Acapella Singing

We desire to sing praises to our almighty Father using the voices God has given us. (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:18-19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12) If you do not know the songs, that is ok. The words and music will be projected on the screen. In addition, the songs can be found in the song books that are on the racks in front of you.

Prayer

Prayer allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to communicate freely with God. We believe that prayer is extremely important to keep ourselves focused and aligned with God and His will. We believe in the power of prayer and we often pray for specific desires or needs. If you have a specific prayer request you can speak to one of the elders or ministers. You can also fill out a prayer request here and the prayer ministry will honor your request.

It is our desire to never forget the sacrifice Jesus made for us and by which we are saved. Based on the teachings of the New Testament and the example of Jesus Christ, we partake in communion every Sunday in remembrance of that sacrifice.

The Lord’s Supper

The Bread

A short devotional will be offered by a member of our congregation, reminding us of the importance of Christ’s sacrifice, followed by a prayer and the eating of the unleavened bread, symbolizing the body of Christ, offered on the cross for our sins. As each participating individual eats the bread, they do so in obedience to Jesus’ words, “Take, eat; this is my body” (Matthew 26:26). 

The Cup

After a few more comments, a prayer will be offered for the cup, which symbolizes the blood of Christ. Each participating individual will take their cup and drink it, remembering Jesus’ words, “Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:27-28).

Examining Ourselves

We encourage baptized believers to partake in communion every Sunday. Joining with us around the Lord’s table should be a confession of one’s faith, and each person should examine themselves before partaking, “For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” (1 Corinthians 11:29-30).

Offering/Contribution

As a guest, we do not ask you to give any money at all. But there will be a time in our service when our members will be encouraged to give of their means. They can give online or put money or a check in the plate as they are passed around. A prayer will be offered for the ministries we are supporting. We know that nothing is achieved without the grace of God, and that our resources have come from Him. Knowing this, it is our desire to glorify Him with our gifts, as seen in the model of 1 Corinthians 16. Again, there is no pressure for our guests to participate.

Preaching

God inspired His scriptures for many reasons. One is that we might learn from them. Each Sunday sermon will be given that is grounded in God’s word. Most Sundays, Joe Keyes will be preaching. We do not refer to him as ‘Father,’ or as ‘Pastor,’ but simply as Joe. No one involved in the service will be wearing special clothes nor will they be set apart from anyone else. We are all God’s sons and daughters, regardless of position in any earthly place, including a Church. We have no hierarchy of faith. We believe that we are all a priesthood of believers (Matthew 23:8-12; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Peter 2:5,9).

Baptism

Typically when one has heard the good news or gospel of Jesus Christ they confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, they repent of their sins and want to be baptized. When we are buried with Him in baptism, we are a new creature and all of our sins have been forgiven and are washed away.  Acts 2:38  and Acts 22:16.

 

The Good News or Gospel – What Is It?

Jesus was God in the flesh, who came to earth and was born of a virgin. Jesus led a sinless life. He sacrificially gave His life by being crucified on a cross. On the cross Jesus bore and sins and carried them all. He conquered death and rose from the grave on the third day and is now seated at the right hand of God. Once we have heard the good news we have a decision to make. Will we surrender our lives and serve the one true and living God?