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Frequently Asked Questions

If you can't find the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact us at 604-464-6744 or info@cachurch.ca.
Category:

Alpha

  • How does Alpha work?
    Each session begins with a dinner at 6:30pm which is an opportunity to get to know others in a casual setting.

    This is followed by a short talk, which examines a different aspect of the Christian faith each week. Next is a time of discussion in designated small groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion, ask questions and discuss issues with the rest of the group. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment. 

    The course varies in size. Whatever the course size, people tend to remain in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, build trust and deepen friendships.

    The whole course lasts for ten weeks with a day retreat scheduled midway through the course.
  • How much does it cost?
    The Alpha course is tuition-free. A small contribution for the meals is requested.
  • What are the talks about?
    The talks each week cover these topics, followed by discussion of the evening's subject in small groups.
      - Who is Jesus?
      - Why Did Jesus Die? 
      - How Can I Be Sure of My Faith?
      - Why and How Do I Pray?
      - Why and How Should I Read the Bible?
      - How Does God Guide us?
  • Where can I find more information about Alpha?
    Go to www.alphacanada.org.
  • Who is Alpha for?
    Alpha is for anyone.
    If you think there may be more to life than what you're experiencing now...
    If you've looked at a church...
    If you've been invited to Alpha...
    If you've wondered if you should go... Alpha is for you!

    People attend from all backgrounds, religions, and viewpoints.They come to investigate questions around the existence of God, the purpose of life, the afterlife, the claims of Jesus and more.

    Some people are looking for a relationship with God that really changes life. Others come for the close, long-lasting friendships that are built during the Alpha course. All are welcome.


Bookings

Children's Ministry

Christianity

General

  • Can I do my tithes and offerings online?
    Yes you can. If you look on the homepage, there is a box that says 'online giving'. Simply click there and you will be directed to input your information. The information you provide is completely secure and goes straight to our accounting department.
  • How can I get involved with the church?
    You can contact the main office and ask for the ministry leader of the ministry you are interested in. Or, ask for our Connections Ministry Coordinator and we'll be happy to contact you to discuss areas of interest.
  • Are all the services the same?
    All the services at the Mariner campus (excluding Ethos) are the same, this includes the Saturday night service and both Sunday morning services.

    The Port has a completely different service from those at the Mariner campus. The service has the basic same format but will be a different message than the Mariner campus (often the message from the previous week at Mariner).

    Ethos is our Young Adults service held on Sunday evenings, and is completely separate from the regular services with a different speaker, band and topic.
  • What happened to Christian Marketplace?
    We now have a classifieds section! You can find it here. You must be registered on the webiste and be able to log in to be able to post a classified ad. All ads will be send to our staff for approval.

Life Groups

  • What is a Life Group?
    Life Groups consist of 6-12 people with different life experiences and at different stages of their faith journey who meet regularly together in people's homes. They're a place to come together in a smaller group to meet people, to grow in our relationship with Christ, to serve others, and to support one another through life's challenges.
  • Why are they important?
    We were never meant to go through life alone. We were created for community – to encourage, serve, love, and support one another. That's why we encourage everyone at Coquitlam Alliance Church, no matter how long or how short you've been coming, to join a Life Group. Everyone is welcome to join any group at any time.
  • When and where do they meet?
    Life Groups meet on virtually every night of the week in homes all throughout the Tri-Cities and beyond. Click here to search for a Life Group.
  • Which one should I join?
    Most people choose a Life Group initially based on what night they're available and which location works best for them. Each Life Group is made up of different people, studies different things, and has a slightly different focus or emphasis. No two Life Groups are the same so it's okay to try out different ones before deciding if it's the right group for you or not. (Just keep in mind that just like there are no perfect people there are no "perfect" Life Groups either!) We do recommend that you try out a group 3-4 times before deciding to stick with it or try a different group so you have a chance to get to know the people and what the group is really like (and so they have a chance to get to know you too!).
  • How do I join a Life Group?
    Take a look at our list of the many different Life Groups that are currenty meeting and decide which one you would like to try. Then contact either the group's leader directly or contact Michael Hart, Director of Life Groups, to talk to the leader and find out more about the specific group you're interested in. You may want to arrange to meet the Life Group Leader before or after one of our weekend services so you feel more comfortable when you first arrive at the group. Everyone is welcome to join any group at any time!

Middle School

  • What do you offer for my middle school age child during the week/services?

    Impact is our Middle School Youth ministry that happens on Thursday nights from 6:30-8:30pm. During our weekend services (Mariner campus only), we have MSY Sunday School (Amplify), and they are dismissed after worship, before the sermon except on special occassions and during the summer months (July & August).

The Port Kidz FAQ

  • Who can attend Kidz Church at the Port?
    Kidz Church is for children K-Grade 5, and Kidz Church Junior is for Nursery to Pre-K children.
  • Where do kids get signed in?
    Children are signed in to the program at the Kidz Church Registration table. The table is located at the top of the ramp, by the main entrance to The Port (gym). Look for the Kidz Church standing banner!
  • When are the kids dismissed to Kidz Church?
    Parents are invited to take their kids with them into the adult service for family worship time. At the conclusion of worship, kids are dismissed to Kidz Church. Parents are invited to take their kids back to the Kidz Church area, where volunteers will be there to receive them.
  • What happens if my child needs me while I'm in the adult service?
    A paging system is located on the stage, and your child's number will display there if you are needed. Keep your number in a safe place for easy viewing, and to have it available to hand to the Kidz Church teacher when you go to collect your child.
  • What happens when the adult service is over?
    At the conclusion of the adult service parents are strongly encouraged to immediately collect their kids from the Kidz Church program. Have your parent number card in hand to show the teacher, for easy identification, for releasing your children into your care.

Upward Sports

  • What is Upward Sports?
     Upward Sports is the world’s largest Christian sports program for children. It was designed for elementary age children. It aims to promote positive character and self-esteem in every child and present children with the Good News about Jesus. Basketball and cheerleading are the sports selected by Coquitlam Alliance Church through which to promote these purposes. See www.upward.org for more information.
  • How do I register my child?
     The basketball and cheerleading league is open for girls and boys in Grades 1-5. Starting January 2, registration can be completed at Coquitlam Alliance Church, 2601 Spuraway Avenue, Coquitlam, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, and after any service on the weekend.
  • Is there a cost?
     Early registration cost is $75 per child. After March 9, the cost is $90. Registration includes a reversible jersey, t-shirt, end-of-season gift, and other items.
  • How long is the season/program?
     The league practices will start the week of April 2nd and the league will conclude with an Closing Celebration on Sunday, June 9. (All participants will also need to attend a short evaluation/orientation on Saturday, March 2 or March 9, at Kwayhquitlum Middle School.)
  • How much of a time commitment is this on a family?
    The time commitment is approximately two hours each week. One hour for practice for nine weeks, and one hour for a game each Saturday morning for eight weeks. Basketball practice and games will be held at Kwayhquitlum Middle School. Cheerleading practice will be held at Coquitlam Alliance Church.
  • How can I get involved?
     Upward provides opportunities to become meaningfully involved in the program. Volunteers are needed to:

    a. pray for the program
    b. coach a basketball team or cheerleading squad
    c. referee basketball games
    d. score and timekeep for basketball games
    e. lead a halftime activity

    Training is provided for all volunteers. Coaches are required to obtain a police record check and attend Plan To Protect, a free training program provided by CAC for all volunteers working with children.
  • Is an Upward Basketball League different than other basketball leagues?
     No and yes. It is the same in that basic basketball skills are taught and games played against other teams. It may be different in that:
    - The emphasis is not on winning but promoting character and self-esteem in every child.
    - The substitution system provides every child the opportunity to be in the starting lineup, requires that no child sit out back-to-back periods, and allows every child to play at least half of the game.
    - Children will have the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ.

Website

  • How do I post a classified ad?

    To post a classified ad:

    Go to Login > Submit your Classified Ad

    Fill out form and submit.
     

  • How do I submit a business listing?
    To submit a business listing:

    Go to Login > Submit your business listing

    Fill out form and submit.

  • What extra features are there on the new website?
    A few of the new features we have on the website include:

    - A login area with a ton of extras like a business directory, classifieds and discussion forums.
    - eCards (to invite friends to special events or just to church!)
    - Photo Galleries
    - More efficient calendar
    - Class registration online
    - Online payments for everything from mission trips to events.
  • Why did CAC get a new website?
    We got a new site because our old site was not able to do all the things a growing church needed to be able to do. We hope that once you explore a bit, you will be able to navigate easier, and enjoy all the new features we have to offer!

What to Expect

  • Can my kids stay in the service with me?
    We would encourage children to participate in Kidz Church, but it is entirely up to you. If your small child is restless, you are welcome to listen to the service from the foyer. The prayer room (off the foyer) is open to nursing mothers with sound from the service.
  • How do I connect with people at the church?
    Visit Connection Street room in the foyer after any service and fill out a Keeping in Touch card; we will contact you to discuss what will work best for you.
  • I am a first time visitor, what should I wear?

    People who attend CAC wear everything from jeans to business casual attire. Wear what you're comfortable with!

  • Is there a lot of parking?
    We have plenty of parking, four spots designated for handicap parking, and several visitor parking spots near the main entrance.
  • What does a typical service look like?
    A typical service runs for about 1.25 hours. It will often begin with music and singing together with words up on the presentation for you to follow along, then a few announcements followed by the sermon, and ends with a couple more songs. Be sure to pick up a bulletin and sermon notes from the stand in the foyer when you first come in.
  • What happens with the Keeping in Touch card I filled out?
    Our Connections Ministry Coordinator will either contact you directly, or will pass it on to the leader of the ministry that you expressed an interest in. We will call you to follow up with you and help you connect with the programs and ministries at CAC.