What to Wear to Church (and What Sunday Is Really Like)
Your first time going to church, or your first time back in a long time, can bring up a lot of questions. What should I wear? How long will it last? What do I do with my kids? Will I stick out?
Those are fair questions, and you deserve honest answers. It is normal to feel a little nervous before you walk into a new place. Here is what to expect at church on a Sunday at Arroyo Church in Livermore, starting with the question people ask most.
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in
Most people at Arroyo dress casually. Jeans are completely normal here. If you like to dress up for church, that is great too, so feel free to come dressed however you want.
If you want a simple rule, wear what you would wear to meet a friend for coffee. Clean and comfortable is plenty, and you do not need to buy anything new for Sunday.
Nobody is going to judge you for what you wear. People come as they are, and we are glad they came. What matters is that you are there, not what is in your closet.
Every church is a little different. If you are visiting another church and you are not sure what people wear, look at the photos on its website or social media. You can also call the church office and ask. It is a normal question.
Here is what happens on a Sunday morning at Arroyo
Our worship service starts at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday at 945 Concannon Blvd. in Livermore. The worship center is the round building, and you can't miss it. There is plenty of free parking on site.
Doors open at 9:30, so you have time to settle in before the service starts. When you walk in, grab a coffee and a donut, and a friendly face will help you find your way.
We start with a few songs, then there is a message from the Bible, and then we close with a few more songs. The music is a blend of new worship songs and hymns that have been around for decades, so if you grew up in church, some of it may sound familiar. Nobody expects you to know the songs. The message is clear and practical, and it is for wherever you are in your faith. Most Sundays, I teach through a book of the Bible, one passage at a time.
You do not need to bring anything with you. If you have a Bible, you are welcome to bring it, but the verses are shown on the screens, so you will not need one to follow along.
We often have a time when anyone who needs prayer can come forward and receive it from someone on our pastoral team. Going forward is always up to you, and if you would rather not, you can share a prayer request through the Connect page on our website.
The whole gathering lasts about 70 minutes.
Want to see what it is like before you come? You can watch the service live on the Arroyo Church YouTube channel on Sundays at 10 a.m., and past messages are there too. Watching one or two is an easy way to get a feel for Arroyo first.
Your kids will have a place of their own
Arroyo has children's ministry every Sunday during the worship service, for kids from nursery age through 5th grade. It is a safe and fun place for your kids to learn about Jesus, so you can focus on the service while they have a blast. When you arrive, check your kids in at the kids desk. Older kids and teenagers sit with their families in the service.
You do not have to do anything you are not ready for
Can you sit in the back? Yes. Seating is open, so sit wherever you feel comfortable.
Do you have to sing? No, you are welcome to sing along or simply listen.
Will anyone single you out? No. Nobody will ask you to stand up or introduce yourself, and nobody expects a guest to give money.
Coming by yourself is fine. If walking in alone feels hard, you are welcome to bring a friend along.
Do you have to have your faith figured out? Not at all. Arroyo is a church dedicated to knowing and showing the love of Jesus, and no matter where you are with God, you are welcome to join us. You can come with questions, or while you are still deciding what you believe about Jesus. We love you right where you are.
If you have a question before Sunday, just ask
You can call the church office at (925) 694-0426, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No question is too small. You can also let us know you are coming on our Plan Your Visit page. After you fill out the short form, I will reach out to say hi and help you plan your visit.
However you show up, dressed up or dressed down, you are welcome here.