We as Christians wish to cordially invite you to visit the church of Christ. It is our desire that your visit be encouraging and uplifting as we worship God together “in spirit and truth.”
You may be unfamiliar with churches of Christ and be curious to who we are and upon what we stand doctrinally. Because of this let us share with you some information about our local congregation.
I. We Are People of A Restoration Spirit
As New Testament Christians we seek to discard the years of religious traditions and man made creeds that are so prominent today. In place of such things, we desire to return to the beginning of Christ’s church and restore New Testament Christianity to it’s original glory.
We strongly desire the unity of God’s people as Jesus taught in John 17:20-21:
I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also my be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:20-21)
Paul was one who also lamented the fact that some were causing division in Christ’s church.
Now I exhort you, brethren, by the names of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. For I have been informed, concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
Paul, by inspiration, makes it clear that we as Christians should not be divided religiously. This is the reason we strive earnestly to bring back pure New Testament Christianity, so there will be no division.
II. Our Worship Is Focused Upon God From a Devout Heart
Our worship consists of that which was observed by the Christians of the first century congregations:
Singing
In a bookrack we have available songbooks for your use in singing with us in praise and worship to God. We sing to God using only our voices in what is called “acappella”, that is singing without the accompaniment of musical instruments. Paul by inspiration instructed the first century congregations to “teach and admonish one another” by “singing”.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
(Also see: Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26; 1Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; James 5:13)
Praying
Several of the Christian men will lead the congregation in prayer as did the first century Christians:
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42)
(Also see: Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:8; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Colossians 3:17; Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:28; Matthew 26:41: Luke 22:40; Mark 11:24-25)
Preaching/Teaching
The preacher will bring a sermon from 20-30 minutes in length that will instruct and edify those present. It will be that which must be Bible-centered and instructive to those present. We see in Acts 20 that Paul preached to the congregation at Troas on the “first day of the week.”
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. (Acts 20:7)
(Also see: Mark 16:15; Luke 16:16; Acts 5:42; Acts 8:4, 35; 1 Corinthians 15:1; Galatians 1:8-9; 1 Corinthians 9:16-18; 1 Corinthians 1:21; 2 Timothy 4:2; 2 Corinthians 4:5: 1 Timothy 4:11, 6:3; Acts 11:26)
Invitation
Sometime during the sermon, usually at the close of the sermon, the preacher will offer an opportunity for you to respond. This is simply in expedient time to invite those who are moved to do so, to make a commitment or request prayer or support.
When the invitation is extended those who wish to “respond” will make their way to the front of the auditorium while the congregation sings a song of encouragement. There may be several that wish to respond or none, but those who do respond may respond to become baptized, confess sins, ask for prayers, to become identified with the local congregation or to rededicate their lives to Christ. If anyone responds for baptism, you will witness the baptism during the service.
Lord’s Supper
If you visit on Sunday, the Lord’s Supper will be included in the worship proceedings. Since we desire to follow the New Testament teaching this memorial is taken each “first day of the week.”
On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began taking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. (Acts 20:7)
From this verse as well as the writings of respected historians we know that the early congregations partook of the Lord’s Supper each and every Sunday.
(Also see: Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22ff; Luke 22:7ff; 1 Corinthians 10:16, 11:17-34.)
During this memorial, plates containing pieces of unleavened bread will be passed among the congregation, this unleavened bread symbolizes the body of Jesus. Each Christian will break off a piece of the bread and eat it. Next, trays filled with small cups containing the “fruit of the vine” (usually grape juice) will be distributed which symbolizes the blood of Jesus. Again, each Christian will drink the contents of one of the cups. This is done in accordance to Paul’s inspired instructions to the congregation at Corinth.
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He , for you; do this I remembrance of Me.” In the same way He took the cup also after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-25)
If you are not a Christian or choose not to participate, do not feel embarrassed, just pass the plate or tray to the person next to you.
Giving
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save as be may prosper, that no collections be made when I come. (1 Corinthians 16:12)
(Also see: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-15)
As our guest, you are not expected to make a donation. Feel comfortable to pass the collection plate down the row. But if you do desire to make a donation to the work of this congregation please feel free.
III. Christians Only
The church of Christ strives to be the spiritual body of Christ as the church was it the first century.
He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. (Colossians 1:18)
It is not a building, a man-established organization, or a social club, but those who have been called out for Christ! When one obeyed God’s plan for salvation, they were saved by His grace and added to Christ’s church.
…praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:47)
God’s plan for salvation includes: faith in Christ, repentance of sins, confession of faith, and immersion for the forgiveness of sins.
(See: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Matthew 10:32; Romans 6:3,4)
IV. What Will Be Expected of You.
NOTHING AT ALL! You are welcome to participate, but do not feel obligated. You may just observe if that be your choice.
As a respected guest you may be asked to fill out a visitor’s card. This simply provides information for the congregation to send you a thank you note for your attendance. You may also include other information of your present needs on the card as well. Please pass your card to the aisle at the appropriate time or place it in the contribution tray when passed.
During the Bible Class or Worship you will never be embarrassed. Everyone is encouraged to participate but only at their choice.
V. You Will Find A Friendly Loving Spirit
You will receive a warm welcome, because your presence is a great blessing to each of us. We truly hope and pray that you will accept our invitation to meet with us again. It has been our pleasure to have you and we sincerely believe attending will benefit you.
This area is overseen by deacons Glen Woodard and Stacy Gingrich. This ministry uses a wide variety of talents like greeters, sound system, worship leaders, announcements etc.