I'm New
A Warm Welcome to Newcomers
Walking into a church for the first time can take a lot of courage. You may wonder, Will anyone notice me? Will I know where to go? Will I fit in? What should I expect? Even when we genuinely want to find a church community, taking that first step through an unfamiliar door can feel a little intimidating.
When
Sundays, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Where
Rest Haven Seventh-day Adventist Church
9300 Willingdon Rd, North Saanich
Next Service
Sunday, October 4
What to Expect
Your first visit, step by step
When you arrive
We meet Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at the Rest Haven Seventh-day Adventist facility, 9300 Willingdon Road, North Saanich. Come as you are — there is no dress code.
Our service
A typical service runs from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. and includes worship through music, prayer, Scripture reading, and a message grounded in God's Word.
After the service
Please stay for coffee and a chance to meet people. We would love to welcome you personally and answer any questions you have.
No pressure
You will not be singled out as a visitor. We want your first visit to be comfortable, respectful, and genuine.
We understand.
At Peninsula Mission, we want to make that first step as comfortable and welcoming as possible. Whether you have been part of a church for years, are returning to faith, are exploring Christianity for the first time, or simply looking for a nurturing, challenging, and inspiring community of faith, you have a place here.
As we have developed our newcomer ministry, we have come to think of our approach as a three-legged stool. Each leg is important, and together they create a strong foundation for helping people find a sense of belonging:
Welcoming
Being welcoming is more than having a friendly greeting at the door. It means noticing people, learning names, making connections, answering questions, and helping newcomers feel that they are genuinely seen and valued.
We know that Sunday mornings can be busy. It is natural for us to gravitate toward friends we already know. But creating a welcoming church takes intentionality. We want to cultivate a culture where we look beyond our familiar circles and make room for those who are new.
Events
Relationships often grow when we have opportunities to spend time together beyond the Sunday service. Gatherings, meals, small groups, and other activities give people a chance to meet others, discover common interests, ask questions, and begin building friendships.
These events aren’t simply things we put on a calendar. They are opportunities to create connections and help people discover the community that exists at Peninsula Mission.
Belonging
Ultimately, we want newcomers to become more than visitors. We want them to have the opportunity to belong, participate, and find their place within our community.
Belonging doesn’t mean expecting someone to jump in before they’re ready. It means creating pathways for people to become increasingly connected—to worship, to relationships, to serving, and to the life of the church.
More Than “All Are Welcome”
Many churches have a sign that says, “All Are Welcome.” We want those words to be more than a slogan.
For us, welcoming means putting those words into practice.
It means noticing the person standing alone.
It means introducing someone to others.
It means saving a seat, sharing a cup of coffee, answering a question, or simply taking the time to listen.
It means creating an environment where people don’t have to wonder whether they belong.
Our hope is to develop an authentic culture of caring relationships—a community where newcomers are welcomed with genuine warmth and where lasting friendships can grow. So if you’re thinking about visiting Peninsula Mission, please know this: You don’t have to know anyone.
You don’t have to know what to expect.
You don’t have to have everything figured out.
Just come as you are.
We’ll be glad you’re here.
Come as you are
There is no dress code and no pressure. We simply want your first visit to be comfortable, respectful, and genuine.