Welcome to Grace
Scripture speaks of those brought into fellowship with God as family. That’s how we try to live as a community at Grace. We value cozy hospitality, genuine friendships, and honest conversations.
As a community of faith, we recognize our ongoing need for salvation in Jesus Christ. And He has told us that we need each other. As we engage in worship and life together, we look forward to welcoming you and we hope that you experience a community that quickly feels like home.
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ
Romans 8:16-17
Worship Style
Amid our modern culture of hurry, stress, and isolation, worship at Grace Northridge is rooted in the historic practices of Christian faith. Every week, we encounter God through the Spirit, the Scripture, and the Sacraments, affirming the best of the charismatic, evangelical, and sacred streams of the Church. The general term for this is liturgy, which simply means “the work of the people.”
Every Sunday at Grace, we celebrate God's story and our place within it. We sing a blend of traditional hymns and modern worship songs. We read portions of the Bible aloud, confess our sins, affirm our faith, and learn from sermons rooted in scripture. We take time for reflection and prayer, and welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit. And we joyfully celebrate Holy Communion every week.
If liturgical worship is new to you, don't worry! You will be guided through worship with instructions on the screen. While worship is a serious endeavor, we never take ourselves too seriously.
Gospel-filled liturgy strengthens the heart, enlivens the will, and exercises the soul. Gospel liturgy makes us vigorous and strong for faithful obedience to Jesus.
Each time we gather to worship, we set our minds on things above. We learn the customs of things above. We involve our bodies in things above. We come to the throne of grace with confidence, bold enough to praise, humble enough to bow. We let God shake us like Isaiah and invite us up like John. If liturgy is strange, it should be strange on purpose.
Aaron Damiani, Earth Filled with Heaven
What to Expect and Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
God looks at the heart, so it really doesn't matter what you wear. Most of us are totally casual, although you might also see some a little more dressed up.
Where do I park?
There are two parking lots - one on the south side of the campus facing Eisenhauer Road - the other around back, off Chevy Chase and between the church building and Northridge Park.
Will anyone be there to greet me?
Yes! You'll be warmly greeted by our welcome team. Everyone is encouraged to make and wear a name tag, which helps us get to know each other.
What if I have children?
Infant and toddler nursery is available starting 15 minutes before the worship service and ending at the conclusion of the worship service. Children ages PreK-5th grade join us for worship for about 30 minutes, and then leave with an adult team member for Kids Worship during the sermon time. Children rejoin their family in the worship gathering for communion. You can read more about our programming for kids here.
How will I know when to do what?
Most of what you need to know will be on the screens at the front of our sanctuary. Everything else you might need to know will be said by someone who has a microphone.
What is the music and teaching like?
Our music is a blend of contemporary worship songs and traditional hymns.
Our weekly message is taught from the Bible and centered on the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ.
Do you have communion? What should I do?
Every baptized follower of Jesus Christ is welcome to receive holy communion with Grace Northridge. Ushers will let you know when to come forward. Please cradle your hands to receive the bread and then dip the bread in the cup so you receive both together. If you prefer not to receive communion, please feel free to come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to signify you desire a prayer of blessing instead. Children who have been baptized may receive communion at their parents' spiritual discretion.
Trained prayer teams are available to pray for you during communion in the back of the sanctuary. They will be happy to pray with you for salvation, guidance, strength, provision, comfort, healing, a spiritual gift, peace, or whatever is on your heart.
What time will the worship service conclude?
Worship typically lasts between 80-90 minutes.