How do I get to First Baptist Church?

If you are a map person, just click on this link: GET MAP

If you are a landmarks person, we are right next to Medina's Route 18 Buehler's store. You can turn into the Buehler's parking lot at the light, then make a right turn into the church parking lot.

Our own parking lot entrance is just west of the Buehler's entrance. It tends to fill up! If you can't find a space, Buehler's kindly allows us to park in their lot. Our greeters will provide "valet service" to anyone who requires it. Just pull up under the overhang at the main entrance.

We are east of downtown Medina on Route 18, west of Highway 71. Route 18 is also "Medina Road."

Where Do I Park?

Several VISITOR spots are reserved right in front of the church. If these are full, more parking is available on the east side of the church and behind the church. If we're full, try the Buehler's lot.

There is HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE parking right in front as well.

We also have a roofed "drop-off" area right in front.

What Happens When I Arrive?

You will probably be greeted by someone at the door and given a church bulletin. If you are visiting, we have a gift bag for you!  Need hot cocoa or coffee? Stop by the Coffee Bar by our east-side doors and get a hot drink before the service starts. Our greeters will be happy to help you find the right classroom or get seated in the auditorium.

What About the Kids?

High school and junior high age students have their Bible Study time in "The Clayhouse," the building behind the main church building. Both groups meet at 10:30 a.m. in the Clayhouse and have separate rooms and teaching time. You can park near the Clayhouse if you'd like.

Kindergarten through 5th grade have what we call "KidZWorld," including large group time and teaching time with their own grade level. 

Babies through 18 months go to the nursery; toddlers & two-year-olds are next door; 3's are across the hall, and 4's and 5's have their own class as well. Classes for kids are available during both worship services.

Click here for more information about KidZWorld.


What If I'm Early?

Keep the Coffee Bar in mind! "HeBrews" offers a variety of coffees and teas each morning for a small donation, and bagels and breakfast snacks are usually available at a reasonable price.

What are Your Worship Services Like?

We usually begin with a song or two, a greeting from our Pastor, and then more worship time before Pastor Mark comes to share the message.  

We sometimes use drama, special music, and video to enhance the service, and Pastor Mark uses PowerPoint to make his messages easy to follow. It also makes note-taking easier for those who like to keep notes.

Services sometimes end with a time of "invitation," where you are welcome to come and pray on the steps at the front of the auditorium. This is never a long, awkward time, but rather a brief period where anyone can come to pray about what's on their heart. If you do come up to pray, chances are that someone will join you after a few minutes and ask if you'd like them to pray with you. It's fine to say "no, thanks" if you'd rather pray alone.

Do You Embarrass Guests During the Service?

Not if we can help it! We generally don't point out our guests during the service, or ask them to stand up. What we do is ask guests to fill out a Visitor Information Card and to pick up a free gift bag before they leave. The information helps us keep track of where our visitors come from, what their needs are, and if they'd like to know more about the church. We may send you a letter to thank you for coming, but we will not turn up on your doorstep!

What About Crying Babies?

We have a Cry Room available in the back of the auditorium. You can watch through a window and hear the service while your baby settles down. You're also welcome to relax in the nursery with your baby.

Do I Have to Put Money in the Offering Plate?

We don't expect visitors to put money in the offering plate; this is for regular attenders. All Pastor Mark asks (he likes to say) is that you don't take money out of the plate as it passes by. No one will look at you funny for not participating. Many regular attenders give through "automatic debit," or give bimonthly or monthly, and won't be putting anything in the plate either.

What Sunday Morning Bible Classes are Available?

You can choose among several classes (Life Groups). Click here for a listing of classes currently being offered on Sunday mornings.

What Happens on Sunday Nights?

A variety of meetings and fellowship opportunities are held on Sunday nights throughout the year, although there is not a weekly service. Our youth LifeGroups meet on Sunday evenings every other week during the school year in sponsors' homes.