Information

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Planning Your Visit

Weather & Safety

• Your safety is our priority. If there is an extreme weather event on a Sunday (or the day prior), the church will remain closed. Please check the national weather service for updates during storms. We have members that travel out of county to the church. We want to make sure nobody feels pressured to attend. Your safety is God's priority and ours! 

Adverse events: 

• Sub-zero temperatures, Ice, Snow, Power outtages, Storms, Tornadoes, Eathquakes,extreme winds. Building maintenece, Worship staff emergencies.

We ask that patrons check our website regulary for closures and openings. If we are closed, it is for reason of circumstances outside of our control. 

PARKING:

We Ask visitors to use the North Side of the Church for parking and that all patrons to respect the boundaries of our neighbors. Please do not cut across their lawns. Disabled patrons are welcome to use the West lawn for parking and entering through the wheelchair accessibility ramp. Please have a person available to unlock the North Access door. be advised that there is no elevator or lift access currently for the basement. As we must raise money for remodeling in order to do so. We are asking for donations to complete this project.

Financial Assistance and needs: We would love to help, but due to the upkeep of the building and its costs at this time our budget is stretched out. Our friends at the Salvation army located just down the street on Mainstreet Burlington are amazing and can provide you the best and most immediate help! 

List of Assistance facilities in Hastings: (We are not affiliated with them, but they are a major help!)

• Crossroads Mission - 702 W 14th St, Hastings, NE 68901 

• Catholic Social services - 124 S Colorado Ave, Hastings, NE 68901 

• Salvation Army -400 S Burlington Ave, Hastings, NE 68901 

Preparing for Peace 

"To help everyone enjoy a truly relaxing experience, we maintain a quiet atmosphere in the sanctuary prior to the service. We invite you to silence your phone and enter softly, allowing the warm tones of the organ to help you settle in. If you have a quick greeting for a neighbor, we simply ask that you keep it to a whisper until we gather for fellowship after the service.  

No assigned seating: We want you to feel at home from the moment you walk in. There are no ushers to assign you a seat; you are free to sit wherever you feel most comfortable, whether that is right at the front or toward the back. There is no pressure—please pick whichever spot helps you find your peace. 

A Note for Families with Young Children: We appreciate having children visit our service! Their energy is a blessing to our church. To ensure the safety of our little ones and to maintain a peaceful environment for prayer, we kindly ask parents to keep their children with them during the service. If your child needs a "wiggle break," please feel free to use the foyer or basement. 

Arrival & Parking

• Accessibility: A wheelchair accessibility ramp is located on the North-west side of the church building. Unfortuantly the basement currenlty does not have accessibility for handicap or disabled person(s). The Restrooms are located in the basement.  Even though we are grandfathered in for building code, We are trying to fund an installation of an access chair system. Donations can be made to the New York Avenue Congregational Church via Check mailed to: 402 South New York Avenue . Donors names will be included at their request. 

• Our Neighbors: We love our community! As a courtesy to our neighbors, please use the sidewalks and avoid cutting across residential lawns.

•  Parking on the West lawn is reserved for visitors with disabilities. We ask that you do not park on the West lawn during the weekday. This is reserved for elderly and disabled attendees and disabled  staff members. We aren't in the business of towing vehicles, but abuse of this will lead to towing. 

Inside the Sanctuary

• Peace & Quiet: To maintain our relaxing atmosphere, we ask that all mobile devices remain on silent while inside the church. If you must take an urgent call, please step into the foyer as a courtesy to those in worship.

• Late Arrivals: Don't worry if the clock is ahead of you—all walk-ins are always welcome, you are never late to the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the music like? Our music is a "welcoming chorus" led by our historic Kilgen Pipe Organ. We stick to the timeless hymns of the 1800s—the ones many of us remember from childhood. You won’t find drums, loud bands, or bright stage lights here; just the pure, classic sounds of tradition.

What should I wear? (Our Modesty Dress Code) We are a relaxed and informal community—you don’t need a suit or a formal dress to fit in! We simply ask that our guests dress with modesty and thoughtfulness. Our goal is to maintain a peaceful environment where the focus remains on worship and the Word, rather than on outward appearance. Comfortable, respectful, casual attire is always appropriate. 

Do you talk about politics? No. We believe the church should be a sanctuary from the noise of the world. Our teaching is strictly verse-by-verse through the Bible. We leave political agendas at the door so that we can focus entirely on the timeless truths of Scripture and how they apply to your everyday life. We respectfully pray for all of our leadership. There are no end-times  or condemnation messages here. 

Is it okay if I’m running late? Absolutely! We know that life happens! Late walk-ins are always welcome. Nobody is ever late in joining the service according to the Lord. 

What denomination are you? We are a Non-Denominational Christian Community Bible Church. This means our final authority is the Bible itself. We welcome people from all backgrounds who are looking for a return to simple, Biblical faith and traditional hymns.

Weddings & Funerals

A historic setting for life's most sacred moments.

We are honored to open our sanctuary and the music of our Kilgen Pipe Organ for weddings and funerals. You do not need to be a member of our church to book a service with us.

• Reservations: Please reserve all weddings well in advance to ensure availability. If you are in need of burial rights  please notify us. 

• Fees: Standard fees apply for the use of the church for weddings, funerals, and special events.

Tithes and Offerings

"We believe that worship is our gift to God, and we want our guests to feel zero pressure to give. An offering plate is available for those who wish to support the mission of our church and the preservation of our historic home. Your voluntary gifts help us keep the doors open, the heat and A/C on, it  maintains our Kilgen organ, and continue sharing a message of hope with our neighborhood. We are grateful for your presence above all else." Even 1 dollar is something we are greatful for. 

Mark 12:43-44:

"Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on."

HISTORY:

Who are the "Volga Germans"? Our church was founded by families who emigrated from German settlements along the Volga River in Russia. They brought with them a deep resilience and a "home-style" approach to faith. While we are a "neighborhood church for all" today, we still cherish that legacy of community, hard work, and sturdy, traditional worship.

Communion FAQ

Who is allowed to receive Communion? - EVERYONE.

At The New York Avenue Congregational Church , we practice an Open Table. This means we believe the invitation to the table comes from Jesus Christ himself, not from a church board or a set of rules. You do not need to be a member of this church, and you do not need to take any classes or orientations to participate. If you are seeking God’s grace, you are welcome here.

Do I need to be baptized first? (no)

While many of us discovered God’s grace through baptism, we do not require proof of baptism to receive the bread and cup. We believe that for many, the table is a place where they first encounter the love of Christ.

Can my children participate? (yes) 

Yes! We believe that God’s grace is a gift for all ages. We do not require children to go through "First Communion" classes to join us. If you feel your child is ready to receive the elements, they are more than welcome.

What if I’m not "religious" or I’m still questioning? (you are free to come to the table)

You are exactly who Jesus often ate with! You don’t need to have all the answers or a perfect "track record" to join us. The table is a place of nourishment for the journey, not a reward for having arrived.

What are the elements? (Dietary Notes)

We want everyone to be able to participate safely: Not taking the elements during the service is nothing to be ashamed of. You may receive the elements and in practice leave them or take them with you. Consumption is not a requirement. We currently do not have gluten free alternatives and we appologize for this. There is no shame in receiving the elements and not consuming them. 

• Bread: We offer [regular bread/wafers], 

• Cup: We serve [grape juice]. - Welches 100% grape juice. No Alcohol is served.

How do I actually "do" it?

When it is time for Communion, an usher will signal your row to move forward. We typically practice [Intinction]. If you prefer to remain in your seat for reflection or prayer, please feel free to do so; there is no pressure to come forward. The elements will either be passed out or offered at the front of the church. 

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LEGAL Information: 

The New York Avenue Congregational Church of Hastings Nebraska  Is independently operated by the New York Avenue Congregational Church board and is not affiliated with the State of New York or any specific denomination.   This church resides as a non-denominational, non affiliated church in Hastings Nebraska. We are not affiliated  with any political party. All funding is provided by Generous donations from Various families and community members.  As well as the church offering plate.