Some churches can get the reputation of being exclusive clubs, where members stick to themselves and don’t actively encourage new people to join. But others go out of their way to make sure everyone in their community knows that they are welcome to become a part of what is going on at the church. Sunridge Church is a Christian church in Temecula in the latter group. While there is a strong sense of community among those who regularly attend the church, they also actively encourage new people to join them. They do this by holding regular events that are advertised to the local community.
Many of these church events are geared towards children and young families. This is because Temecula is known for being a family-friendly community to which young families flock for its great public school system, its affordable housing (relative to surrounding communities in San Diego and Orange Counties), and the safe environment. Events organized by Sunridge Church provide young families with safe, engaging, and free or very affordable activities. Here are a few examples:
Trunk-or-Treat
Every Halloween, Sunridge Church organizes a Trunk-or-Treat event that is heavily advertised to the community. Church members decorate their cars in all kinds of fun themes and line the church’s parking lot to hand out candy to any child that shows up. There is a special time devoted exclusively to children with special needs and their families.
The event will typically also have various games and inflatables for kids to enjoy. The event is completely free to attend, and attendees leave with all the candy they can eat, as well as some great memories!
Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) and MOMSnext
Sunridge Church is also investing in the mothers of Temecula by hosting MOPS and MOMSnext programs. These programs are designed as a way for women to connect with other women who are in the same stages of life—forging friendships and learning some valuable parenting skills. MOPS is for women with children who are preschool age and younger, while MOMSnext is for women with children in grades K-12
The groups meet twice per month. They enjoy brunch together, do a craft, and listen to a speaker on topics such as finances, cooking, marriage, and more. Childcare is available. There is a cost for these programs, but scholarships are available for special circumstances. You can learn more about MOMSnext and MOPS in Temecula on the church’s website.
Vacation Bible School
Sunridge Church also hosts an annual camp for elementary-age children during the summer. All children from the community are invited to attend a week-long Bible camp, where they play games, sing songs, do crafts, and learn stories and lessons from the Bible. The event is highly organized and is facilitated by enthusiastic volunteers who love children! There is typically a nominal cost involved.
Sunday Morning Church Services
Of course, community members aren’t only welcome to attend advertised events. Every Sunday service is open to the public, and those in the church love to see new faces! No special invitation is necessary—all are welcome at any time.
The church’s regular Sunday morning services are not intimidating for newcomers. When entering the building, volunteers are readily available to answer any questions and direct visitors to where they need to go. Childcare is available, but visitors are also welcome to keep their children with them in the main service if they feel more comfortable doing so. Visitors can sit anywhere they like and participate in the service in whatever way makes them feel comfortable—even if that means just sitting in the back and listening and observing.
Sunridge regularly hosts “Welcome to Sunridge” events after Sunday morning services—casual get-togethers that anyone can attend to get their questions answered and meet some of the church’s leaders. Attending one of these events is a great way to get to know more about the church’s mission and vision, and to get more connected, if desired.
If you are looking to join a Christian church that actively welcomes anyone from the Temecula community, consider attending an event or a Sunday service hosted by Sunridge Church. You are likely to find a friendly, welcoming group of people who would love to include you in the life of their church!
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