FAQ’s

How should I dress?

Mid-level casual dress is what most people wear, which usually means what you are most comfortable wearing in a public place.

What is the worship style?

We do our best to encourage an authentic expression of worship. Our style is generally informal. Most of the music we sing is contemporary in nature. Some people raise their hands as an expression of praise to God; some people are more reserved. The weekly bulletin has this paragraph to describe our manner in worship:
Worship songs and hymns are declarations of what we believe, or prayers of intercession. Our hope is that we meet the Lord of Scripture with our hearts and minds. Feel free to be seated or stand as we worship the Lord together. If the Lord gives you Scripture or a prayer that fits with the flow of the service, please feel free to share it with the community.

Are children welcome?

All the time!…Children best learn spiritual truth in ways appropriate and relevant to their age and stage in life. During the service we have a nursery available for infants to toddlers, and classes for children starting at 3 years of age through high school. After the worship time at the start of the service, the children are invited to come to the front for a special time of prayer for them before going off to Junior Church.

Once a month (usually the second Sunday of the month) is Family Sunday, in which children ages 6 and up remain with us in the worship service. For a detailed description of the kids and teen ministry, go to the top of this page and click on “church ministries” and then go to “Children’s Ministry.”

How can I get to know people from the church?

Start with meeting people in the worship service. Move to the “get to know you” time after the service where refreshments are served. Consider participating in a HouseChurch, probably the best way to connect with a small group of people. Various small groups and other ministry opportunities provide times and places for you to connect with the Ruggles community.

How do I join?

To learn about making Ruggles your church home, check out our info on “Church Membership” under “about us” at the top of the this page.

What kind of church is Ruggles?

Ruggles Baptist Church is an American Baptist Church (ABC). Each church in the ABC denomination is autonomous, thus we are free to follow our faith and commitment to the Lord. Although we are a Baptist church, we operate more broadly in an interdenominational manner as a church in a diverse and transient area of Boston.

What can I expect when I walk into the church?

A description of what you can expect is described in one of the maroon sections on the home page called “First Time Guests.” Please read this section if you have not already. It gives a detailed description of what it is like to come and be part of our worship experience.

Do you celebrate Communion?

Yes, Communion is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. You do not need to be a member of this church to participate in the Communion celebration, but you do need to have an experience of Christ, having received him into your life.

Once a quarter we have Communion on a Family Sunday when the children ages 6 and up are with us in the service. It is up to the parents to determine how you will approach Communion with your children in these Family Sunday Communion services.

How long is the service?

The service is about 1½  hours in length, from 10:00 to about 11:30 AM. Family Sundays run just over an hour.

Where is the church located?

(See “directions” at the top of this page) The church is located on Beacon Street – a main thoroughfare in and out of Boston. We are a few blocks west of Kenmore Square, near the Fenway section of Boston, a few hundred yards from the northwest side of Fenway Park where the Red Sox play baseball. We are also on the edge of the South Campus of Boston University surrounded by apartments, dormitories and condominiums.

Is there parking?

There is on-street parking on Beacon Street. Meters are not in operation on Sundays. Usually there is ample on-street parking most Sundays.

What are the best ways to get there?

The best and perhaps easiest ways to get to Ruggles is by driving, or by taking the MBTA bus or trolley lines. We are within a block of the Green C line, the St. Mary’s stop; a block from the Green D line, the Fenway stop; or two blocks from the Green B line, the Central Campus (BU) stop. There is a bus stop in front of the church where buses #47 and CT2 lines stop. (Check the MBTA – Mass. Bay Transit Authority on line for more information.)

Who can I talk to about spiritual matters?

Whether you have a one-time need or are looking for ongoing counseling, we are here to help. We are available for biblical advice and referral to professional counselors if desired. Please contact Pastor Larry (use “contact us” at the top of this page) or call the church office (617-266-3633) for more info.