What to Expect
Some commonly asked questions about your first visits to DCPC.
Where do I park?
Parking is available in the following areas:
- Along the two main roads that intersect in front of the church: Main Street and Concord Road.
- In public lots behind the row of businesses on Main Street. The access to these lots is off of Jackson Street.
- Further down Concord Road in lots on the Davidson College campus. One is on your left as you travel away from the church (due east). The other is further down on Baker Drive.
- By the public library and on Lorimer Road.
- Please be aware that Davidson Police issue parking citations for vehicles that are illegally parked. Many of the parking spaces in Davidson are marked as two-hour spaces.
Where do I go when I get there?
There are several entrances to the church.
On Concord Road, you can come into the building from two side doors. Upon entering, you will see stairs. If you go up a half flight, you will be on the Main Floor, where you will find access to the Sanctuary, Chapel, and church offices. You will be entering the Sanctuary from either side of the chancel (the front of the church).
If you go down the stairs from the Concord Road doors, you will go to the Ground Floor, where you will find the nurseries for infants and toddlers, as well as the Old Fellowship Hall. A handicap-accessible ramp is located at the side entrances. It leads to the Ground Floor. An elevator is also available should you need it.
The main entrance to the Sanctuary is off of Main Street (Route 115). You will see a set of three double doors that face the Davidson College quadrangle. There are large steps leading to the doors, and a handicap-accessible ramp to the right of the steps. When you enter, you will be in the narthex – the church lobby – directly facing the pulpit. An usher or greeter will be there to hand you a bulletin and help you find seating, nursery care for your children, and can answer any question if you need assistance.
The main entrance to the Chapel is also off of Main Street (Route 115). It is smaller than the main entrance tthe Sanctuary and the doors directly face Main Street.
Many of our Sunday school classes are held in the Congregation House at 218 Concord Road. It is diagonally across the street from the church.
What time do I need to arrive?
Services begin at 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. You should plan to arrive ten minutes early.
What if I am late?
Ushers can help you if you arrive late for a service. The best time to be seated after the service has begun is during a hymn.
What’s the dress code?
There is no set dress code. Come as you are. You will see a variety of clothing styles: men in suits, khakis, dress shirts or polo shirts. Women wear dresses, skirts and slacks.
Can I take Communion, even if I am not a member of DCPC?
Anyone who has been baptized is welcome to participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. You don’t have to be Presbyterian or even a member of a church. There is no age requirement.
At DCPC, we have communion about once a month. The elements (bread and grape juice) are brought to you by communion servers as you sit in your pew. You can eat as soon as you are served. You may put your used communion cups in the holding racks directly in front of you in your pew.
Are both services the same?
Both services have the same liturgy, but they each have a unique character. When Communion is served, it is available at both services.
The 8:30 a.m. service is in the Lingle Chapel, which holds 150 people. Members of the Geneva Choir perform for this service.
The 11 a.m. service is in the Sanctuary, which seats 1,000 people. A Word for Children is held during this service. Choral music is provided by the Chancel Choir.
What will the worship service be like?
A Sunday morning worship service at Davidson College Presbyterian is uplifting and traditional. The bulletin will detail for you the order of worship. The worship leaders and choir members wear robes. As you enter, many folks will be greeting each other, reading, or listening to the prelude music. During the service, members greet one another, shake hands and say,”The peace of Christ be with you.”
The service will also include:
- Prayers of Confession and Pardon.
- Several hymns sung by the congregation, accompanied by the organ or piano.
- Special music by the choir, children's' choir, hand bell choir, or musician.
- One or two Bible passages are read aloud.
- A sermon.
- An offering and blessing.
- Prayers of Intercession and Thanksgiving for the sick and concerns of the church and world.
For both services, large print hymnals and bulletins are available. Listening devices are also available in the narthex.
Whom should I contact if I have other questions?
- The church office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Call 704-892-5641. The office staff will be happy to answer your question or direct you to someone who can.
- Or, send an email to one of our pastors. Staff emails can be found by clicking here.
- On Sunday mornings, an usher or greeter will be happy to assist you if you have a question.
