Visitor Information

Thinking of joining us at the First Congregational Church of Kittery Point, United Church of Christ? Please do – we’d love to meet you!

We’re located on Route 103 in Kittery Point across the street from the Lady Pepperrell House. If you need directions, please click here. We meet for Sunday worship at 8:00 and 10:00AM every Sunday morning. The 8:00AM service is quiet, contemplative, with no music, but a full sermon and liturgy. The 10:00AM service features music, our choir, and a Children’s Sermon. All ages are welcome at both services. Whichever service fits your needs, we encourage you to join us!

Below are some answers to questions you may have.

Where should I park?
The parking lot is located beside the church. If you have mobility issues or young children, please feel free to park in the spots closest to the door; otherwise, please park a bit further, to ensure that all who would like to attend can do so.

Who is welcome to worship here?
Everyone is always welcome to join us for worship, and please, come as you are.

How do I know what’s going on during the service?
When you enter the church, the ushers will hand you a bulletin, which lists the order of worship for that service. It contains the text of the prayers that we will say in unison, and will list the numbers for the hymns that we will be singing. The two hymnals we use are located in the pew rack in front of you, along with a Bible.

Who may take Communion?
All are welcome to take communion, regardless of belief or church affiliation.

What denomination is the First Congregational Church of Kittery Point?
Our congregation is a part of the United Church of Christ. For more information on the United Church of Christ, please click here.

Is there an opportunity for fellowship following worship?
Yes. During the summer months we enjoy “lemonade on the lawn” in front of the church after worship. During the rest of the year coffee fellowship occurs right after church in the Parish House. After leaving the church take a left and follow the driveway to the big white building (two buildings behind the church). Coffee fellowship takes place in the main hall of the Parish House.

Where things are:

Since our church was built in 1730, there are no restrooms in the church building. Restrooms can be found in the Parish House. This is the second building (the big white one) behind the church. Two restrooms are located in the far backhand corner of the Parish House (across the main hall and to your left). Our ushers would be happy to help direct you if you have questions!

The nursery and Church School classrooms are all located on the second floor of the Parish House. Parents are strongly encouraged to walk their children to Church School for the first time to see the space, meet the teachers, and ask any questions you may have.

There is a changing table in the nursery and in the handicap accessibly restroom on the first floor of the Parish House.

Crayons, board books, and activity sheets for children are located at the back of the church on the table next to the ushers.

Children in Worship

Children are always welcome to either the 8:00AM or 10:00AM worship services! Although children are welcome to stay in worship for the entire worship service, we do have programs for the children that begin just after the Children’s Sermon (about 20 minutes into the service). During the school year we have Church School for children aged 3 and older, and in the summer months, we have Summer Sunday Activities. Children up to age 3 can go to the nursery, where there is a volunteer to watch the children. If you are more comfortable, you may stay there as well.

The first time your child(ren) attends Church School, we recommend that one parent/guardian accompany the child(ren) to the Parish House. At that time, one of our teachers will help integrate your child(ren) and will answer any questions you may have. They will also distribute some information to you about our Church School program, including a registration form.

To ensure the safety of all of our youth and volunteers, all of our volunteers have agreed to have a criminal background check done prior to their service for our church.

Things to do with Children before Worship

On the way to church talk about what will happen when you get there, what it will be like and any expectations that you have.
Sit where your child is able to see what is happening at the front of the church.
Point out the pulpit, organ, cross, etc. Explain how they are used.
Talk about the people who help during the service and the jobs they do. (pastor, ushers, organist, choir, etc.).
Look for colors and symbols within the church, including flags, candles, the Bible, and the cross. Explain that all of these things are used to help us worship God.

Things for you to do with Children during Worship

Allow your child to sit comfortably.
Do not worry if your child wiggles a bit – adults wiggle too!
Your child may have questions about what is going on during the service – feel free to whisper answers to these questions – it will help both of you to feel more comfortable.
Your child will be watching and mimicking your actions. Try to relax and enjoy yourself.
Be gentle and forgiving towards your child.
Listen with your child for a key word, such as ‘Amen’.
Encourage your child to join in the worship. Hold the hymnal and bulletin together. Shake hands with others at the “Passing of the Peace.” Fold your hands for the prayers. Stand and sit at the appropriate times.
Let you child put the offering in the offering plate, and let him/her pass the plate to the next person or usher. Explain that your offering is a gift for the work of the church.
Some children enjoy Church School, others prefer to remain with the adults. If your child chooses to stay in the service, provide quiet activities or use the activity sheets and crayons provided at the back of church.
If you feel your child is restless there is a nursery for children up to age 3, and older children are always welcome to go to Sunday School – ask an usher for directions.
If you need to feed or change your child, there is a couch in the robbing room (underneath the Christian flag) in the back of the church.

Things to do with Children after Worship

Feel free to go up to the front to get a closer look at the pulpit, organ, and choir area. You can talk about how each was used during the service.
Greet those who led the service at the door. Encourage your child to say hello and shake hands.
Sign the guest book, and have your child do so too, if you would like.
Talk about the service by mentioning things that you particularly enjoyed (the singing, prayers, communion, etc) or something that happened during the service.
Sing a hymn or song together.

Things to do with Children during the Week

Say simple prayers together before meals, playgroup/school or at bedtime.
Play church at home.
Buy or borrow a ‘toddler’s’ or ‘beginner’s’ Bible to read at home.
Speak positively about worship. Make ‘going to church’ a special event.