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I realize that many people out there are “once-a-year” Christians–you only go to church once a year, during the holidays. Dear reader, are you a OAYC?

I’m not going to stand on my soapbox and wag my finger at you if you are. However, it is important to realize that a number of the people at the services you attend are not OAYCs. By using the following tips, you can be sure that you aren’t inadvertedly rude to the non-OAYCs.

1. Arrive on time. Don’t come too early, because the organist or minister might be using the sanctuary to prepare. Don’t arrive late, because you may interupt the service. Avoid glares and get to the church right on time.

2. Consider your seat carefully. It may sound silly, but in many smaller churches people sit in the same seat every week. This can simply be a matter of needing to sit near the sound system for older folks with poor hearing, or just getting into a groove and sitting in your traditional spot. Pick a pew that already has a few people sitting in it and simply ask “Is this spot taken?”

3. Dress appropriately. Not all churches these days are so formal that you need to wear a suit and tie to church. However, during special occasions, it is polite to dress up a bit - business causual should be fine. At the very least, dress modestly and cleanly.

4. Use the restroom before the service begins. This is an espeically good tip for children. Everyone has restroom emergencies, but try to avoid climbling over people or overwise disrupting the service in the middle to leave. If you must, wait until everyone stands, like during a song. Especially avoid leaving during a prayer or sermon, unless you simply can’t wait.

5. Bring things for the kids. If you want to take your entire family to a service, that’s great. However, realize that an hour-long church service can seem to go on and on and on for younger children, especially if they are not used to attending church every week. Bring “quiet” toys, like coloring books, in case they get antsy to they don’t cause a commotion.

6. Introduce yourself. If you go to a service at a church where you’ve never been before, introduce yourself with the pastor/priest/minister/etc at the end (that is, if the congregation is small enough). He or she can give you more information about how to break the OAY habbit if you’d like, but in any case, it’s polite to spread a little holiday cheer by saying hello.

7. Turn off your cell phone. Nothing is more embarrassing than “Baby got Back” or some other horrible ringtone going off during a prayer.

These tips apply for almost any kind of worship service, not just those in churches. You can also use these for tips when you begin attending a new church at any time of the year–it doesn’t have to be at Christmas!

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