Frequently Asked Questions (and Answers!)

Baptism

How would I go about getting my child baptized at PCD?

Please contact the pastor for this conversation. The session approves all baptisms, and it is our expectation that families whose children are baptized here are or will become members at the Presbyterian Church of Dover.

When does church school take place?

The Church School schedule loosely follows the public school schedule [September to June] and begins at 9:45 am.
Are there adult study programs?
During the normal school year, Adult Study takes place during the Church School hour. There are also periodic mid-week studies for adults.

When does PCD celebrate communion?
Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month either by intinction or by sharing in the pews. We also celebrate communion on Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday.
Is there any limitation on who can receive communion at PCD?
The Presbyterian Church welcomes all Christians to partake of communion.

What is the normal dress at PCD?

Dress is casual, but feel free to dress more formally.

How will I get to meet the members of PCD?

At the end of each service people gather for a while to socialize. Normally, a fellowship time takes place on the second Sunday of each month, unless there is a special celebration. Snacks and beverages are served and there is opportunity to talk to members.

Are there other pictures of church activities that I can see?
Yes!!! Click on More About Us and go to the Photo Gallery.
How do I find out about Adult Classes that are offered at PCD?
Click on Coming Up and then click on Faith Formation Opportunities. This section also outlines activities involving the children and youth.
What do I do if I wish to be married at the Presbyterian Church of Dover?
Contact the Pastor in the Church Office at 302-734-3313.
Where do I find a list of the Deacons and Session Members [Elders]?
Click on More About Us on the menu at the left of the home page. Click on Member Directory. Sign in with your Username and Password. Once you are in the Member Directory, click on the Member Group drop down menu and find the group you need.
Where do I go to find out about the ministries in which PCD members are involved?
Click on More About Us and then click on Ministries.
Who can access the Member Directory?
The Member Directory is password protected, so that only a registered member or friend of the church can get access, using a unique Username and Password. If you are a member and have not yet accessed the Member Directory, call the Church Office for your Username and Password or contact Vicky Cairns at vcairns50@gmail.com or at 302-222-6039 or Lynn Hersey-Miller at mlbh.miller@verizon.net. for assistance.

Where do I park?
You may park on the street around the church or in the lot of the Dover Public Library across from our front doors on State Street.

Who are Presbyterians?

Our name comes from the Greek word, “presbyteros,” which means “elder,” reflecting the fact that our congregations are governed by elected and ordained elders. We trace our faith ancestry to the teachings of the Reformed family of protestant churches, especially as developed by John Calvin (Switzerland) and John Knox (Scotland). Our primary theological identification is our belief that God’s grace is freely given through God’s great love for us (not earned by our works), and our response is our gratitude, expressed in service to others.

When are worship services at the Presbyterian Church of Dover?

During the normal school year, church school begins at 9:45 a.m. and worship begins at 10:55a.m. For the summer season, a hymn sing begins at 9:40 a.m. and worship begins at 9:55 a.m.
What is worship like at the Presbyterian Church of Dover?
Our worship service could be characterized as “traditional,” in that we sing most hymns to organ accompaniment, and use a paper bulletin for our order of worship. We have choirs (Chancel, Intergenerational, Children’s, handbells, chimes) who help lead us in worship. We also use acoustic, wind, and brass instruments, as well as percussion from time to time. Our worship follows the seasons of the liturgical (church) year: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, All Saints’ Sunday, Christ the King Sunday. The pastor wears a robe and stole, and is assisted each Sunday by a lay leader. Worship generally lasts an hour or a bit longer.
Are there activities for children during worship?

A special Time for Young Christians takes place during the worship service after which small children may adjourn to Children's Church every Sunday except when communion is celebrated.