First time at New Hope
What to expect Sunday.
After you send the form, a real person follows up personally, usually within the week. No automated drip.
Step by step
Your first Sunday at New Hope.
Pull up the driveway, walk through the doors, and follow this. Most people are in their seat with a coffee inside fifteen minutes.
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Pull into the lot.
Our parking team will be in the lot directing traffic and waving you toward open spaces. First-time visitor spots are reserved near the main doors, closest to the sanctuary entrance. If those are full, the second row works just fine. Plenty of room out front either way.
See the campus map -
Come in through the front doors.
Someone from our welcome team will be near the doors. Pick up a bulletin as you walk into the small foyer at the front of the sanctuary. It has the day's order of service, upcoming events, and ways to get involved.
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Check in the kids at New Hope Kids.
New Hope Kids meets during the 9:30 and 11 services in the Children's Building, between the parking lot and The Bridge. Same content at both, so families pick whichever service works. The kids team will walk you through check-in. New Hope Kids is not offered at the 8:00 service.
More about New Hope Kids -
Drop teenagers at Student Ministries.
Junior High and high school students meet together in the Bridge during the 11 AM service. Worship for parents continues in the sanctuary at the same hour. There is teaching and a few well-loved leaders who will learn your student's name quickly.
More about Student Ministries -
Find a seat. Worship. Listen.
Sit anywhere. The back rows are easiest if you want a quick way in or out. We sing a few songs together, the band leads from the stage, and lyrics show on TVs at the front of the sanctuary. A pastor offers a short welcome and prayer, then Pastor Mark or one of the teaching pastors opens the Bible. The message runs about 30 to 35 minutes.
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Respond as you'd like.
Some people pray. Some take notes. Some sit quietly. There is no required response. An elder, pastor, or volunteer is available after the service if you have questions, need prayer, or want to talk. If you've decided to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step we'd walk with you.
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Pick up the kids. Stick around if you'd like.
Same place you dropped them, in the Children's Building. The kids team will walk you through pickup. Outside, the pavilion fills up. Coffee and tea are out, complimentary, on the pavilion. The pastors are usually near the front of the sanctuary or just outside the foyer. If you want to introduce yourself, this is the easiest moment. If you are ready to head home, that is fine too. We are glad you came.
A note from the pastors
Why we wrote a step-by-step guide.
Most first-time visitors to a church are nervous about the same handful of things. Where to park. Where the kids go. Whether someone is going to make them stand up. Whether the music is going to be too loud or too sleepy. Whether they are dressed wrong.
Almost none of those questions are about Jesus. They are logistics. So we put the logistics on this page in plain order. The Bible part is what we do for the next 60 minutes once you are sitting down.
"I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'"Psalm 122:1
A few practical notes that did not fit neatly into the steps above:
- Restrooms are available to your right and left as you enter the sanctuary.
- Families are welcome in the service. The back rows are easy to slip out from if you need a moment with a little one.
- Hearing assistance devices are available. Ask the welcome team if you'd like one.
- Communion isn't passed through the rows. When it's served, you can walk to the front or step into the foyer to take the elements at your own pace.
- If you arrive late, the back rows always have empty seats. Slip in. Nobody minds.
- Internet access is free on campus. Our community internet access supports events, study time, and English classes.
- If you have questions during the week, the office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Call us or email the office.
Common questions
Things people ask before their first Sunday.
How long is the service?
About 60 minutes. Roughly 25 minutes of worship through music, then a 30 to 35 minute message from Scripture, with a short pastoral welcome and prayer in between.
What should I wear?
Whatever feels right to you. Most people wear jeans or business casual. A few wear a tie. You will not stand out either way.
Will I be singled out as a visitor?
No. We will not ask first-time guests to stand or fill out a form on the spot. If you would like to introduce yourself, we would love to meet you at the sanctuary doors after the service.
Will I be asked to give money?
No. We don't pass an offering plate. If you'd like to give, there are drop boxes on campus, and you can give online at /give/. As our guest, you're under no obligation. We're glad you're here.
Is there a livestream?
Is the building accessible?
Yes. The sanctuary, the Children's Building, The Bridge, and The Barn are all on one level with no stairs at the entrances. Accessible parking is at the front. Ask the welcome team about hearing assistance devices if you'd like one. The website has its own accessibility statement, covering screen readers, keyboard navigation, and how to report a barrier.
Do you take communion?
We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of every month. Anyone who is following Jesus is welcome to participate. Communion isn't passed through the rows. When it's served, you can walk to the front or step into the foyer to take the elements at your own pace.
What about coffee?
Yes. Free coffee and tea in the pavilion starting 30 minutes before each service and continuing afterward. You can take it with you into the sanctuary.
How do I follow up after my visit?
Fill out a Connect Card at the welcome desk or online. A staff member will reach out within the week. No mass mailings, no automated drip. One person, one note.
What we believe
To compellingly communicate to everyone whom God provides us the opportunity to serve, the all-absolute sufficiency of Jesus Christ who meets our every need.
Anchored in Scripture.
- Scripture
- Trinity
- Christ
- Salvation
We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God. We confess one God in three persons, the deity, atoning death, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, and salvation as a free gift of God's grace received by faith.
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Find us
4620 E. Nees Ave, Clovis, CA 93611
Easy to find. Easy to park. Open in Google Maps for turn-by-turn from where you are. The church is on the south side of Nees, between Clovis Avenue and Sunnyside Avenue.
New Hope Community Church
4620 E. Nees Ave, Clovis, CA 93611
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Once you're on campus.
Four buildings sit on the lot, each with its own door. The Sanctuary is closest to Nees Avenue. The Children's Building is on the north side of the parking lot. The Bridge sits east of the Sanctuary. The Barn is at the back of the property. Coffee and tea are served in the Pavilion between services. Want a feel for the place before Sunday? See photos of New Hope.
