We are so glad you are here!

This page is filled with some quick facts of what to expect on a Sunday morning. If you would like to chat with us over the phone, please do call! We would love to answer any questions you may have about what a Sunday looks like here at Emmanuel.

Sunday Mornings

Q: Directions

We are located at 374 Salem Rd, Barrie. If you are coming from Hwy 400 exit Mapleview and travel west to Essa. Travel south on Essa to Salem Road.

Sunday services at Emmanuel are in-person at 9am and 11am and livestreamed at 11am.

The Service

Ushers at the doors are there to help you find a seat, or you can simply make your way in. We’ll begin with a few announcements and get started right on time. We always incorporate lots of musical worship into the 1hr and 15 mins (approx.) we have together. The song lyrics are projected on the screen and most folks stand if they are able, but there’s lots of accessible seating if you have mobility issues. We love being a multi-generational church, and our musical choices reflect that diversity! There’s a variety of instruments and styles, as well as genres of music.

The Sermon

The service always involves teaching from the bible. Preaching on Sundays is primarily done by our Campus Pastor, Josh Davy. We usually work through a large section or book of the bible together, over multiple Sundays. Check out our Sermons page to see what we’re working through now. You can bring a bible, use one on a phone or follow along with the major points on the projected screens. We take communion together on the first Sunday of each month, during both services. If Christianity is new for you, please don’t feel any pressure to participate.

The Extras

You don’t need to dress a certain way at Emmanuel – on Sundays folks come as they are! Some are casual and comfortable and others prefer to dress up a bit. All are welcome. We don’t ask you to respond out loud, kneel or identify yourself in the services. Also, our church family does not want our guests and visitors to feel pressured to give money. Children are welcome to be in the services with their parents, however they will find The Woods a very fun place to be! We have a nursing room which moms can access if they’d like to feed their baby in a quiet or more private place, and the 11 service is livestreamed so she can still enjoy the service.

HOW TO GET HERE.

DirectionsCassandra DeKryger2024-03-20T14:56:40-04:00

Directions

We are located at 374 Salem Rd, Barrie.

If you are coming from Hwy 400 exit Mapleview and travel west to Essa. Travel south on Essa to Salem Road.

ParkingCassandra DeKryger2024-03-20T14:54:50-04:00

Parking

Our large parking lot has ample spaces, and includes 16 marked accessible spots near the doors. On Sundays our parking volunteers help direct traffic and will make sure you find where to go next.

TransitCassandra DeKryger2024-03-20T14:56:15-04:00

Transit

Barrie Bus Transit:
Sunday bus services are available but limited. Saturday and weekday services are more frequent. For details see Plan a Trip – Barrie Transit (myridebarrie.ca). The closest stop is approximately a 10 minute walk from our entrance, and it includes a stretch of road with no sidewalks.

We also have a van ministry for those who are unable to travel to the church on their own. Click HERE for more information.

Kids and Youth

On Sundays, we have church for even the youngest! The Woods is available during both the 9 and 11 services. Our Pastor of Families can be found teaching bible lessons or calming a fussy baby – watch for Randy in our well-equipped kids wing. When you arrive, please check-in with the volunteers at the Welcome desk, who will make sure we welcome and care for your kids well. You will be given a tag so pick-up goes smoothly at the end of the service. All our volunteers are carefully screened and trained, and parents are always welcome to visit.

Nursery for ages birth –24 months, Preschool (age 2-4) and JK –Gr.5.

Youth ministry on Sunday involves a worship service planned for students in grades 6, 7 and 8. This program happens during the 11:00 service only. We meet in the youth room, just past the gym off the main atrium. Sunday youth does not meet on the 1st Sunday of each month, because students are encouraged to take part in communion during the main worship service. Youth services include age-appropriate bible teaching by our youth ministry staff, musical worship and the opportunity to engage with other kids to apply the bible to everyday life.

High School students join the adults in the worship centre on Sundays.

CONNECT WITH US.

When you visit, please drop by our Welcome Desk which is just inside the front door. Our volunteers will show you where to go, how to find more info and we have a gift to thank you for joining us. We know that finding a church is different for everyone, so let us know when you are interested in learning more or getting your questions answered. We have a get-together for newcomers about every other month, called Emmanuel 101. It’s a friendly and informative place to learn more.

After the service, free coffee and tea are available to everyone in the atrium. Help yourself and take some time to look around, meet new people and get to know the church. Our staff and welcome volunteers wear light blue lanyards and would love to meet you. There are lots of places and ways to grow in faith, and the Sunday worship time is the best place to start.

fill in our welcome card

What time should I arrive?Cassandra DeKryger2024-03-20T14:29:48-04:00

What time should I arrive?

Our two services start at 9 and 11. Most individuals like to arrive 10-20 minutes before the service to meet others, check their children into the Children’s wing, and find a seat. However, if you arrive after the service begins, you are welcome to still join us! The ushers at the door would be happy to help you find a seat.

How long is the service?Cassandra DeKryger2024-03-20T14:30:16-04:00

How long is the service?

We aim for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

What version of the Bible do you use?Cassandra DeKryger2024-03-20T14:30:26-04:00

What version of the Bible do you use?

During the service we usually use the NIV (New International Version). Occasionally, you may hear us use the ESV (English Standard Version).

Where do I take my kids?Cassandra DeKryger2024-03-20T14:30:42-04:00

Where do I take my kids?

When you enter the main entrance of the church, there are individuals at the door with blue lanyards who would be happy to direct you to the Children’s wing. Our Children’s wing is to the left of the fountain. Down that hallway there will be Volunteers at a Welcome desk. They will help you register you child, meet their teachers and answer any questions you may have about the Sunday morning program for kids.

Do you have a hearing assistance system?Cassandra DeKryger2024-03-20T14:30:48-04:00

Do you have a hearing assistance system?

Yes! The sound booth in the centre of the auditorium is staffed by volunteers. Just approach one of them, well before the service starts, and they will set you up with the hearing assistance equipment.

You are passing grape juice and crackers around. What do I do with that?Cassandra DeKryger2024-03-20T14:30:53-04:00

You are passing grape juice and crackers around. What do I do with that?

Typically, on the first Sunday of the month, we take what is often called Communion or the Lord’s Table. As the elements pass you, if you are a believer, you are welcomed to join us in taking one, if you are not in a relationship with Jesus, we invite you to pass the elements along to the next person in the row. There is never any judgement on if you participate or not. The reason we partake in this practice is because shortly before Jesus was crucified, he took bread and wine, symbolizing his body and blood, and shared them with his followers. The bread and wine – or juice in our case – are signs of the New Covenant or the new relationship God offers us through Jesus (Luke 22:7-22). The Lord’s Table, then, is a regular reminder for believers in Jesus we are welcomed to be with him anew by his grace and mercy. It is a celebration of what he has done for us and of what we now enjoy in him until he returns!

Love God deeply, love others authentically, share Christ joyfully!