What should I wear to a Collegiate worship service?

What is the difference between the traditional and contemporary worship services?

Do you have accommodations for those who are differently-abled?

There are so many entrances, how do I know where to enter the building?

Are children welcome at Collegiate?

What do I do if my child is unruly during worship?

What do you offer for teenagers?

Do you have special programs for university undergraduates and graduate students?

How long are the worship services?

Are first-time visitor pressured to become members of Collegiate Presbyterian?

What do Presbyterians believe?  What distinguishes you from other churches?

How can I get connected/involved at CPC?

I heard you sell student parking passes for the school year.  How can I get one?

How can I be married at Collegiate?

How can I contribute financially to Collegiate?

How can I become a member of Collegiate?

What should I wear to a Collegiate worship service?
At our traditional service, most people dress, you might say, traditionally for a Sunday service; everything from business casual to suits and ties for men, nice dresses or suits for women.  At our contemporary service, people dress more casually, shorts and flip-flops are fine, and so are nice dresses.

What is the difference between the traditional and contemporary worship services?
The primary difference in our two services is musical style.  Our traditional service features hymns, organ music, our beautiful choir and occasionally our bell choir.  Our fabulous praise band, complete with amps, drums and loud upbeat music, leads our contemporary service.  The contemporary service is also a little more casual.  At both services, the congregation will hear the same sermon.

Do you have accommodations for those who are differently-abled?
Yes we do.  We are completely wheelchair accessible. Park on the south side of the church for easiest access to the elevator and automatic door. View map here. We also offer hearing devices for the hearing impaired, and large print hymnals.  All of our services are projected.

There are so many entrances, how do I know where to enter the building?
Our building can be confusing!  We hope that won’t deter you from worshipping with us!  The easiest way to find our sanctuary is from the west side of the building, the Hyland Avenue entrance off our parking lot.  However, if you are walking from the ISU campus, entering the doors off Sheldon Avenue is just fine too.  No matter where you enter our building, we want you to know that you are welcome here.

Are children welcome at Collegiate?
Just as Jesus welcomed the little children, so do we!  If you wish to have your child cared for while you worship, we have a nursery for children through age three.  If you choose to worship with your children we have activity bags for their enjoyment.  During the school year we offer spiritual formation (Christian Education) for children ages 3 through 12th grade, between our two services. We offer a time for children in the worship services on various occasions throughout the year.  Also during the school year, our Club CPC program meets on Wednesday afternoons offering Bible Study, recreation and worship skills, followed by an all-church dinner.  See our Childcare Protection Policy.

What do I do if my child is unruly during worship?
We offer parents a place to sit outside the sanctuary with their child.  The worship service is broadcast so that you can listen while attending to your child.

What do you offer for teenagers?
Sunday morning classes address important faith and ethical issues faced by teens today.  We offer both a Middle and High school class on Sunday mornings.  On Wednesdays teens meet for a youth group experience, separated again into middle and high school groups.  Our Senior High School group takes a mission trip each spring break.  Check out our Youth page.

You are a Collegiate Church; do you have special programs for university undergraduates and graduate students?
Yes we do!  Click here to learn more about our University Ministry programs.  Visit our University Ministry page.

How long are the worship services?
Both services are usually about an hour long.  Sometimes, like when we celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of the month, they can be a little longer.

Are first-time visitor pressured to become members of Collegiate Presbyterian?
Can I visit with no obligation? Yes!  Collegiate is a welcoming church community whether you are visiting for the first time or a regular guest. You can take advantage of membership and program opportunities whenever you want. There is no obligation to become a member.

What do Presbyterians believe?  What distinguishes you from other churches?

Collegiate Presbyterian Church was founded in 1911 across the street from Iowa State University with the intent to serve both the community and the campus.  When the church building was dedicated in 1917, Dean R.E. Buchanan said, “What we desire is an inseparable union of students and community into a single church, in which in every essential respect the work is absolutely coordinate.”  This mission continues to be CPC’s vision for our ministry.

To learn more about the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in general, click here to access the website of our national governing body.

How can I get connected/involved at CPC?
We have a variety of groups and activities.  Click here for more information.

I heard you sell student parking passes for the school year.  How can I get one?
We do sell passes at the beginning of each semester.  They go on sale one week before classes begin.  You can come to the church office.  We take only checks or cash.  There are some limitations on the pass, so be certain you understand the policies!  CPC Parking Pass Info.

How can I be married at Collegiate?
Being located across the street from a world-class university means that there are many students who would like to take advantage of our beautiful sanctuary for their wedding.  We welcome you to be married at Collegiate if you are a member of our congregation, or if you are a Presbyterian in good standing at another church.  Click here for more information about weddings at Collegiate.

How can I contribute financially to Collegiate?
Each Sunday, during morning services, we receive an offering. These financial gifts enable this church to fulfill the mission and vision God has given us. The Old Testament references a "tithe," or "tenth," as an acceptable gift. The New Testament says little about this but does talk about giving in accordance to what God has given us. We believe giving is a demonstration of faith in God, and a response to what God has given us.

How can I become a member of Collegiate?
We offer new member classes three or four times during the year, and receive new members then.  Contact our Associate Pastor, Barbara Gaddis for details.

I have questions that are not answered here.  How can I contact you?

You can call us at (515) 292-2063, or email us!