WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE MAKE UP THIS CONGREGATION?

You may naturally wonder what kind of people we are.  You can expect to find all kinds of people from all walks of life among us. We are a diverse group, coming from varied backgrounds, and at different stages of knowledge and spiritual growth. We are much like a large family with each member involved in a work in which he/she has a talent. We were brought together by our recognition that we are imperfect, and we all are in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus (Mark 2:17, Romans 5:6-9, Ephesians 1:7). We have a common goal to serve God and go to Heaven. This is the reason we worship and work together, to be united servants of the living God and with His help, to accomplish the purposes revealed in His Word. We are aware of our need for Christ; and you will find people who are striving to serve God with Jesus as our example, and the Bible as our unerring guide.

THE WORSHIP SERVICE.
We endeavor to follow only the New Testament precepts in all that we do or say. The following is what you can expect to be a part of in our worship services….

SINGING
Singing is an important part of our worship service. One of the unique things about churches of Christ is that our music in worship is A Cappella. That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments when we worship God. This is a conviction with us, not just a preference. We seek to worship God in song according to the New Testament pattern (I Corinthians 14:15, Ephesians 5:18-19 Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 2:12). In the New Testament, God has addressed the kind of music the church is to use in worship. God said that we are to “sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord.” We are not to add to or take from the Word of God. Adding an instrument would add to what God has instructed us to do. Therefore, we “sing and make melody in our heart to the Lord.” We are confident that you will find the singing meaningful and inspiring, and everyone is invited to participate.

PRAYER
Prayer is the avenue of worship that brings us humbly before the Throne of God. It is the right and privilege of every Christian to pray directly to our Heavenly Father and through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There will be several prayers during our worship service. Some will reflect our praise to God, others may be prayers for those who are sick or in need, while others may mention those who have made specific prayer requests.

THE LORD’S SUPPER
THe Lord’s supper is the heart of our Sunday worship service. Christians observe this Memorial Supper every Sunday. The reason for this regularity is simply our desire to follow the teachings and examples of the New Testament. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7). During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus (I Corinthians 11:23-25). Each participant will break off a small piece of the bread and eat it. Next, trays filled with small cups of grape juice (fruit of the vine) will be distributed. This symbolizes the blood of Jesus (I Corinthians 11:23-25). Each participant will drink, the contents of one of the cups.  This is a special time for Christians to meditate on and remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you choose not to participate, don’t be embarrassed. Feel free to just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you. At our evening services, The Lord’s Supper is offered in the chapel at the end of the service.  This allows those who were unable to partake at the morning service to be able to observe this memorial in a quiet, focused setting.

THE OFFERING
The Offering is collected weekly. This freewill offering is a personal gift by each individual member according to how they have prospered (I Corinthians 16:1-2). If you visit, you are not expected to make a donation, but anything you wish to give will be appreciated and used in the Lord’s work.

READING AND PREACHING
Reading and Preaching the Word of God is the part of our worship that provides spiritual food for the soul. It is a vital part of our worship because it opens our hearts and minds to the Lord, letting God speak to us through His written, inspired word. The sermon will be a 20-30 minute Bible-centered lesson.

THE INVITATION
The Invitation is extended at the close of each sermon and the Wednesday evening devotional. This is simply an expedient or convenient time to invite those who are moved by their understanding of God’s Word to make an obedient response to the gospel. That is, to respond in faith (Hebrews 11:6), acknowledge repentance of their sins (Luke 13:3), confess Jesus as their Lord (Matthew 10:32), and be immersed (baptized) in water for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts. 8:35-29, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12, Acts 2:38). In baptism they are raised up to walk a new life in Christ Jesus and added to His body, the Church (Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, I Corinthians 12:13). Also, it is a time for members of the church who have grown weak and whose sins are know publicly to seek restoration and renewal to the body of Christ the Church (Acts 8:33, James 5:16). It is also a time when special prayers for special strength or needs can be requested. The minister will encourage those who wish to “respond” to come to the front of the auditorium, while the congregation sings the invitation hymn. Don’t feel ill at ease during this invitation. You will not be singled out in any way. There may be several who respond, or none. If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service.

BIBLE STUDY
Bible Study is a way Christians “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). In order to fulfill this command, we have Bible study classes each Sunday morning at 10:15 and each Wednesday evening at 7:00. Our classes begin with the Cradle Roll class, where babies and little ones under 2 years old begin learning songs and stories about God and the Bible. We have Bible classes for all grades and ages through adulthood. There are several adult classes available and you are encouraged to search for one that interests you. You are especially encouraged to let your children participate in our Bible classes. There they will find loving teachers committed to teaching God’s Word. This period of time also gives children the opportunity to be with and meet other children their age.