How should I dress for Sunday worship services?
Dress according to your own tastes and means—from jeans and t-shirts to suits and dresses. Our hope is that you dress comfortably so that you are open and receptive to all of the blessings that God has in store for you at Reid Temple-Glenn Dale.
What time should I arrive for Sunday services?
Reid Temple-Glenn Dale offers four (4) Sunday worship services: at 7:15am, 9:30am, 11:15am, and 6:00pm. Church School begins at 9:30am, and Sunday services for children and youth begin at 11:15am.
Because each Sunday service usually draws hundreds, and often thousands, of members and visitors, we recommend that you plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before service starts so that you can be seated before service starts.
If you drive, members of our Parking and Traffic Ministry will be available to help you park as close to the church as possible. The earlier you arrive, the closer you can get. If you plan to use the free shuttle services our Transportation Ministry provides between Reid Temple and local DC and Maryland Metrorail stations, please schedule your trip to arrive at the station in time to catch the shuttle.
What will I see and do when I get to church?
Reid Temple A.M.E. Church-Glenn Dale is located on a sprawling, 30-acre campus in a peaceful suburban setting. The worship center is a large and impressive modern facility with many entrances. The main building houses the sanctuary, the Reid Temple Christian Academy, the Glad Tidings Bookstore, credit union, and other church offices.
When you arrive for Sunday services, park your car in one of our ample parking lots and either walk or catch the shuttle bus to the front entrance. You will be guided from there by a Greeter, who will welcome you with a smile and a copy of the church bulletin (Note: bulletins are given out on first Sundays only; however, if you are a visitor, you will receive one in your Welcome Packet). Our Greeters can also answer any questions you might have about the church. You can get additional information at the Welcome Desk or in designated areas where flyers and announcements are located.
You will enter the sanctuary through one of several doors, each of which is tended by an Usher. Once inside, you may sit wherever you like. If you need assistance finding a seat or have any special seating needs, please ask an Usher for help. He or she will be happy to assist you.
Once you are seated, please read your bulletin or watch the big-screen monitors in the sanctuary to learn more about the order of service and upcoming events at the church.
What happens during worship services?
Our services typically begin with the Proclamation of Faith, followed by the Call to Worship. This is answered by the Invocation and praise-music selections from one or more of our several choirs.
Next, lessons and readings from the Old and New Testaments and prayer responses are shared by the clergy and the congregation. The collection of tithes and other offerings precedes the Pastor’s sermon. Services conclude with the invitation to worship and the Benediction—and, of course, plenty of music, dance, and songs of praise.
Holy Communion services are held on first Sundays. Baptisms take place on every second Sunday of the month at 1:00pm.
How and when are visitors recognized?
If you are a visitor or new to Reid Temple, you will be asked to stand at some point during the service so that you can be acknowledged and welcomed by the congregation. While you are standing, a Greeter will come over to you and present you with a packet of information about the church to take home with you.