We want you to feel welcome at our church! Here are some things newcomers might wonder about before attending a service at the Apostolic Faith Church in Portland.

Where are you located?

Our church address is 5601 SE Duke Street, in the Woodstock section of Portland. We are located at SE 56th and Duke Streets, across Duke Street from the big campground and the large domed building which says “Jesus the Light of the World.” That building is where we hold our annual summer camp meeting.

Where do I park?

A large parking lot on all three sides of the church building provides ample parking space. You will notice there is a drive-through area on each side of the building; please feel free to use that covered area to unload your passengers. Handicapped parking is provided near each of the entrances.

What will I see when I first get there?

The front doors of the church open into a large narthex. You will notice a large display picture board in the center area in front of the sanctuary doors; it features various activities that have taken place in the church recently. Literature racks are located to the left and right of the main doors—English on one side, and foreign languages on the other. Please feel free to help yourself to any publications that interest you; all are free of charge. Restrooms are located in the hallways going east and west out of the narthex areas; coat racks are provided in the hallways. The sanctuary is directly opposite the main front doors of the church.

Will there be someone on hand to help me know what to do?

Yes, greeters will be in the narthex to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. They will be wearing a badge that identifies them as a greeter and gives their name.

How long do your services last, and is your order of worship easy to follow?

Our services last about one hour. Each regular service begins with a musical prelude. Following the prelude, there is a period of congregational singing, a prayer, announcements, and more singing interspersed with a Scripture reading (Sunday mornings) or personal testimonies (all other regular services.) After a final musical number, the sermon is given. All of our services close with a time of prayer at altars, in which all are welcome to join.

Is the building accessible for physically challenged people?

Yes, it is fully accessible. An elevator at the rear of the sanctuary is provided for those who need help to get to the second floor Sunday school departments.

Do you provide signing for the hearing impaired?

Yes, a sign language interpreter signs all of our services. The interpreter sits in the front of the auditorium, on the right side as you enter the sanctuary.

Will I be singled out as a guest?

Because of the number of people present at most of the services, it would be impossible to recognize all guests. At times, visitors from the ships are welcomed during the services, but as a rule, other guests are not publicly welcomed during the services.

What is your music like? What type of songs do you sing?

Music is an integral part of every regular Apostolic Faith Church service. An orchestra and choir participate in most of the services, providing special musical numbers and accompanying the congregational singing. We enjoy a variety of musical styles in our services, both in the numbers provided by the musicians, and in the hymns sung by the congregation.

Am I expected to participate in the offering?

We never take collections during our services. Our church is supported by the freewill offerings and tithing of those who make this their place of worship.

What is your seating like?

Comfortable padded pews are provided for seating in the main sanctuary. The youth chapel seating is padded chairs.

Is there a nursery or other provision for small children?

Yes, supervised nursery care is provided for children from ages two through five during most of the regular services. The nursery is located down the west hallway, near the drive-through area. The nursery is open fifteen minutes before service, and stays open for fifteen minutes following. Play time, story telling, organized activities, and a snack time are part of the structured care given to every child. There are also two baby rooms at the back of the sanctuary, for the use of parents with children too young for the nursery.

Are there other people my age?

The Portland congregation ranges in age from newborn infants to senior citizens in their upper nineties. You are sure to meet those who are in your same age group.