top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

When does this church worship?

Sunday mornings the service starts at 10:30, although we invite you to come a bit early as our members often greet and visit with one another before and after worship for a while.

What is the dress code here for worship?

There is no “dress code” – wear what’s comfortable to you. You’ll see men in suits, open-collared shirts, khakis and sweaters, and ladies in pants or skirts or dresses. Many of our youth and children wear jeans, or shorts in the summertime. Your presence is welcome, regardless of what you wear.  The sanctuary is air conditioned.

What can I expect in worship?

A Sunday morning worship experience at Centre is uplifting and traditional.  In general, it is an opportunity for us to push aside the wider world for a bit, focus on God who is our source of hope and strength, spend time in worship with our congregation, and encounter the Lord in some way.  

​

At the service, there are usually three hymns sung with organ accompaniment. There’s a time to ask for forgiveness of sins, and to hear an assurance of forgiveness. You’ll hear a story just for children, who are invited to come forward and sit on the steps at the front of the Sanctuary. A passage or two is read from the Bible, and the pastor will preach a sermon focused on one or both of those passages. You’ll likely get to hear one of our lovely choirs sing, or one of our members perform a special music offering. An offering is collected, and prayers are said. The entire service takes about an hour.

​

Our services are “liturgical” which means there are portions that the congregation either reads together or in a call and response format.  We do this to give as much opportunity as possible for our worshippers to be participants, not spectators, of worship to God.  We hope you will find that we try to make our services engaging, warm, practical, and heartfelt… but you may need to come and see for yourself!

Does your church live stream its services?

Yes we do the link is on our Home Page. However, we always prefer to have as many people worshiping with us in person as possible for we greatly value the Christian community that comes with being together every Sunday.  

Is this a “kid-friendly” church?

Absolutely!  We have many families with children and teens in our church family, and we have ministries to care for all of our young ones.  We have a nursery that is open in the Sunday school hour and during worship for our preschool aged kids and younger.  During Sunday school we have several age appropriate classes for elementary kids and teenagers.  All of these ministries are run by loving and dedicated volunteers who do a great job caring for our kids.  Children and teens are also welcomed and wanted in worship, and even periodically use their gifts by singing in the children’s choir or helping to lead worship.  We also provide children’s bulletins and crayons to help assist parents who want their children to worship with them in the sanctuary.

Where is the nursery?

It is on the other side of the steps from the Sanctuary, across the hall from the church office.

How do I get there?

Some people have said that the hardest part about going to Centre Church is actually getting there the first time. We are located on the corner lot where Freeman Hollow Rd and Route 850 West intersect.  Centre is about 3 miles west of the village of Loysville.

  • From New Bloomfield: Take Rt. 274 west to Loysville. From Loysville, follow Rt. 850 to Centre Church. About 2 miles west of Loysville, be sure to turn right on Rt. 850 over the bridge. The church is about 1 mile from the bridge. Drive time is about 20 minutes.

  • From Carlisle: Take Rt. 74 north over the mountain at Waggoner's Gap. Turn left at the stop sign in Alinda onto Rt. 850 traveling west to Landisburg. Follow Rt. 850 to Centre Church. About 2 miles west of Loysville, be sure to turn right on Rt. 850 over the bridge. The church is about 1 mile from the bridge. Drive time is about 45 minutes.

  • From Harrisburg: Take 81 south to Wertzville Road exit. Bear right. Stay on the main road (Sunnyside Drive) up and over the mountain at Sterrett’s Gap. Take Rt. 34 north through Shermans Dale where it will join with Rt. 850. Stay on Rt. 850 to Centre Church. About 2 miles west of Loysville, be sure to turn right on Rt. 850 over the bridge. The church is about 1 mile from the bridge. Drive time is about 1 hour.

Where should I park?

Centre has a large unpaved lot adjacent to the Church, located right on the grounds. Handicapped parking is available next to the entrance ramp to the left of the main entrance.

Which door do I use?

Easiest way in is by way of the double doors under the awning. This is the main entrance to the church, and it will take you into the lobby area (narthex). It’s also the best door to use if you’re going to Sigler Hall downstairs.  

Is the church handicap accessible?

Yes.  We have a wheelchair ramp to take you to the main floor where our classrooms, office, bathrooms, and Sanctuary are.  If you come in the main double door entrance under the awning, there are also a set of chair lifts that can take you up or down the set of stairs.  Please find a church member if you need assistance with the lift and we will be happy to assist you.

Can I use the church property?

Absolutely!  We rent our space out to family and community events that would like to use it for weddings, reunions, and more.  We also have ministry partners like the Scouts who use it mid week.  If you are interested in using the space, please contact our Administrative Assistant.

Who do I contact to ask a question?

Call the church office at 717-789-4571 or email the church at centre.church@gmail.com  

  • Facebook
bottom of page