+ What are your Covid precautions?

Masks are no longer required at our Sunday gatherings. Of course, anyone is welcome to continue wearing a mask! We know that this is a nuanced season, and we're trying to navigate it as best as we can – please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

+ When should I plan to get there?

Most people will be arriving between 9:50am and 10:00am. (And don't worry if you arrive late. We've been there!)

+ What do I do while I wait for everything to start?

Grab some coffee and pick up a Welcome Card. There will be someone to talk to, information to read, and a gift bag to take home with some SF-specific treats.

+ How do I enroll my kids in childcare?

If you have children who are in 4th grade or younger, then someone will direct you to CitiKids ministry. One of our volunteers will guide you through the check-in process and introduce your child(ren) to the teacher.

If you have youth in 5th through 8th grade, they'll gather with the CitiYouth group for the last 2/3 of the service. For the first few songs and readings, youth stay in the gathering, and then head to CitiYouth during passing of the peace.

+ What's a typical worship service like?

At Citizens, we always open with songs that walk through the basic gospel story: that God is good, even when we are not, and that Christ saves freely. Afterwards, we take a short break to "pass the peace" and welcome each other. A pastor will then teach from a section of the Bible, seeking to explain it and relate it to life in San Francisco. Then, we finish with the Lord's Supper, an opportunity for Citizens members to give financially, and a couple more songs. We close with a benediction: "a blessing for the road."

+ Do I have to [sing, stand, talk, take communion, give money, etc.]?

You are our guest and are welcome as you are. There is wide freedom to participate (or not) in each aspect of our worship. In particular, communion and giving is offered for those who believe in Jesus Christ and are able to do so in faith and with joy. If you don't believe, you're welcome to just stay seated. Don't worry about offending anyone.

+ If I like it, what's next?

Our Sunday Gathering, while vital, is only one expression of Citizens Church. If you like it, come back and see us again! But be sure to fill out a Connect Card. We'll add you to our weekly email and a leader will reach out to you about opportunities to connect more meaningfully to our community.

+ What will be my child's first experience of Citizens?

Your son or daughter will walk with you to the classroom and check into CitiKids. The classroom is Room 4, just down the hall from the auditorium, and is very welcoming.

Every kid gets a sticker with their name on it, your phone number and any special instructions. You will also receive a matching sticker, that will include a unique code that connects you with your child.

+ Then what?

After checking in, your child will join the classroom. Each week, we have a teacher and two helpers. We always have coloring, Magna-Tiles, and other games ready while kids wait to start the lesson. Parents can stay as long as they need while children adjust to the new environment.

+ What's the classroom like?

Room 4 is the school's art room. While we try not to bother the school's things, we bring in toys, puzzles, books, coloring supplies, and other fun activities. There are tables and chairs for story and activity time, and a smaller enclosed play-space for crawlers and toddlers. The bathroom is inside the room, separate from the adult bathroom. We also make use of the outdoor play structure and play yard after we finish our Bible lesson.

+ What happens during CitiKids?

We begin with 15-25 minutes of free play. Then, we learn a short Bible story by reading, acting it out, asking questions, or doing crafts. Then, if the weather permits, we play outside on the play structure and with outdoor toys. Outside, we also have a snack and water. (All snacks are nut-, meat-, gluten-, and egg-free; usually we serve prepackaged bags of popcorn or rice rolls. Let us know if your child has additional allergies or needs.) Before the end of service, we come back inside to gather our crafts and clean up.

+ Who are your teachers and volunteers?

Each week, we have four adults working in CitiKids: two big-kid teachers, one baby-teacher, and a sitter. All adults are personally vetted by staff and undergo a background check.

+ What if my child gets sad?

If your son or daughter becomes sad or frustrated, we will probably take a break with a helper to help you calm down. If after 5-10 minutes, the child is not consolable, we will text/call the responsible adult to ask for assistance or send an adult to get you. If sadness persists for a few weeks, let us know and we'll make a game plan with you for helping your child.

+ How do I check out my children?

We ask parents to pick up their children within ten minutes of the conclusion of the service. Kids will only be released to adults with matching stickers. Please do not send anyone else to pick up your child, even an older sibling. If you lose your sticker, notify a volunteer and they will contact a staff member to approve the request.