Visitor Guide
Schedule
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Reception
ANF worships on the second floor.
Please come upstairs with your shoes on.
Feel free to sit in any seat.
For more details, please ask someone at the reception desk. -
Worship and prayer
Worship songs are songs written about God. Church members stand to sing, but you are welcome to stay seated or not sing.
Use the time of prayer to reflect on your daily life. Listen to the worship leader and quietly turn your heart toward God.
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Kids ministry
ANF runs a kids ministry during the message.
Children aged 0–3 can be left with a babysitter. Parents can stay in the worship hall to listen to the message or spend the time with their children.
A program is prepared in the next room for children aged 4–10.
Youth ministry meets once a month.
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Message
At ANF, the message is given in two languages, Japanese and English.
We sing at the end of the message, followed by a time of prayer led by the pastor.
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News and introductions
We share church events and announcements.
If you are comfortable, we would love to welcome first-time visitors during the introduction time (your name and how you heard about ANF). It is voluntary, so there is no need to introduce yourself if you would rather not.
This concludes the worship program.
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Clean-up and lunch
After putting away the chairs on the second floor, you can eat in the café space on the first floor.
People bring a bento or get takeout nearby and eat together. We try to leave the café space by 13:30.
Q＆A
Is it okay to come for the first time?
Yes, first-time visitors are very welcome. You do not need to sign up or reserve a seat. The service starts at 10:30 every Sunday, and reception opens at 10:20. Please feel free to drop in.
Can I come if I am not a Christian?
Yes. Anyone who is curious is welcome, whether or not you are a Christian. You do not need to know much about the Bible or Christianity.
What should I wear?
There is no dress code. Casual clothes are fine. Please go up to the second-floor venue with your shoes on.
Do I need to bring anything, such as a Bible?
You do not need to bring anything special. Just come as you are.
Is it okay if I do not speak Japanese or English?
ANF gives its messages in both Japanese and English, so you are welcome whichever language you speak. If you need help in another language, please contact us.
Will I be pressured to join or recruited?
No. Even the self-introduction during the welcome time is optional and by raised hand. Take your time and see what our service is like at your own pace.
How much should I give? Do first-time visitors have to?
We do not ask first-time visitors or non-Christians to give. Giving is not an admission fee, so there is no need to give if you do not feel led to.
What is giving?
Giving is one of the ways Christians worship God. This is not a participation fee or anything required to participate in our activities. Instead, it is a way to show gratitude to God and what He has done for us.
Do I have to stand and sing during worship?
Church members stand to sing, but you are free to stay seated or not sing at all. You can quietly turn your heart toward God. You may sit in any seat in the venue.
Can I bring my children? What if they cry or get noisy?
Yes, families with children are welcome. ANF runs kids ministry during the message. Children aged 0–3 can be left with a babysitter, and there is a program for ages 4–10 in the next room. If your child cries or makes noise, please do not worry.
Is there parking for cars or bicycles?
Please contact us about parking for cars and bicycles. For directions by public transport, see Access.
Can I leave right after the service?
Yes, you are free to leave whenever the service ends. After the service, people eat lunch together in the first-floor café space, bringing a bento or takeout. You are welcome to join us.
How do I get baptized?
Baptism is a ceremony that expresses faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. If you are interested, please speak to a pastor or church member after the service, or contact us.
What is communion?
Based on the passage where Jesus Christ shared bread and wine with His disciples so they would remember Him, the church likewise shares bread and grape juice together. Communion is for those who have been baptized. It takes place at the end of the message on the first Sunday of the month. If you do not yet believe in Christianity, please stay seated and turn your heart toward God.
My family is Buddhist or Shinto. Can I become a Christian? What about ancestor rites and ceremonies?
You are welcome to explore Christianity whatever your family’s religion. Worries about family relationships, ancestor rites, weddings and funerals are very common. Our pastors and church members are happy to listen, so please feel free to talk with us.
I work on Sundays. Are there gatherings on weekdays?
Besides the Sunday service, church members meet in community gatherings. Please contact us for dates and details.
Is there a Bible study or small group?
ANF values Christians walking together in community. Please contact us about Bible study opportunities.