Q1 : Are we really allowed to bring small children to the worship service or to small groups?  We have very active children!

A1 : Please do not worry! We welcome parents with small children to all our meetings.  There are many children- -both small and large- -in our church and each and every one of them is a valuable member.  Yes, we do welcome active children! 

Q2 : I would like to attend a church service but I don't understand Japanese.

A2 : We are a very internationally-minded Japanese-language church and our service are partially held in German. We also have many English speakers in our church.  Please feel free to join us!

Q3 : Although I want to at least try going to church, I have never done so before and have no idea what to do.  What will happen?

A3 : Please do not worry about attending church for the first time.  There is a first time for everyone! There will be people to show you what to do and nothing will be done against your will.  You will also be given a program of the day's events, so that you will know what will happen. 

Q4 : I have heard that people have to give money at church.  Is this true?

A4 : Our church does not receive money from the Swiss government and relies entirely on donations from its members.  However, all donations are 100% voluntary and you will never be forced to give money.

 

Q5 : I have heard that there is a celebration after the service where Japanese and other foods will be served.  Do I have to be a member to attend?  Do I have to bring my own food?

 

A5 : Since we still are in danger from the pandemic, we need to be careful.  Therefore we have cancelled the communal meals for now.  We look forward to the time when it is safe to start this tasty event again! 

 

Q6:  We heard that there is Sunday school for younger children, but what about our teenagers?  Our kids tell us that they are not interested in staying in the church during the sermon, because it is too long.   Should we just leave them at home? 

 

A6: Please feel free to bring all your children, including teenagers!   During the sermons, our teenagers get together with a trained adult leader and will have discussions as well as fun events.  We try to make the church visit a fulfilling event for everyone – no matter how young or old. 

 

Q7: I want to attend church, but am afraid of the Coronavirus.  I have heard that churches are often the sites of virus transmissions.  Will I be safe?

 

A7: We are working closely with the Swiss authorities and the Mitternacht Ruf (the owners of the building) and are taking many precautions in order to be absolutely sure that no virus transmissions will take place.  For this reason, masks will be required and we will, for the time being, do without the communal potluck dinner.  Please come and join us, since at times like this fellowship and human companionship are sorely needed.  It is also possible to attend the sessions via Zoom from the comfort and safety of your own home.  Feel free to contact us for the Zoom link.