Please feel free to visit us whenever you can. This information is intended to provide information about our worship service, and what can be expected, for our first time visitors. If you have any additional questions that are not answered here, please give us a call or send us an e-mail.
Setting
You will enter what we refer to as the "auditorium." There will be rows of chairs or pews for worship. There are no reserved seats, so feel free to sit anywhere you choose.
Singing
In a bookrack near you, there will be a hymnbook for your use. When the song leader announces a number, you can turn to that number in the hymnbook to find the words and music. One of the unique things about Church of Christ and something you may find strange is that the music is " a cappella." That is, we sing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. This is conviction with us, not just a preference. It has its roots in our restoration heritage. We are seeking to worship according to the New Testament pattern. Since the New Testament leaves instrumental music out, we believe it's best to exclude it, too.
Prayer
There will be several prayers during the service. And there may be prayers for specific needs and requests.
Preaching
You will notice that the preacher doesn't have a title. He won't be referred to as pastor of reverend. He may be addressed as Dr., but only if he has earned that academic credential. He will probably be referred to as brother or mister or possibly just called by his first name. He won't be wearing any ecclesiastical vestments which set him apart. The reason for this is our belief in the priesthood of all believers. That all are equal. The Sermon will likely be from 20 to 30 minutes. We think you will find it refreshingly Bible centered.
Invitation
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 commitment or request prayer support. He will encourage those who wish to "respond" to come to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings a 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. Some may respond for baptism. Some to confess sin. Some to ask for prayer for a specific need. If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during this service. The baptism will be by immersion and it will be for the remission of sins.
Lord's Supper
If you visit on Sunday morning, the Lord's Supper will be included in the worship proceedings because Churches of Christ observe this memorial every Sunday. Again, the reason for this is our desire to follow New Testament teaching. The first century church celebrated this observance on the first day of the week. We assume from this that they did it the first day of every week and we know from respected historians that in early centuries the Lord's Supper was an every Sunday commemoration.During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed throughout the congregation. The bread symbolizes the body of Jesus.Each participating person will break off a piece of the bread and eat it. Next, trays filled with small cups will be distributed. The cups will contain "fruit of the vine," usually grape juice, symbolizing the blood of Jesus. Each participant will drink the contents of one of the cups. 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.
Offering
If you visit on Sunday morning containers will be passed to collect the weekly financial offering. As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation. Feel perfectly comfortable in just passing the collection plate on down the row.
What is expected of you
Nothing at all ! You are welcome to participate. But don't feel obligated to. Just observe, if that is your choice. You may be asked to fill out a visitor's card. This simply provides information so the church can write or call to thank you for your visit. Supply this information if you are comfortable doing so. But feel free to decline this if you prefer.
