Friday Morning FAQ
What time should I arrive?
Childcare drop off begins at 9:00am. Large group begins at 9:20am. For those utilizing our Sidekix Childcare, you can arrive any time between 9:00 and 9:20 to get you and your children settled for the morning. If you are interested in arriving early for coffee and fellowship, you can join us just outside the Upper Room beginning at 9:00am.
Where should I park in the morning?
You are welcome to park anywhere in the Autumn Ridge Parking Lot. The east side of the church (nearest to Salem Road) has the closest entrance to the childcare wing. Many of our attendees use this entrance.
What is the best door to go in?
You can enter the church at any door, but many women enter through Door 2 located in the childcare wing. There will always be someone near this entrance who can help you find your way if you need help.
How does childcare work? How much does it cost?
Childcare is provided for ages 6 months to 6 years. If you have older, homeschooled children, they may be able to help out in the classrooms. Babies in arms are welcome to stay with mom until 6 months when they become eligible for childcare. Children are assigned to classrooms based on age. There is a fee for childcare but scholarships are available. We have excellent childcare workers, who teach a Biblical curriculum to the older children. Please see our childcare policies page for more information.
I have never dropped my child off at childcare and I feel nervous. Am I the only one?
Feeling nervous about leaving your child is completely understandable. Please know that our childcare workers are trained and have been thoroughly vetted. For many moms, this is the only time they separate from their children. Our staff is experienced and if your child has any difficulties while in their care, you will be contacted via your cell phone. If you have any specific questions or concerns, our Childcare Coordinator is happy to speak with you further.
I have two kids and it's hard to manage without a stroller. Can I bring my stroller into the church?
Absolutely! In the childcare wing hallway there is plenty of room for stroller parking. You can drop your stroller off there and pick it up when you check out your child at the end of the morning.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever makes you feel like you! There is no dress code. You’ll see a variety of styles on Friday morning, but most of us like to keep it pretty casual. Sometimes it is a bit chilly in the building, so you might want to bring a sweater or light jacket just in case.
It’s time for Side By Side to start…where should I go?
If you are registered for a small group, we will let you know ahead of time which room your group will be meeting in. There will be greeters at the childcare wing entrance and signage around the building to help guide you to your room. And please feel free to ask anyone you might bump into to point you in the right direction, too. We’ve all been new to Side By Side before and know how it goes!
What happens on an average morning at Side By Side?
On the average morning, we gather in small groups of 8-15 women. We spend time catching up on life, discussing a book or Bible study we are working through, and praying together. Occasionally we have special events where we gather everyone together for a time of large group fellowship.
I don’t know much about the Bible. Is it okay that I come? What if I’m not even sure I believe that it is true?
Yes! We love that you are here. There is no requirement that you know about the Bible. This is a place where it is safe to explore matters of faith, share about your life, ask hard questions and search for answers. We are here for you and would love to support you however we can.
Will it offend people if I ask questions?
You are welcome and encouraged to ask questions. The women who attend come from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, and denominations. We can’t promise that we will have answers, but we will do our best to share what we have learned. We are all learning and growing together.
I’m not sure the group I’m in is right for me. Can I switch groups?
Yes. Sometimes the first group you choose just isn’t a great fit. Maybe it’s a little too large? Or maybe the book or study isn’t working for you? Whatever the reason, we would love to chat with you and help you find a group that is a great fit.
I have a friend I would like to bring. Is that okay?
We would love for you to invite your friends! Please keep in mind Side By Side is for medical and dental wives or significant others, so we ask that any friends you invite are also in a medical marriage/relationship. If they join you for a visit on Friday morning and have children, we are happy to provide childcare for a fee of $5 per child. If you are looking for a good Bible study for a friend who isn’t a medical or dental wife, let us know and we can provide suggestions.
It was a really busy week and I didn’t get a chance to read any of the Bible study for my group. Should I still come?
Yes! We know that some weeks are hard and we totally understand if you don’t complete the reading. We hope that you try to do as much as you can, but don’t let a busy week keep you away!
Do you meet year-round?
We meet weekly from around Labor Day through Memorial Day, taking breaks over major holidays.
What if there's a blizzard on Friday morning?
It happens…this is Minnesota after all! Side By Side will not meet if the Rochester Public School District is closed. We will also cancel for weather at the discretion of the leadership team. We will let everyone know about cancellations on social media and via email.
Childcare drop off begins at 9:00am. Large group begins at 9:20am. For those utilizing our Sidekix Childcare, you can arrive any time between 9:00 and 9:20 to get you and your children settled for the morning. If you are interested in arriving early for coffee and fellowship, you can join us just outside the Upper Room beginning at 9:00am.
Where should I park in the morning?
You are welcome to park anywhere in the Autumn Ridge Parking Lot. The east side of the church (nearest to Salem Road) has the closest entrance to the childcare wing. Many of our attendees use this entrance.
What is the best door to go in?
You can enter the church at any door, but many women enter through Door 2 located in the childcare wing. There will always be someone near this entrance who can help you find your way if you need help.
How does childcare work? How much does it cost?
Childcare is provided for ages 6 months to 6 years. If you have older, homeschooled children, they may be able to help out in the classrooms. Babies in arms are welcome to stay with mom until 6 months when they become eligible for childcare. Children are assigned to classrooms based on age. There is a fee for childcare but scholarships are available. We have excellent childcare workers, who teach a Biblical curriculum to the older children. Please see our childcare policies page for more information.
I have never dropped my child off at childcare and I feel nervous. Am I the only one?
Feeling nervous about leaving your child is completely understandable. Please know that our childcare workers are trained and have been thoroughly vetted. For many moms, this is the only time they separate from their children. Our staff is experienced and if your child has any difficulties while in their care, you will be contacted via your cell phone. If you have any specific questions or concerns, our Childcare Coordinator is happy to speak with you further.
I have two kids and it's hard to manage without a stroller. Can I bring my stroller into the church?
Absolutely! In the childcare wing hallway there is plenty of room for stroller parking. You can drop your stroller off there and pick it up when you check out your child at the end of the morning.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever makes you feel like you! There is no dress code. You’ll see a variety of styles on Friday morning, but most of us like to keep it pretty casual. Sometimes it is a bit chilly in the building, so you might want to bring a sweater or light jacket just in case.
It’s time for Side By Side to start…where should I go?
If you are registered for a small group, we will let you know ahead of time which room your group will be meeting in. There will be greeters at the childcare wing entrance and signage around the building to help guide you to your room. And please feel free to ask anyone you might bump into to point you in the right direction, too. We’ve all been new to Side By Side before and know how it goes!
What happens on an average morning at Side By Side?
On the average morning, we gather in small groups of 8-15 women. We spend time catching up on life, discussing a book or Bible study we are working through, and praying together. Occasionally we have special events where we gather everyone together for a time of large group fellowship.
I don’t know much about the Bible. Is it okay that I come? What if I’m not even sure I believe that it is true?
Yes! We love that you are here. There is no requirement that you know about the Bible. This is a place where it is safe to explore matters of faith, share about your life, ask hard questions and search for answers. We are here for you and would love to support you however we can.
Will it offend people if I ask questions?
You are welcome and encouraged to ask questions. The women who attend come from a variety of backgrounds, beliefs, and denominations. We can’t promise that we will have answers, but we will do our best to share what we have learned. We are all learning and growing together.
I’m not sure the group I’m in is right for me. Can I switch groups?
Yes. Sometimes the first group you choose just isn’t a great fit. Maybe it’s a little too large? Or maybe the book or study isn’t working for you? Whatever the reason, we would love to chat with you and help you find a group that is a great fit.
I have a friend I would like to bring. Is that okay?
We would love for you to invite your friends! Please keep in mind Side By Side is for medical and dental wives or significant others, so we ask that any friends you invite are also in a medical marriage/relationship. If they join you for a visit on Friday morning and have children, we are happy to provide childcare for a fee of $5 per child. If you are looking for a good Bible study for a friend who isn’t a medical or dental wife, let us know and we can provide suggestions.
It was a really busy week and I didn’t get a chance to read any of the Bible study for my group. Should I still come?
Yes! We know that some weeks are hard and we totally understand if you don’t complete the reading. We hope that you try to do as much as you can, but don’t let a busy week keep you away!
Do you meet year-round?
We meet weekly from around Labor Day through Memorial Day, taking breaks over major holidays.
What if there's a blizzard on Friday morning?
It happens…this is Minnesota after all! Side By Side will not meet if the Rochester Public School District is closed. We will also cancel for weather at the discretion of the leadership team. We will let everyone know about cancellations on social media and via email.
A fun start to the year at our Friday Morning Fall Brunch.
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Lots of smiles at our all-member Wedding Social.
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Volunteering at Ronald McDonald House.
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Interested in joining us? Connect with us through social media or email!
