Visiting any church, for the very first time can be a tough experience. Where to go? What to wear? What time to show up? What's here for my kids? What can I expect? These and many more questions surface. Well, we want to put you at ease. Your first visit to Calvary Baptist will be refreshing, friendly, and enjoyable for your whole family. We want you to experience inspiring music, helpful teaching and preaching, friendly people, and a place where you feel welcome and "at home"! Here are a few answers to your questions and what you might expect on your first visit.

 

1. I’m Not a Baptist… Can I Still Attend?

It is our desire that Calvary would be a church for everyone that has a desire to know God. You do not have to come from a Baptist background, or hold to any particular religious affiliation to attend services here. We are convinced that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and it is sufficient to point any sincere person to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have a desire to know God and experience His best in your life, we invite you to join us on the journey! If there is anyway that we can be of help to you please feel free to let us know.

 

2. Finding Our Church

We are located on 7th Avenue in Belvidere. We are right next to Harkless Park and right off of by-pass 20.

We’re only…

• 13 miles from Rockford

• 14 miles from Loves Park

• 16 miles from Machesney Park

• 8 miles from Poplar Grove

• 15 miles from Genoa

• 13 miles from Kirkland

• 15 miles from Roscoe


 

3. Finding Nurseries, Classes, and Services

Our greeters and ushers will gladly help direct and even escort you to the right place.

 

4. What's here for my kids?

Starting with excellent nurseries, there is something special for every age child from birth through high school! At every service on Sunday morning there is a safe,  staffed nursery for children two years old and under. For children three years old through sixth grade there are fun, friendly, and Bible-centered classes. These classes are staffed with trained, friendly, and well-qualified teachers and helpers who will make church exciting and memorable for your child. For students in the seventh through the twelfth grade, there are graded classes in our student ministries. Most of the teens attend a class one hour and then the morning service with their parents.

 

5. What is the schedule for adults on Sunday morning?

Adult Bible Study Fellowships - 9:30 a.m.

Most adults attend our adult Bible study fellowship. This fellowship is a smaller group setting where you are invited to meet people, enjoy perhaps some coffee and donuts, and hear a teaching lesson more directly applicable to your life situation. The best way to get to know people at Calvary Baptist Church is to visit our adult Bible fellowship.

Morning Service - 10:30 a.m.

Then at 10:30 a.m. we meet in the main auditorium for our Morning Service where we enjoy the beautiful and inspiring music ,  ensembles, and soloists. The music is always followed by a clear, helpful, and challenging Bible message from Pastor Neff. This service is a little over one hour in length.

 

6. How should I dress?

There is not a dress code at Calvary Baptist Church for members or guests. Our ministry leaders and many of our church family dress in more traditional “Sunday” dress — the men in a dress shirt and dress slacks, typically with a tie, and the women in modest dress; however, our main goal is that you would feel welcome and comfortable during your visit here at Calvary Baptist!

 

7. Are there services at other times?

Yes. We have a Sunday evening service (completely different from Sunday morning) that begins at 6:00 p.m. Again, in this service you'll enjoy the music as well as a challenging and helpful message from Pastor Neff. We also meet on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. for a mid-week Bible study. If you can't be our guest on Sunday morning, we hope you'll visit with us during another service time.

 

8. Am I expected to participate in the offering?

No. We don't invite you to Calvary Baptist Church for your offering. We want our service to be a gift to you. We hope you will find in this place a warm family spirit, truth from God's Word, and a place where you can grow in God's grace. Please don't feel any obligation to participate in the offering as a guest.

 

If there's something we missed on this list, just give us a call, or ask someone when you arrive. Whether you're new to the area and looking for a church home, or if it's been a long time since you've attended church at all, we hope your first visit at Calvary Baptist will be uplifting and encouraging! We exist to serve you and your family, and we are looking forward to meeting you personally. We hope you'll feel right at home from the very first moment you step foot into our building! Let us know how we can serve you better, and we hope to meet you this Sunday!