President Carter’s 2019 Schedule:
May 5, 19
June 9, 23
July 7, 21
President Carter’s schedule is current. We will always add or remove dates if we receive a change in his schedule, so continue to monitor this space if you are planning a visit.
DVD/CD Order Form
Click here to download a CD/DVD order form for President Carter’s class.
Mailing address:
Maranatha Recording Ministry
PO Box 307
Plains, GA 31780
How may I contact the Carters?
We DO NOT forward mail/email to the Carters. Contact attempts may be made at:
The Carter Center
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
(404) 420-5100
Frequently Asked Questions:
What time is President Carter’s class and what time should I arrive to be seated?
President Carter’s Sunday School class begins at 10:00 A.M. EDT. An orientation time begins at 9:00am, and all visitors are asked to be present at this orientation.
The church building will open at approximately 8:00am to begin seating.
Based on recent attendance trends, visitors who arrived before 5:30am had no problem obtaining a sanctuary seat (this time may vary on upcoming teaching dates).
Disclaimer: We cannot make any certain recommendations on how early to arrive as crowds vary from week to week, sometimes by hundreds of individuals. We also cannot guarantee anyone a seat in the sanctuary (where President Carter teaches) as visitors are seated on a first come, first serve basis.
Do you accept donations and offerings to help further the ministry?
Yes, this is a Sunday School service and we accept an offering for Sunday School. A second offering will be taken for church services. We invite you to participate to help further our ministries.
Is it possible that I will be turned away if the crowd is too large?
Per Fire Marshall guidelines, we will turn people away if the attendance exceeds church capacity (~475 individuals). We usually cannot foresee these attendance surges, which is why we recommend arriving before 5:30am to play it safe. Lately, the crowds have been large. We had to turn away people on May 6th, 2018 because of the large crowd.
Where does the Sunday School class meet?
The class meets in the Maranatha Baptist Church sanctuary, which seats approximately 350 people.
When does the worship service begin?
The worship service begins at 11:00 A.M
Is there a provision for taking care of young children?
Yes – we have a nursery for infants and childcare area for toddlers/children up through kindergarten. All children in 1st grade and above are asked to remain with their parents/guardians for the duration of the morning.
Childcare workers will arrive by 9:45 am. You must remain with your child until the childcare workers arrive at this time.
Can I bring purses/backpacks/pocketbooks into the church?
Yes, but all purses/backpacks/pocketbooks will be checked upon entering the church. If it is possible to leave these items in your car, please do so. We do, however, take donations inside if you would like to participate please bring that with you.
If the sanctuary reaches its maximum capacity before I arrive, can I still experience President Carter’s teaching?
Yes – but you may need to sit in our Fellowship Hall which serves as an overflow space for the class. A 36-inch television set gives the group a good view of President Carter as he teaches. He will stop by the Fellowship Hall first and personally greet the overflow crowd before going on to the sanctuary.
If the sanctuary and overflow space fill to capacity (~475 attenders), we will stop admitting visitors into the church per fire marshall guidelines.
Can I make a reservation for me and my family?
No. We are unable to take reservations.
Will I be able to take a picture of the Carters?
Yes. There will be a short time at the beginning of the lesson to take pictures of President Carter while he greets the congregation.
Additionally, President and Mrs. Carter remain long enough after worship for each visitor or group to have a photo taken with them (one photo per family, traveling group, etc.). We have persons who will gladly offer to take a picture with your camera. While most people take photos with their mobile phones, still cameras and video recorders are permitted.
Can I leave the church after Sunday School and come back later for pictures?
You are welcome to leave after Sunday School, but you cannot come back for pictures with President and Mrs. Carter. Pictures are only available to those who remain through Sunday School and worship.
Can I get an autograph?
No. The Carters do not give autographs at the church.
Is there a dress code?
There is no dress code at Maranatha – you are welcome to wear whatever feels most comfortable. A majority of guests will be dressed somewhere between “business casual” and “Sunday best,” but several folks will also be wearing blue jeans and a casual top. Either is perfectly acceptable to us.
What about security?
The U. S. Secret Service provides constant security for President and Mrs. Carter. All persons and vehicles entering the church property are subject to search. You may bring in your camera and purse, but leave any scissors, pocketknives, or other metal objects in your car.
As a general rule of thumb – it is best to bring in only what you will need for the morning. If possible, leave pocketbooks, backpacks and purses in your vehicle unless absolutely necessary.
I have additional questions – how may I contact you?
Please feel free to E-Mail your questions to: maranathabaptistchurch@yahoo.com
This email account is monitored Monday-Thursday.
What are the physical address and the mailing address of the church?
Physical address (click here for directions):
148 Georgia 45 North
Plains, Ga. 31780
Mailing address:
P. O. Box 307
Plains, GA 31780-0307