What to Expect
Getting there
Epic Life Church is located at 10510 Stone Ave North in North Seattle. It is adjacent to Northgate Way and the closest major intersection is Aurora Avenue/N. 105th St.
If you are taking public transportation, the 40 bus stops right in front of our building (stop 40030) and we are only a block from Aurora Ave. If you are driving, there are a few options for parking accessed from Stone Ave: the parking lot on the north side of the building, along the west side of the building, or street parking. There is also an additional parking lot across Northgate Way. (Map)
Accessibility
There is a ramp and stairs leading to the south doors. The north doors only has stairs. The main meeting areas and an accessible bathroom are on the top floor. There is no lift inside and moving between the floors requires going outside either through the office or double doors on the east side of the building (near the fire department).
Getting situated
There are double-doors on both the north (parking lot) and south (Northgate Way) sides of the building. Use whichever is convenient for you.
There will be a couple greeters who can get you a bulletin, connect card (to learn more about small groups and/or volunteer opportunities), and prayer request cards. They can also get you a Bible if you wish and answer any questions.
In the foyer / entrance area, there is free coffee and tea. There may be pastries or other refreshments out as well. If you need the restroom, there is a single stall in the area past the barn door (usually slid shut, as another church uses that area at the same time). There are additional multi-stall restrooms downstairs.
People are encouraged to sit in the middle and towards the front but any chair is fair game, including the balcony (entrance is in the foyer).
General order of service
A pastor/elder will welcome everyone and pray to start the service. The worship team leads us in 2-3 songs. Occasionally someone may come up to read a passage from the Bible between songs.
Someone comes up to give announcements of events going on during the week (or after church). If there is a baptism or testimony, it usually at this time, or could be right before the sermon.
There is a “meet & greet” time where parents can take their children downstairs and people can refresh their coffee or just chat. The preacher will call everyone back to their seats and give a sermon that is about 45-50 minutes.
We sing one more song then a pastor/elder gives a blessing to close out the service. Many people linger to catch up on life and finish off any refreshments or make lunch plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I arrive?
Our service is at 9:30am. We recommend that you arrive about 10 minutes prior to the start of service. Latecomers are still welcome. We know how weekend mornings can be! For the early risers, you can also join us for our prayer circle at 8:30am.
What should I wear?
Casual attire is an excellent option for our services, but please wear what you’re comfortable with.
What about my kids?
We love your kids and, like you, we want them to have the best worship experience possible. We believe this experience is with our Children’s Ministry. There they will have the opportunity to worship and learn God’s Word in a way they can relate to and understand. This also frees you up to worship without any distractions.
If you have children from 6mos to 3yrs , they can be taken to the nursery downstairs. Children 4-12 will be invited to their classroom after announcements.
Note: children stay in the “big service” on the 5th Sunday of a month, also known as a family service or family Sunday. (They are welcome to stay on any Sunday — do whatever works best for your family).
What is the music like?
Contemporary. Think of artists such as: John Mark McMillan, Jonathan David Hessler, Hillsong, Bethel, All Sons and Daughters, Chris Tomlin. One or more people will be on stage to lead, which can range from one lead singer to accompaniment from guitar, piano, drums, bass, and/or flute. Lyrics will be displayed on overhead TV’s in both English and Spanish so everyone can sing along.
What is the sermon like?
The sermons are a mix of expository (following a single book of a Bible) and topical (focused on a specific subject). Both formats will reference multiple verses or passages from throughout the Bible. These will be displayed on the overhead TV’s but you are welcome/encouraged to bring your own paper Bible or Bible app to follow along.
Which Bible translation do you use?
Scripture readings and sermons usually use the New Living Translation (NLT) to stay consistent and approachable for a wide audience. The pastors and attendees own and study from a variety of translations. We do not endorse or require any one specific translation.
Is food allowed?
Coffee is provided before the service, and you can bring that and anything from home inside. Occasionally there may be pastries provided after church to snack on as you catch up with each other.