HOW WE GATHER

SUNDAY SERVICES

When you enter our meeting room on a Lord’s Day (Sunday) morning, you will see us gathered around a table upon which is a loaf of bread and a container of wine. There are no presiding clergymen, elders or human beings in charge. If you ask what the program is, the reply will be that there is none. If you inquire as to who will dispense the bread and wine, you will be told that any brother in good standing in the assembly may do so. If you ask if anyone will preach, the answer may be that they have not come together to hear a sermon, but to bring praise and worship to the Lord and to remember Him in His death.

We own and practice the spiritual presidency of the Holy Spirit. We believe that the Spirit of God divides “to every man severally as he will” (1 Corinthians 12:11 ), and as such, any brother not under any discipline may name a hymn to be sung by all, lead in prayer, read Scripture and give thanks for the bread and cup in participation of the Lord’s supper. In obedience to the divine injunction, “Let your women keep silence in the churches,” sisters do not lead the congregation in any audible part. They also cover their heads in recognition of God’s order as to headship (1 Corinthians 11:3-13, 1 Corinthians 14:34 ).

The purpose of this service is to fulfill the request of the Savior on the night of His betrayal, “This do in remembrance of me” and to carry out the instructions given by the revelation to the apostle Paul as to the observing the Lord’s supper (Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29). We seek to follow the example of the early Christians who “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and prayers”.

OFFERING/COLLECTION/TITHING

At the meeting for the remembrance of the Lord in His death and worship, an offering is received from those who participate as known Christians. As the sacrifice of praise and the sacrifice of giving of our substance are associated together in Hebrews 13:15-16 , the only collection of the assembly for its expenses, giving to servants of the Lord and His work and the needy, is, generally speaking, taken at this service. This is also in accordance with instructions as to collection for the saints upon the first day of the week as given in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.

We do not solicit an offering from those who are visiting with us, but will not prevent you from giving if you feel led to do so.

GOSPEL/MINISTRY

While our primary purpose in gathering on a Lord's Day morning is not to hear a sermon, we have a time set aside for the preaching of the Word of God, after we have fulfilled the Lord's instruction to remember Him. At approximately 11:15AM, a brother with share an exercise from the scripture as prompted by the Holy Spirit. Typically, a gospel message will be shared, showing those who have not yet accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, why and how they may do so. We preach the gospel in response to the Lord's instruction to "go into the World and preach the Gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15) and the Great Commission to "go and create disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:16-20).

SUNDAY SCHOOL

A service for children, commonly called “Sunday School,” is held each Lord’s Day afternoon. Bible classes are conducted for various ages groups, up to and including grown adults. It is a time for being taught basic, foundational principles from the scripture, so that we can all "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). Our Sunday School session begins at 12:15PM and typically lasts for about an hour. It includes a time for singing choruses together, often led by a young brother, followed by the acknowledgement and welcoming of any visitors who may be joining us. We celebrate birthdays with those who the Lord has blessed with another year. 

Our young children typically recite memory verses they have learned during the course of the week, and then we break into our classes for a short study from the Word, typically following a theme for the year.

Our Sunday School sessions typically culminate in an "anniversary" program at the end of the Spring where each class gives a presentation centered around what they have be studying together over the course of the year.

MID-WEEK SERVICES

During the week, mid-week services are held for prayer and study of the Bible. In both meetings, each brother has a similar freedom for participation as was evident in the Lord’s day morning service.

PRAYER MEETING

We meet for prayer each Tuesday evening at 8PM. The meeting opens with a hymn from the Spiritual Songs book which helps to set the tone for the hour. After the hymn, we typically share the most recent or most pressing needs the Spirit has impressed upon our hearts and thoughts, before going down on our knees to speak to the Lord as the Spirit moves us with words of thanks to God, and petitions and interceding on behalf of our brothers and sisters and the world at large. The meeting last for one hour, and is often followed by a half-hour of ministry from the Word of God, to encourage the hearts of the saints.

BIBLE READING

We meet for the Bible Reading every Thursday at 8PM, except for the first of each month, which is set aside for a dedicated ministry. This meeting also begins with a hymn selected from the Spiritual Songs book, which sets the tone for the study to come. The study is typically an examination of a portion of scripture that was collectively decided upon; usually a book of the Bible, but it could also be topical. As before, any brother is permitted to share their thoughts and explanations of the scriptures, and answer questions that may arise. Emphasis is placed on understanding the scriptures, and making practical applications to our current lives. We devote an hour and a half to the study.

YOUTH MEETINGS/GROUPS

Meetings for youth, teens, and special meetings for women may be held periodically.

A welcome is extended to anyone interested in hearing the Gospel of God’s saving grace and ministry of the Word of God to attend any of these meetings. The answer of the Lord Jesus Christ to perplexed and questioning souls was-“COME AND SEE” (John 1:39).