Henderson is an American Baptist Church, which is Neighbor-Serving, Christ-Centered.

• Are there any dress expectations?

  We encourage people to come as they are, in what feels most comfortable.

• What time should I arrive for Service?

  We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes early to get settled in your seat. If you have kids, you may need to allow a little more time. If you wish to send kids to Youth programs, please notify one of the Church Greeters upon our arrival.

• How long does the service last on Sunday Mornings?

  Each Sunday experience lasts approximately one-hour. The first of the month service may be slightly longer due to communion.

• As you come into the worship service from the main doors off from Academy Street, a Greeter will hand you a Worship bulletin. You may then take any seat in the pews you wish.

If you are reading this, we are grateful that you are concerned about mitigating any risk to anyone else.

Face coverings (masks) that cover your nose and mouth are optional for congregates, choir, and clergy.

Face Masks and hand-sanitizing agents are available as you enter the Worship Sanctuary.

If you are potentially symptomatic, we ask that you are respectful of others by taking the necesary safety protocols, which may include remote worship, testing for COVID, or wearing appropriate face coverings.

All are welcome at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church. We are an inclusive community of believers, who would love the opportunity to get to know, love, and serve you- persons of all gender, sexual orientations, or gender identities. “All are Welcome” at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church.

Henderson Memorial Baptist Church welcomes all persons with disabilities. We have attempted to make as many accommodations, as we are aware that are needed- and are willing to make more. We have an access ramp, an elevator to get to the fellowship hall from the worship sanctuary, a wheelchair, mobility aids, and Assisted Listening Device(s).

Henderson Memorial Baptist Church understands that Church may a bit intimidating. If you are interested in attending Church or getting to meet staff in advance, you are welcome to come into the Church during its open hours, call the Church in advance to meet staff, attend a community function, or come to a worship service. The activities and hours of these events are listed under the tab, “About, Get Connected, or Church News.”

Worship Services are at 9:30 AM each Sunday. Holiday services may change- and those will be posted on this website.

If you are unable to attend the worship service, there are many other opportunities for you to enjoy either the worship experience or fellowship. They include the following:

Streaming Services: Each Sunday’s services are broadcasted on Zoom. If you are interested in being a part of these services, please sent the Church a note by clicking on the ‘I’m New” tab on the Home Page, and we will forward you a zoom invite. In the future, we are looking to expand this access- so we encourage you to watch this website. If you are not available during the service times, you are welcome to view the weekly message on the website, or specify in your request that you would like to see the whole service. We will make the necessary accommodations. We also offer copies of CD diskettes for anyone, who does not have access to the internet. Again, please specify the entirety of your request in your email, when you contact the Church.

Website: Under the “Sermon” tab, we will have the weekly messages posted. Due to bandwidth concerns, we will not be posting the entire service each week.

Great Question:

For American Baptists, the local Church is the fundamental unit in denominational life. Our Baptist roots date back four centuries to a people seeking the opportunity to worship God as individual members of freely organized and freely functioning local churches. Our denomination maintains the need for autonomous congregations, each responsible for articulating its own doctrine, style of worship, and missions. It is up to the members of the congregation to determine and carry out its mission, which for Henderson Memorial Baptist Church means “Neighbor Serving, Christ Focused.”

At Henderson, we have a Church Board that consists of members of the Church serving as Moderator, Treasurer, Clerk, Ministry Team Leaders, and Senior Pastor. The Church Board holds congregation meetings annually to approve major decisions. Church bylaws outline which decisions can be made by the Church Board and which decisions require a vote of members.

The first step to becoming a member is to mention your interest to the Senior Pastor. You will meet with him to talk about your faith journey and learn generally about the American Baptist denomination and more specifically, about Henderson Memorial Baptist Church. Welcome Classes will be offered for any youth or adult seeking to know more about Henderson Memorial Baptist Church and membership.

After participating in a Welcome class, if you feel God leading you to join in membership at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, you can do that in one of three ways: Transfer of Letter, Baptism, or by Christian experience. These ways to join the church as a member will be explained in the Welcome class or meetings. Once you have been affirmed into membership by the Church Board, you will be formally welcomed by the congregation during a worship service. The ritual of welcome includes a congregational litany honoring your journey and celebrating your commitment.

We give tremendous thanks that you are prayerfully exploring membership with our Faith community!

Yes! Henderson Memorial Baptist Church is a neighbor-serving, Christ-Centered community. There are opportunities to serve in extended care, home shut-ins, fund-raising activities, and the Church Choir.

We are also exploring the possibility of a contemporary service for those who may have musical skills or may desire a more evangelical-based service. We are currently looking for someone with digital marketing skills to assist with the Church digital media platforms.