The following describes a typical worship service.

Singing

Sometimes we sing songs from the song books in the racks on the back of each pew, and sometimes we sing songs displayed on the overhead screen. Usually there will be someone in front leading us in the singing (a song leader/worship leader).  Something that you may find unique about our singing is that it is done a cappella (vocally without the accompaniment of musical instruments).  We are not singing this way just to be different or weird.  We do this because of our desire to model our worship according to the way the early church worshipped.  Most people, once they get used to it, actually find a cappella singing to be very meaningful because it allows one to really focus on the message of the words that are being sung.  

One other thing concerning our singing - it is a time when everyone has an opportunity to participate.  You do not have to be a gifted singer or know how to harmonize to join in the singing.  You only need a desire to praise God and sing from your heart.

Prayer

We believe that God hears and answers prayers.  During the worship service several public prayers will be led by different people.  Some of these prayers may deal with specific needs and requests that are of particular concern to the church family.  You will also likely hear some prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God for who He is and what He has done and is doing.

We continually strive to be more dependent on God, and prayer is a key way for that to happen.  As a visitor, you may be given an opportunity to fill out a prayer request form and/or someone may even ask you one-on-one if you are in need of prayers in any way. Don't be alarmed or offended by this.  If you have a prayer request and you feel comfortable sharing it with us, then we would love to pray for your specific need or concern.  This is not a gimmick, but a way of ministering to each other with the power of God!

Preaching

At some point in the worship service, the preacher will speak to us from the Word of God.  He will not be dressed in any special robe or clothing and he won't have any special title.  This is because we believe that in Christ we are all equal and a part of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5, 9).  Our desire is to have the focus on Christ and His Word. 

The Lord's Supper

Every Sunday in our worship service we celebrate the Lord's Supper or communion.  The purpose of this is to remember Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, as well as His promised return.  It is a time for us to celebrate the forgiveness of sins that we have through Christ, and that, as Christians,  we are all a part of His body, the Church (Matthew 26:26-29 & 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).  

During this time, plates will be passed around that contain unleavened bread (we use crackers) which symbolizes Christ's body that He sacrificed for us.  Each participant  breaks off a small piece of the bread/cracker and eats it.  Next, trays will be passed around containing the fruit of the vine (usually grape juice) which represents Christ's blood that He shed on the cross for our sins.  Each participant drinks the juice out of one of the little cups and then places the empty cup back in  the tray.  The plate or tray is then passed on to the next person. 

Offering

Each Sunday during the worship service we also pass around a plate to take up a monetary collection.  This is a time for the members of the local congregation to give back to God in appreciation for the blessings He has given them.  This is so the various ministries of the church can continue to function and so the good news (the gospel) of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection can continue to be spread throughout the world.  As our guest, you are not expected to put anything in the collection plate - feel free to just pass it on to the person next to you.

Invitation

At some point in the worship service there will usually be a time when the preacher will offer an invitation.  This is a time for anyone who feels convicted by the Holy Spirit to respond by making a first-time commitment to Christ (to become a Christian), a renewed commitment to Christ (ask for forgiveness, repent of sin in their life, etc.) or request prayers, etc.  During this time, everyone is usually standing and singing a song (an "invitation song").  Anyone who desires to respond does so by walking down front and sitting on one of the front pews in the center rows.  On any given Sunday you may see one person, several people, or no one respond to the invitation.  Some may choose to respond privately rather than publicly by talking one-on-one to the preacher (or elders/shepherds, ministers, or other Christians) after services.  

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