gatherings
we would love you to
join us this sunday.
Te hui o te Rātapu
___________________
10am
19 George Street | Whakatāne
online
If you are unable to attend our gatherings in person, you can keep in the loop each week via our YouTube channel or podcast.
We know turning up somewhere new for the first time can be a bit daunting. We want to help make your first experience at Echo Church a great one by letting you know what you can expect.
what can i expect?
Expect to feel welcome and loved at Echo Church. Come as you are, no matter your world view, age, race, gender, life story… you are welcome. When you arrive, you will see some signs that will help you find a park nearby our Echo building. Once you’re at our building expect a warm welcome as our guest, someone to show you the ropes and a supportive community of people just like you. If you turn up a little early, you’ll be able to grab a free barista-made coffee or cup of tea from our café team.
Sundays at Echo Church are casual and relaxed. You don’t need to buy a ticket, dress a certain way or bring anything special.
We open the doors to the auditorium 15 minutes before the gathering start time. Our auditorium is like a standard small stage theatre - there are comfortable seats, a stage, stage lighting, musical instruments and a projector screen. Our team will help you find a seat if you need – but you can sit anywhere you like with the people you came with.
how long is an echo gathering?
In total, the ‘sit down’ part of an Echo Church gathering is about 70 minutes in length. Gatherings begin with the Echo worship team leading the church in a time of worship together. After the worship portion of the gathering is complete, someone will share a relevant, biblical based message about Jesus.
what about my children?
Our community is very family orientated and we believe that church should be fun for kids. So, at Echo Church, we make kids a priority. At every service, we run an on-site kids care programme while the adults are in the gathering. Our kids' programme is not only fun but safe too. Our kids' team members are police checked and hand-picked because they genuinely love kids - many of them are pre-school or primary school teachers during the week.
To ensure your kids are safe, we have a detailed check-in process for our Echo Kids and Ignite program the first time that you visit. Make sure you give yourself an extra fifteen minutes to get signed in for the Echo Kids experience. Our check-in process includes getting your phone number so we can message you if your kids become upset and want to see you.
Echo Kids has age-appropriate spaces and activities for Toddlers and PreSchoolers, as well as School Kids. Ignite is a programme that has been made especially for Year 7 - 9 students.
We also have a Parents' Room for parents with babies. This room has comfortable seating, age-appropriate toys and a nappy-changing space. The Parents' Room has speakers and a window to the auditorium so parents can hear and see what is happening in the auditorium.
where to park?
There is free parking across the road every Sunday in the Council carpark (our parking signs will direct you). There is also free parking available on the surrounding streets.
want to plan your visit?
You are most welcome to just arrive at our 10am Sunday gathering. If you prefer to let us know you're coming, please feel free to contact us ahead of time. We will make sure someone is at the door to meet you as you arrive, grab you a free coffee and help you to find a great place to sit.
If you would like to get a little taste before you come, check out our Echo Church podcast or YouTube channel. We look forward to meeting you on Sunday!