Questions and Answers About Magnolia Presbyterian

Why should I visit Magnolia Presbyterian?

Whether you grew up Christian, have recently become Christian, or don't consider yourself a Christian, but are interested in seeing what we're all about, we'd love to have you be a part of our spiritual journey!  You can come to any of our worship services at 10:30 am on Sundays, or, if you'd rather talk to somebody about it, call us or email us, at (206) 283-3322 or deb@magpres.org.  We'll be glad to answer any questions you have, big or small!

How do I get to Magnolia Presbyterian? Can somebody give me a ride?

Magnolia Presbyterian is at the top of the ridge in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, at the intersection of 28th and Dravis.  Directions can be found here.  If you'd like a ride (and live in the Seattle area), we'd be glad to pick you up: please give us a call during the week at (206) 283-3322, and we'll set something up!

Will I feel comfortable when I visit? What will the Worship service involve?

We certainly hope so!  If you've been to a church before (or even a wedding performed by a Christian minister), you'll likely have an idea of what to expect.  You're be welcome to participate throughout our service, but if you're uncomfortable with anything at all, nobody will mind if you don't.  Its important to us for you to know that we're interested in sharing our experience of Christ's forgiveness and love, and not in passing judgment on our visitors or members: whoever you are, we promise, you're welcome!  Come as you are!

Our service involves group prayer, singing hymns, a children's message, an offertory (while guests are certainly welcome to tithe if they wish, we don't expect it of them), a sermon, and, on the first Sunday of each month, Communion.  Presbyterians invite all who believe in Christ to share the bread and wine (or, in our case, grape juice) which represent the body and blood of Christ, broken and shed for us.  We welcome you to participate, but if you feel you aren't ready (or comfortable with it), that's fine too!

Is there childcare? Can my children attend the service?

We have childcare provided through the worship service for children through the age of 8.  All other children are expected to stay in the sanctuary during worship. At 9:45 we will offer a class for adults. At 9:30 we offer a class for Middle School and High School age students. .

I don’t know a whole lot about Christianity: is there somebody I can talk to?

Absolutely!  Contact us at  (206) 283-3322 or deb@magpres.org.  If you're interested in talking to a person of a certain age or gender, or would prefer to talk to the pastor, let us know!

What does “Presbyterian” really mean? How is it different from other Christian churches?

Presbyterian stems from the Greek word, "Presbuteros", which means "Elder".  We are a Protestant church that first organized in America in 1706.  We stand out from other branches of Christianity in that we follow a way of thinking known as Reformed theology, and in our form of representative church government, which looks to its members to, very actively, lead the church along with its ministers, as Deacons and Elders.

See our page on Why We Are Presbyterian for a more detailed statement from Magnolia Presbyterian.

For more about the history and distinctions of the Presbyterian Church, USA, visit the PCUSA's Presbyterian 101.

What opportunities does Magnolia Presbyterian offer for discussing and learning more about the Christian Faith? 

What social groups exist in the church?

Magnolia Presbyterian has both an Adult Education program, along with several Fellowship Groups.

What opportunities are available for children?

During the school year, we provide Church School during services.  Magnolia Presbyterian also joins with several other area churches for Magnolia Mission Youth, which provides youth group activities for Middle and High School students.

What mission work does the Church undertake?

Local ministry is directed by the MPC Board of Deacons, which is elected by the congregation as leaders in ministries of service and compassion.  See our Community Ministry pages for some of the ways in which we work within our community.

How do I become a Member of Magnolia Presbyterian?

We're very glad you asked!  The first step is the same for everybody: talk to the Pastor.

Those new to the Presbyterian Church will meet with the Pastor to learn more about Presbyterian Christianity, and will then stand before the congregation.  On joining, new members commit themselves to Christ, and the congregation commits themselves to helping the new members in that commitment.  As part of this process, we baptize those who have not yet been baptized: a process we believe is the sign and seal of God's grace and covenant in Christ.  The Pastor will explain all of this as you meet with her, so that you understand what you are being asked to commit to