pastor which affirms our forgiveness in Christ.
Passing of the Peace
We offer the same peace given to us through Christ to those around us as we greet our pew neighbors saying, “Peace be with you.”
Hymn of praise
Passing of the Peace is followed by a short sung response of praise.
Time with Children
During this time we invite all the children forward for a children’s message from one of the pastors or occasionally members of the congregation.
After the children’s time children preschool through 5th grade are invited to leave worship and participate in different activities, specific details can be found in the bulletin. As children either depart from worship or return to sitting with their families a response is sung.
Scripture readings and Sermon
We then are offered a scripture reading (two at the 11:00 service), followed by the sermon.
Prayer for Justice
Affirmation of Faith
We join together in affirming our faith by reciting the Apostles Creed (occasionally we affirm our faith by saying other confessions or creeds).
The worship of God with our material Gifts
We return to God a portion of those blessings God has given us through our tithes and offerings.
Joys and concerns, prayers of the people and the Lord’s prayer
Following the offering one of the pastors share known joys and concerns of the congregation, community, and world. They then begin with a time of silent prayer, followed by a spoken prayer, that ends with the congregation joining together saying the Lord’s prayer.
Final hymn and charge and blessing
We join together singing a final hymn, which is followed by a charge and benediction given by the pastor. The pastors and the acolyte then process out of the sanctuary and greet the congregation as they leave worship. The pastors are available for prayer and questions following worship.
Your First Visit
We’re Glad You’re Here!
Where to Park
Parking Lots
You can reach both the upper and lower parking lots from High Meadow Drive.
Visitor Parking Spots
The Sanctuary (where we worship) is closest to the upper lot. Look for “VISITOR” spots set aside for our newest guests.
Parking Closest to Childcare
Infant and toddler childcare is closest to the upper lot, past the “Visitor” parking spaces. If you park in a visitor space, walk under the portico, enter the doors to your left and the Greeters will direct you to the nursery wing!
Elevator to Sanctuary
If you enter on the lower level near the community garden, take the elevator upstairs to reach the Sanctuary.
Greeters
You’ll find Greeters at the entrance to the Sanctuary, ready to welcome you to worship or guide you to other parts of the campus.
Welcome Team members are also available to direct you to the nursery and Sunday school areas – don’t hesitate to ask!
Visitor Publications
Check the brochure racks in the Narthex (just outside of the Sanctuary) for an offering of publications that describe the ministries and opportunities awaiting you at the Kirk of Kildaire or ask one of our pastors.
Sunday Bulletin
As you enter the Sanctuary you will receive:
- Order of Worship Bulletin from an usher to help guide you through the service.
- The Kirk and You, which lists upcoming opportunities and announcements.
Nursery & Toddler Care
We provide childcare for infants and toddlers in the Nursery during the worship services and Sunday School.
The Nursery is located on the main level in the classroom building and is staffed with nurturing and loving childcare workers and volunteers.
We are committed to providing a safe, fun, and nurturing environment for children while their parents worship and learn. [See more under Learn & Grow pages]
Children in Worship
Children of all ages are always welcome to join us in worship. It’s okay if they have the wiggles.
As you enter the Narthex, right outside the Sanctuary, there are Children’s Worship Bags available for children to use during worship.
About 15 minutes into the service children 3 years old and older will be invited to gather at the front of the Sanctuary for the Time with Children. They’ll sit on the steps during an interactive message.
Children who will not remain with their parents for the remainder of the worship service are then led to age-appropriate activities. [See more under Learn & Grow pages]
Where to Sit
Feel free to sit anywhere in the Sanctuary. We have a very state-of-the-art air filtration system but you are also welcome to wear a mask if you feel more comfortable with one.
The Passing of the Peace
When the pastor calls for the “passing of the peace,” everyone spends a moment greeting those around them. Typical greetings include: “Peace,” “Peace be with you,” or “Christ’s Peace.”
Communion Celebration
The Kirk of Kildaire celebrates Communion in different ways. If you are attending worship the first Sunday of the month, Communion will be served. Everyone who is baptized is welcome to receive Communion.
Communion by Intinction
This involves the all those who wish to receive Communion coming forward, receiving the bread and dipping it into the cup (of non-alcoholic grape juice).
The servers will offer some words of affirmation such as “The bread of life given for you,” “The cup of salvation” or “Christ’s blood shed for you.”
If you would prefer to stay seated, please let an usher know and they will have the Communion elements brought to you in your pew.
For Seated Communion
The elements of bread and juice are passed through the Sanctuary by serving Elders. (NOTE: we are currently not offering Seated Communion due to COVID19 safety protocols.
After Worship
Pastors will be on the Patio just outside the building or in the Narthex (the foyer outside of the Sanctuary) and look forward to the opportunity to meet you, so please introduce yourself and mention that you are a newcomer.
During warm weather months there is often a fellowship time on the Porch (just outside of the Narthex).
If you are a first time visitor, please take a welcome bag from the table near the entry door as you leave the Narthex.
If you are interested in becoming a new member, sign-up to attend a new member class.
