It is our desire that you are comfortable with our worship and us. We know an unfamiliar place can be intimidating, so let us tell you what you can expect when you honor us with a visit.
A brief description of our background may help you understand us. We are not a denomination. We are simply Christ’s church. (Matt 16:18). Our goal is to continue the New Testament Church in our time - to determine from The Bible what The Church was like in the beginning, and to be like that. We are a Bible-centered church. We strive to follow the perfect example and teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, please do not expect us to be perfect (Philip 3:12).
If you have visited another Church of Christ, you may notice some differences in our worship service. Although we are ONE body (II Cor 12:12), we have varied traditions and preferences. Some variation may include time of service, order of service, type of song book, etc.
Some Churches of Christ meet in homes or rented facilities. However, most, for the sake of convenience, have a building in which the church meets. The worship will take place in the ''auditorium.'' Please feel free to sit anywhere you chose, as there are no reserved seats.
One of the unique things about Churches of Christ is that the music is 'a cappella', which means we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. This is not just a preference with us, it is a conviction. This is part of our effort to continue the practices of the Church as found in the New Testament. Since the New Testament leaves instrumental music out, we also exclude it (Eph 5:18-19; I Cor 14:15; Col 3:16). We hope you will find the singing to be meaningful. Please feel free to join in, as all are welcome to participate. We do not have a designated group of singers or a choir.
You will notice that the preacher does not have a title. He won't be referred to as pastor or reverend. He may be addressed as Dr., but only if he has earned that academic credential. He will be referred to as brother and/or, more than likely, he will just be called by his first name. The preacher will not be wearing any ecclesiastical vestments that set him apart. The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of all believers (I Peter 2:9). The sermon will likely be from 20 to 30 minutes. We anticipate you will find it to be Bible- centered. An interpreter for the hearing impaired is provided.
At the close of the sermon, the preacher will ''extend an invitation.'' This is simply an expedient time to invite those who are moved to do so to make a commitment, request prayer support, request prayers for specific needs, or for baptism. The preacher will encourage those who wish to respond to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings a hymn. There may be several, one or none that respond. If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during this service. The baptism will be by immersion (Acts 8:35-39; Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:12) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
There will be several prayers during the service. You will notice we are specific in our requests and needs and thanksgiving (Philip 4:6).
If you visit on a Sunday morning or evening, the Lord's Supper will be included in the worship proceedings. Churches of Christ observe this memorial every Sunday. Again, the reason for this is our desire to continue in the New Testament teaching. The first century Church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). During this memorial, done in remembrance of Jesus Christ (I Cor 11:24-26), plates containing unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Each member of the body of Christ will partake of the bread (Acts 2:41-42). Also, trays filled with small cups will be passed. The cups will contain ''fruit of the vine,'' usually grape juice, symbolizing the blood of Jesus. Again, each member of the church will drink the contents of one of the cups (Acts 2:41-42).
In addition to the Lord's Supper, if you visit on a Sunday plates will be passed to collect the weekly financial offering (I Cor 16:1-2). As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation. Please feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection plate.
Nothing at all! You are welcome to participate. But don't feel obligated. Just observe, if that is your choice. You may be asked to fill out a Visitor's Card. This just provides information about you so the Church can write or call to personally thank you for your visit. Supply the information if you are comfortable doing so. But feel free to decline this request if you prefer. You will not be solicited in any way, and your information remains confidential. After the services are dismissed, please linger for a few minutes to allow us to meet and welcome you as our honored guest.
Prior to the worship service we enjoy Bible classes for all ages. Classes for the children are upstairs. The material for the children is all the same. There are several choices for adults who are not teaching a class, including one for the hearing impaired. These classes are in a “school class” format, therefore all class members are encouraged to participate in discussion, raise questions, or make comments. You and your family are welcome to join us. Please feel free to ask questions and participate. However, if you are not comfortable in doing so, don’t feel obligated.