All the churches of Christ greet you.
(Romans 16:16b)
Most people are a little apprehensive about visiting a new church. We hope a few words will help set your mind at ease about visiting our congregation.
The church of Christ is a growing, friendly church. We believe that God's church is for all people. The crowd often ranges in age from newborn babies to those who have seen most of a century pass. Professionally, there are those from all walks of life. People of all races and nationalities worship and work together as God's children (Acts 10:34-35)
Every effort is made to allow visitors to feel comfortable. You will not be singled out during the service in any way. Our services generally open with a brief welcome from one of our members. The song leader then leads the congregation in a song. A prayer is then offered, followed by another song. Next a Scripture reading occurs. After the reading another song is sung to prepare our minds for the Lord's Supper. At this point in the service communion is observed by partaking of the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (1st Corinthians 11:23-29). Following communion another song is sung during which those children 5 and under may go downstairs to attend a Children's Bible Hour, if they choose to.
The preacher then delivers a sermon from the Bible. All are encouraged to bring their Bibles and follow along as he leads the study. At the sermon's end, the Lord's invitation is offered (Matthew 11:28-30) for any who want to become Christians or rededicate their lives to God. There is no coercion. A song is sung to allow time for those who wish to respond to do so.
The service lasts about an hour and ends with a few brief announcements, a song and prayer. The services are simple, reverent, practical and meaningful. Guests may sit silently in the service or they may participate.
FRIENDLY
We strive to be a visitor friendly church. Since many of our members were at one time visitors themselves, we know how it feels on a first visit. We aim to treat others the way we want to be treated (Matthew 7:12)
BIBLE-BASED, CHRIST-CENTERED
When you visit, you will meet people who, just like you, sincerely want to follow the teachings of the Bible and please God with their lives. You'll find that every sermon and class is based on the Bible (2nd Timothy 3:16-17). All are encouraged to bring their Bibles and follow along. We will strive to do Bible things in Bible ways, and call Bible things by Bible names - nothing more or nothing less. We seek to exalt Christ in our songs, prayers, sermons, and lives (Colossians 1:18). An air of hope fills the church as we think of the beautiful promise of heaven for God's faithful children (Revelation 21).
LORD'S SUPPER OBSERVED EACH SUNDAY
The church of Christ has communion every week, just as they did in the New Testament times (cf. Acts 20:7). It is a highlight of the week to commemorate Christ's death and celebrate his promised return.
SINGING
The whole congregation sings a cappella (without musical instruments) just as they did in New Testament times (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Visitors may sing along or simply listen.
EMPHASIS ON FAMILY AND BIBLE SCHOOL
We place great emphasis on Bible school. We feel that children are important and that our God-given responsibility is to assist parents in teaching them about their origin, purpose, and destiny. They should come to know their Creator, Redeemer, Lord and Savior early in life. (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Matthew 19:14). They have been born into a mixed-up world, so we try to ground them in the simple truth so they will know right from wrong.
Allen Webster (adapted by JFW)