Welcome!
Maybe you're thinking of visiting our church--and we hope you will--but first you may have some questions. We have some answers!
What will I find? Going anywhere new for the first time can be a little unsettling. Probably even more so when the new place is a church. But we’re pretty confident that you won’t be uncomfortable when you come into our church. It’s a destination for many different kinds of people who may be at very different stages in their lives and beliefs. It doesn’t matter. At our church there’s a place for everyone. There’s a place for you.
Now that you know that, what else do you need to know?
Is there a place to park? MHCC is at 355 Franklin Street in Melrose, at the corner of Ashland Street. Parking is permitted on both Franklin and Ashland Streets. MHCC also has a small parking lot directly across the street from the church. If you’re using public transportation, we are a couple of blocks from the Melrose Highlands station on the commuter rail line and less than half a mile from the bus stop at Main and Franklin Streets.
Handicap access? Our ADA-compliant ramp is located at the back of the church, on West Highland Avenue (between Ashland Street and Chipman Avenue).
When is your service and what will it be like? We gather on Sundays at 10 a.m.
What happens when you walk through our door? You’ll be greeted warmly by a church member, and when you enter the sanctuary, an usher will hand you a bulletin, which describes the order of the service, tells who’s participating, and lists upcoming events in the church community The hour-long service is a simple, inclusive one and, as necessary, the minister indicates when we’re to be seated and when to stand. Our worship hour isn’t highly ritualized.
The first Sunday of each month, we offer communion. We alternate between communion by intinction and communion using small, individual cups. Everyone is welcome at our communion table.
Music is an essential part of worship at MHCC and includes our Senior and Children’s Choirs and the singers and guitarists of Choir Light, our popular intergenerational alternative choir, who participate monthly in the MHCC worship services, and emphasize jazz, folk, spirituals and pop rock music. The newest group is our Praise Band offering upbeat contemporary Christian music with a rock edge.
What happens when you walk through our door? You’ll be greeted warmly by a church member, and when you enter the sanctuary, an usher will hand you a bulletin, which describes the order of the service, tells who’s participating, and lists upcoming events in the church community The hour-long service is a simple, inclusive one and, as necessary, the minister indicates when we’re to be seated and when to stand. Our worship hour isn’t highly ritualized.
The first Sunday of each month, we offer communion. We alternate between communion by intinction and communion using small, individual cups. Everyone is welcome at our communion table.
Music is an essential part of worship at MHCC and includes our Senior and Children’s Choirs and the singers and guitarists of Choir Light, our popular intergenerational alternative choir, who participate monthly in the MHCC worship services, and emphasize jazz, folk, spirituals and pop rock music. The newest group is our Praise Band offering upbeat contemporary Christian music with a rock edge.
What do people wear? Pretty much whatever they choose! Some are dressed to the nines; others are in casual-Friday dress. The focus at this church isn’t on your wardrobe.
What about Sunday School? Childcare? We’re happy to say yes to both. Our Sunday School provides for kids from kindergarten through middle school, and engages them using all their senses. We sometimes gather in our theater, other times we meet in the kitchen and cook and very often you will find the children engaged in service and outreach projects. Childcare for ages 0 to 3 is in the experienced hands of a dedicated, CPR-certified staff member.
Anything else I should know for my first visit? Yes, you have an invitation to stay after the service and join us for coffee, tea or punch; a cookie or two; and the chance to meet some people who will be very glad to meet you. We call it Fellowship Hour.
We know what you’re thinking –I’m a complete stranger and I’m supposed to willingly enter a room full of people who already know each other, are chatting happily and are clearly enjoying each other’s company? Yes, because we promise that within minutes you’ll be one of them. We have a Hospitality Team dedicated to making that happen, and they do. Trust us on this one!
We know what you’re thinking –I’m a complete stranger and I’m supposed to willingly enter a room full of people who already know each other, are chatting happily and are clearly enjoying each other’s company? Yes, because we promise that within minutes you’ll be one of them. We have a Hospitality Team dedicated to making that happen, and they do. Trust us on this one!
