WE'VE ALL BEEN THERE...
We've all been in those places and at functions and events where we didn't quite know what to expect, what to do and felt pretty uncomfortable about it. We certainly don't want you to feel that way when you visit so allow us to explain a little about what we do and how we do it.
When you come into our building you will be greeted warmly and made to feel welcomed, and we hope you will feel at home and comfortable. You will be our honored guest. We will not do anything to make you feel conspicuous or embarrassed.
We strive to maintain the simplicity of
the church in the New Testament. As you read in the New Testament, the
early Christians met together on the first day of the week to remember
the Lord's death and the purpose for them being together--their faith
in his death, burial and resurrection and what it meant for them.
WHEN WE MEET
We meet on the first day of every week, Sunday at 9:00 am for a period of Bible class time. We have classes for all ages, from toddler to adult. We have different styles or ways of approaching teaching and try to make it both interesting and practical.
Around 9:45 we have a break and everyone begins making their way into the auditorium. You may know it as a sanctuary. Our corporate worship time begins at 10:00. Worship has a dual purpose: one is to give God the glory and honor due Him as our Savior. The second is the encouragement of one another in that act of praising God together.
WHAT WE DO
We begin with some announcements to keep everyone informed of upcoming events, those who are sick, etc.
After announcements we all join together and sing. A leader leads us in acapella singing, that is, without instruments of music. The early church simply praised God in song, that is what we try to do as well.. The apostle Paul instructed the church in Ephesus to "speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and melody with your heart to the Lord." Ephesians 5:19. Nowhere in the New Testament do you read of the gathered church using some type of instrument in their worship.
In addition to singing, we lift our hearts to God in prayer. Again, the apostle Paul instructed us in Philippians 4:6 to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." You may be familiar with the old hymn, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." That song speaks to our belief in and understanding of our need for prayer.
After some songs and prayer, we hear a Bible message from our minister. He strives to speak to the needs and challenges of our lives today. The Bible has the answers for our questions, but like digging gold from a mine, it takes effort to understand God's message for us. His messages are simple and practical but based on the truth of the Bible. There are several Bible passages and examples of preaching in the New Testament. He is answerable to God for what he says and so he is careful to speak truthfully.
The Lord's Supper is a part of our every worship. The early Christians observed it on the first day of every week and so do we. It may also be called communion. It is a partaking of unleavened bread and grape juice which represents Christ's body on the cross and the blood he shed. He instituted this just before he was betrayed by Judas, one of his own disciples. You will find this story in Luke 22:7-23 and Matthew 26:17-30. He took the Jewish Passover feast and applied it to his own redeeming work on the cross and gave it a different meaning.
While it is a convenient time, we also have what we call a contribution. God has blessed us richly and we give back to Him some of that material blessing so the work of the church might continue and so that we can assist in other mission efforts. You will find an example of giving in II Corinthians chapters 8-9.
That is what we do during our assembly times. It is a spiritual time for us. Everything we do refreshes and renews our spirits. When you visit now, you will know what to expect and won't be uncomfortable. We ask that you join us but leave that up to you. We force no one to participate, or to give anything. Worship to God is individual and from the heart. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to call us and ask. We would love to hear from you--and we hope to see you soon!