What to Expect

Top 10 Visitor Hotspots

Welcome to Wooddale Church, a warm and welcoming community of faith. Yes, the Eden Prairie campus is…well…big. Some people like that about Wooddale and other first-timers wonder how they’ll find their way around.

Feel at ease. You’ll walk through the doors and into a swirl of friendly people. You can slip in and slip out again if that’s your style. But if you’re ready to get to know Wooddale Church, check out the following hot spots.

1. Information Desk
Just inside Door 1 you’ll see an ordinary information desk that is your key to all things Wooddale. We make a point of having someone amiable and knowledgeable planted there on weekdays, Saturday nights, Sunday mornings, and Sunday evenings. Go ahead—volley any question to our Answer Person. “When does the next worship service start?” “Where do I check in my son for third grade Sunday school?” “Is there a rest room nearby?” He or she will point you in the right direction. You’ve already got a friend.

2. Welcome Center
Right next to the Information Desk is the Wooddale Welcome Center—a small, open lounge area for people like you who are new to Wooddale. It is the place for picking up brochures about any of our ministries, making a friend or two, and starting to feel at home. Stop by.

3. Worship Services
There are many worship services to choose from. Depending on which one you choose, you will be directed to the Worship Center or the Great Room. Style of worship (contemporary, traditional, or alternative) is up to you—but come as you are. Some people like to dress for services, but casual and jeans are also appropriate. We’re a relaxed community. It’s about God not clothes!

Contemporary worship may feature electric guitar, brass, piano, synthesizer, and drums. Traditional worship services use the organ, piano and sometimes even an orchestra. The Gathering, an alternative service, contains everything from acoustic guitar to rock to rap in a darkened, worshipful environment.

4. Big Groups
Each Sunday morning, communities of people gather in rooms throughout the building to study the Bible, know God more intimately, discuss ideas and build relationships. These groups are listed in The Wooddale WEEk and are organized around common interests or stages of life. Big Groups are just one more way to make friends and meet new people with little difficulty and great success.

5. “The Woods,” Junior High, and Senior High
The real action is on the lower level of the Eden Prairie campus, where children and youth meet Sundays and Wednesdays for learning designed just for them. Just down the stairs from the Café you’ll find The Lodge—information central for all children’s and student ministries. Need to know where your student goes? Just ask.

6. Wooddale Café
Before or after the service make your way to the Wooddale Café. You’ll find pastries, coffee, tea, light sandwiches and much more. The Café is our ministry to all who come to Wooddale to worship, volunteer and visit with friends.

7. Wooddale Bookstore
As a resource for people investigating Christianity, studying the Bible and deepening their faith, the Wooddale Bookstore offers books, study guides, devotional materials and more. You’ll find it just around the corner from Door 1.

8. Prayer Point
Many people facing life crises appreciate the comfort and power of prayer. Come to the Prayer Point (beneath the stairs, just outside the Worship Center) before and after worship services for personal prayer time with a caring volunteer.

The Prayer Room (Room 261) is available throughout the week for private prayer time. Check the schedule for open prayer slots.

9. The Family Room
If you have an infant and don’t wish to take advantage of child care (birth-two), check out a room especially for you. Room 261 (also the Prayer Room) has comfortable seating, live video feed of the worship service and room for play.

10. Get Connected
Volunteering is a great way to get connected with others. At Wooddale, we believe in the power of volunteerism as a way to serve God and help people in need. It is also the quickest route to new friendships and fulfillment. We’ve created a whole booklet of opportunities called Get Connected which can be found in a literature rack. Our website also makes it easy to find the perfect fit for you. Search for the opening that inspires and excites you on our Volunteer Opportunities page. Or, provide us with some information through www.wooddaleconnect.org and a Connection Coach will find a great fit for you. You’ll be surprised how much fun you have.

That’s our top ten, do-it-yourself guide to Wooddale Church. If you’d prefer a more hands-on introduction, give us a call (952-944-6300) or send an e-mail. We’ll set up a casual tour with a kind volunteer who can show you around, introduce you to some of the people who call themselves Wooddalers and get you to the worship service of your choice.

If you’re looking for a smaller environment than the Eden Prairie Wooddale campus, travel a few miles east to our Edina campus. In a newly renovated, colonial style building you’ll find a more intimate setting for worship, friendship and spiritual growth.

We look forward to welcoming you!