Realizing that someone visiting with us for the very first time may will want to know a brief explanation of what you see when you visit with us.
WE SING TOGETHER IN “A CAPELLA” STYLE
“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs,. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Ephesians 5:19-20
We raise our voices together singing traditional and contemporary songs without accompaniment. This term, “A Capella”, originally meant “as the church”. Biblical and historical studies indicate that the first Christians sang in the pure, inspirational manner.
WE PRAY TOGETHER WITH BOTH OUR SPIRITS AND OUR MINDS.
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind,
I Corinthians 14:15
The biblical instruction is for us to pour out our hearts in the worship in a way that all may understand and benefit. We Generally have someone direct our thoughts as we ask God for specific needs, but silent personal prayer is encouraged as well. Thanksgiving and praise are central themes of our prayer life.
WE SHARE TOGETHER IN THE LORD’S SUPPER
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is for you; do this in memory of me.” In the same way after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat the bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes...A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.”
I Corinthians 11:23-26,28
This we also do each Sunday according to the practice of the early Church. This has great significance for Christians, who are to examine themselves before participating. As unleavened bread and grape juice are passed among those in the assembly, each baptized believer is encouraged to eat and drink them in remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus which was sacrificed for our sins.
WE CONTRIBUTE FOR THE COMMON GOOD
Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
I Corinthians 16:1,2
Members are asked to cheerfully give from their hearts according to how God has blessed them. No specific amount or percentage is required. These monies are used to share the good news of Jesus, show kindness to those in need and to maintain our ministries and premises. Visitors need not feel compelled to make a donation.
WE SHARE IN A LESSON
Until I come, devote yourself to public reading of Scripture, to and to teaching.
I Timothy 4:13
Our preacher usually presents the message, with a goal to challenge and encourage listeners to apply the principles and teachings found in God’s Word. An invitation is extended for those who may wish to confess Christ and be buried in baptism - or for any who may desire to rededicate themselves to Him or request the collective prayers of the Church.
