Introduction
And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship,
to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42 NASB)
The early church incorporated teaching, fellowship, meals with the Lords Table and
prayer as the central activities in the life of the church. We believe these things
need to take place in the local church today as well.
Sunday Morning Meeting
We desire to be led by the Holy Spirit each Sunday. We are open for God to move
in any way that He desires. We have a basic order for our service that we are open
for God to change at a moments notice. Our service starts with preparation. Prayer
for service is held in the main sanctuary, on the platform prior to each service
from 9:30 AM to approximately 9:50 AM. All are welcome and encouraged to pray. The
Pastors, the speaker and the worship leader for the morning will be in prayer in
a separate meeting at this same time. Occasionally we have some pre-service music
at 9:50AM by one of the young people. The Service opens with a greeting by one of
the Co-Pastors at 10:00 AM. Then one of our
worship leaders, by the enabling of
the Holy Spirit, leads us into the presence of the Lord, about 45 minutes. This
is an open time for all to contribute by way of testimony, scripture reading, prayer,
or exercising of a spiritual gift. A brief transition follows our worship where
we have announcements the dismiss children for Sunday School Classes. The time of
Bible teaching for adults is next which lasts for about 45 minutes. The service
ends at approximately 11:30-12:00 noon.
On the first Sunday of each month, as part of our
worship
and praise, we remember
the Lord by taking Communion together (the Lord's Table). We do not have Sunday
school classes for children, or a time of Adult Bible teaching on this day. This
Sunday is also a time for other special events like infant dedications, water baptisms,
praying for everyone that has a birthday in that month, etc. Since the
worship service
ends much earlier than normally, we have a time of fellowship after with coffee
and bagels. This gives us a chance to get to know each other better.
Nurseries
Two nurseries are provided on Sunday mornings.
We have a nursery for infants up to about 1 year old (until they are walking) upstairs
near the sanctuary. This nursery includes a changing table, port-a-cribs, and a
rocking chair as well as toys appropriate for children this age. Nursing mothers
are encouraged to use this nursery to nurse their children during the service. A
window with one-way glass has been installed that "looks" into the sanctuary in
addition to an audio speaker so that you can still take part in the service. Because
mothers might be nursing, men should knock before entering this nursery.
The second nursery is located is on the main floor and is for toddlers up to 2 years
old (there is a Sunday school class is provided for toddlers older than 2. When
bringing your children to the nursery, please sign them in with the women responsible
and remember to pick them up promptly after the service is over.
The infant nursery will be open during the first half of the service (worship time),
during the entire first Sunday of the month service, and Visitor's Sunday service,
but supervision is the parent's responsibility. You are free to use this nursery
at this time if you need to, but please do not leave your children unattended at
any time.
It should also be noted that at no time are older children allowed to play in either
nursery.
Sunday School
Five Sunday school classes are provided for our children. The breakdown of the classes
is as follows:
2 and 3 year olds
Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten
1st & 2nd graders
3rd and 4th graders
5th, and 6th graders
The breakdown of the classes may change during the summer months and from year to
year if the number of children in each age group varies. Sunday school classes are
only provided during the teaching time on Sunday morning. Classrooms are located
on the main floor of the building and in the basement of the building.
Care Group Meetings
Care Group (Home) Meetings have been a regular part of this church since it began.
They meet on Wednesday nights from 8:00-9:30 P.M., in several different homes, except
for the 1st Wednesday of each month when there is a meeting at the church building
for everyone. These meetings provide an atmosphere for God’s people to grow in their
ability to exercise spiritual gifts as we minister to each other. These meetings
are essential for every adult that is committed to the church and wants to go on
with the Lord.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let
us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews
10:25 NIV) Much of the pastoring and caring for the needs of the people that is
accomplished by the church occurs through the Care Group meetings.
On the first Wednesday of each month, we will meet at the building to continue strengthening
the larger church. We will have different activities at these meetings in line with
what God is doing in the church.
During the summer months we will not hold Care Group Meetings in the homes. Meetings
will be held at the building. This may include prayer, street evangelism, teaching
or a special event. Events are determined and scheduled after a season of prayer
and seeking the Lord.
When the Lord leads, there will be a temporary break in Care Group Meetings for
a special season of worship, prayer or equipping the saints.
Other Meetings
Other types of meetings/gatherings are held throughout the year providing a balance
of teaching, prayer, fellowship, and fun. We believe that they offer a special richness
and provide a good atmosphere to be nurtured and grow in the Lord.
The following is a list of some of these meetings:
- Corporate prayer meetings Friday nights at 8 PM at the church
- Ladies prayer meetings every Thursday morning at 10 AM at the church
- Youth Meetings on scheduled Friday nights (see section on Youth Ministry)
- Special meetings with guest speakers (see weekly bulletin for announcement)
- Yearly Trustees Business Meeting (required by law)
- Family Nights*
- Men’s Meetings
- Women’s Meetings
* Family Nights - Periodically the church has a meeting for the church family (adults)
to openly and informally discuss any problems, conflicts, issues, new direction
for the church, or questions that may arise in our life together. The purpose of
these gatherings is to maintain clear communication between the Co-Pastors and the
congregation. Individuals are encouraged, however, to contact one of the Co-Pastors
at any time to discuss problems, issues, questions, etc., and not just wait for
the Family Nights. We normally have two Family Nights each year. One of these is
used to give a financial report to the church.