Plan Your Visit
Whether you’ve been part of a church before or this is completely new to you, you’re welcome here. Here’s what you need to know for your first Sunday.
Worship Sundays at 9:30 AM
Meetinghouse · 80 Main Street · Topsfield, MA
Worship is about an hour long. You don’t need to arrive early—five or ten minutes is plenty.
Getting Here is Easy
Two buildings. Two Addresses.
You may see our church listed at 9 E. Common Street. That’s the Emerson Center, where our offices, Sunday school classroom, Parlor and Fellowship Hall are located.
Sunday worship is in the Meetinghouse at 80 Main Street, directly across the Town Green.
Parking: 9 E. Common Street or street parking
Worship: 80 Main Street
When You Arrive
The main entrance to the Meetinghouse faces Main Street. An usher will greet you, give you a bulletin, and be happy to answer any questions.
Need an accessible entrance? When facing the Meetinghouse, the ramp is on the right. You may drive along the driveway in front of the church to reach it.
What to Expect on Sunday
Sunday worship at the Congregational Church of Topsfield includes music, prayer, scripture, a sermon, and time to share celebrations and concerns from our community.
Everything you need to participate is in the bulletin you’ll receive when you arrive. We stand at several points during worship, as people are able—but you are always welcome to remain seated.
You don’t need to know the prayers, the songs, or what happens next. Follow along as much or as little as you’d like.
After worship, you’re welcome to stay for coffee and conversation.
Coming with Children
Children are a valued part of our worshiping community, and they are always welcome to stay with you throughout the service.
Children in grades K–6 begin the morning in the Meetinghouse. After our Growing in Faith time, they are invited to Sunday school in the Emerson Center across the town green. An adult volunteer will meet the children at the back of the Meetinghouse and walk over with them.
Parents and caregivers pick children up in the Emerson Center following worship. Adults who work with children and youth are background checked.
Have a younger child? We don’t currently provide nursery care, but infants and toddlers are always welcome in worship. Worship bags and children’s bulletins are available from our ushers.
Questions you might have
Visiting a church for the first time can come with a lot of questions. Here are answers to some of the things you might be wondering about.
Do I have to believe certain things to attend?
No. You don’t need to arrive with a particular set of beliefs—or have faith figured out—to be part of this community. We gather to deepen our relationship with God, learn from the stories of scripture, and wrestle together with what faith means for our lives and our world. Questions are welcome here.
Will I be singled out as a visitor?
No. We won’t ask you to stand, introduce yourself, wear a name tag, or fill out a visitor card. You’re welcome to participate as much or as little as feels comfortable.
What should I wear?
Whatever feels comfortable. On any given Sunday, you might see someone in a coat and tie sitting near someone in shorts and a T-shirt. You’ll see dresses, jeans, sweaters, sneakers, and plenty in between.
Do I need to know what to do during worship?
Not at all. Everything you need is in the bulletin, and you can simply follow along. We stand at several points during worship as people are able, but you’re always welcome to remain seated. And you’re welcome to participate in the responsive and unison readings and in singing the music, but you are also welcome to just observe. Whatever is comfortable for you.
Where should I sit?
Anywhere you’d like. There are no assigned seats, and an usher can help you find a spot if you’d like assistance. Accessible seating is also available.
Can my children stay with me during worship?
Absolutely. Children are always welcome to remain with their families for the entire service. Children in grades K–6 also have the option of going to Sunday school after Growing in Faith.
What happens during Communion, and can I receive it?
We celebrate Communion on the first Sunday of each month. Sometimes Communion is brought to you at your seat; other times you’re invited to come forward to receive it. We’ll always explain what to do during the service. Everyone is welcome at the Communion table. You don’t need to be a member of our church—or any church—to participate.
Do I have to give money during the offering?
No. Visitors are never expected to give. Ushers pass offering plates during worship, and you’re welcome simply to pass the plate along. If you give electronically but would like to participate in the offering, ceramic tokens are available when you enter that you can place in the plate.
Giving supports the life and work of our church—from worship, staff, and caring for our historic buildings to programs for children and adults and partnerships that serve our wider community and world. You can learn more about how we use our resources and the organizations we support on our Giving and Mission Partners pages.
Is the Meetinghouse accessible?
A ramped entrance is located on the right side of the Meetinghouse when you’re facing the building, and you may drive along the driveway in front of the church to reach it. There is an accessible restroom and accessible seating in the sanctuary. If you have a specific accessibility question, please contact us before your visit and we’ll be happy to help.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to help. If there’s anything you’d like to know before your first visit, get in touch with the church office.