Welcome! Thanks for visiting our website. Here are answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

 

What are the service times?

We have two Sunday morning worship services:

     - 9:00-10:15 AM - Contemporary Worship

     - 10:45-12 noon - More Traditional Worship

 

What are directions to the church?

We are located just off Hwy 101 in San Rafael at 3 N. San Pedro Rd. If you are coming north on Hwy 101 take the N. San Pedro Exit. As you go off the off ramp, stay to the left which will swing you around so that you are heading west on N. San Pedro Rd. Once you are on N. San Pedro road, the church will be about 100 yards ahead on the right at the corner of N. San Pedro Rd. and Merrydale Roads. The front parking lot will be on your right. If you are coming south on Hwy 101 take the N. San Pedro Rd exit. At the end of the off ramp there is a stop sign. Turn left at the stop sign which will put you on Merrydale Rd. The church is about 100 yards ahead on the right at the corner of Merrydale and N. San Pedro Rds.

 

Where does a person park?

We have a front parking lot and a back parking lot. Follow the signs. The front parking lot is next to the sanctuary. The back parking lot is around the back by the gymnasium. In the front parking lot there are two visitors spots for first-time visitors.

 

What is the dress code?

Although some people dress up, Valley is a "come as you are" church. Casual dress is totally appropriate.

 

Is there nursery care?

Yes, there is nursery care for both worship services. The nursery is located on the first floor of the Christian Education building which is right next to the Sanctuary.

 

Are there classes for children, youth, and adults offered during worship services?

There are classes. The children's classes meet in the Christian Education building. Ask an usher in the foyer for directions. Someone will walk you over and show you where the classes are. There are also classes for Jr/Sr High and Young Adults. The classes are:

     - Pre-Kindergarten - ages 3-4 - meets downstairs in the CE Building

     - K-2nd Grade - Meets downstairs in the CE Building

     - 3rd-5th Grade - Meets upstairs in the CD Building

     - Jr. and Sr. High meet in the youth room upstairs in the gym. They only meet during the second service.

     - Young Adult Singles meet during the second service in the 2:20 Room upstairs in the gym.

Occasionally there is a general adult class offered. Mostly, adults meet during the week in home groups.

 

What is the preaching like?

The Pastors preach biblical, relevant messages from Scripture. These are podcasted on the internet.

 

What kind of music is used in the worship services?

The first service has contemporary songs and the worship team includes drums. The second service has a combination of hymns and praise choruses and drums are not used.

 

What is your doctrinal statement?

Here is what we believe:

 

THE BIBLE: The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the verbal (every word) and plenary (complete) Word of God.  It is our only rule for faith and practice.

 

GOD: There is one God, eternally existing and manifesting Himself to us in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

 

JESUS: Jesus Christ is the second person of the Trinity, co-equal and co-existent with the Father and Holy Spirit. He was and is God, was virgin born, and lived a sinless and righteous life. He died on the cross a substitutionary death for the sins of all men,  was buried and on the third day rose bodily from the grave. He ascended into Heaven and is now interceding for us. His return is imminent and will be personal, visible, pretribulational, and premillennial.

 

MAN:  Man was created in the image of God but fell into sin, becoming spiritually separated from God. All men are lost and cannot save themselves. A man must be born again by faith in Christ to be reconciled to God. Salvation is by the grace of God through faith in His Son, Jesus. Those who accept Christ as Savior are kept by His power eternally. The judgment of the wicked and unbelieving, and the rewards of the righteous are conscious and everlasting.

 

THE CHURCH:  The Church is the elected company of believers, baptized by the Holy Spirit into one body. Its mission is to witness concerning the Head, Jesus Christ, by sharing the Gospel among all nations. It will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air before He appears to set up His Kingdom. The local church is a body of immersed believers associated together for work, worship, and fellowship. The local church is independent and autonomous.

 

MARRIAGE:  Marriage is a rite of the Church. Marriage has been established by God. This church defines “marriage” as the exclusive covenantal union of one man and one woman in which such union is a lifetime commitment. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it is consistent with the definition of “marriage” found in these Articles.

 

HUMAN SEXUALITY:  Legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual activities outside of marriage (referred to in the New Testament as “porneia”) including but not limited to: adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation and/or distribution and/or viewing of pornography, are incompatible with the biblical witness.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:  Every minister, board member, employee, or volunteer shall affirm their agreement with the Articles of Faith and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. Every person who becomes a member of this church shall affirm their agreement with the Articles of Faith and behave in a manner that is consistent therewith.